Question

What task on the oncology unit can be assigned to assistive personnel by the RN? ? A. Assist a postsurgical client to the bathroom ? B. Monitor vital signs during blood transfusion ? C. Irrigate a Foley catheter ? D. Perform a dressing change

Short answer

A. Assist a postsurgical client to the bathroom B. Monitor vital signs during blood transfusion C. Irrigate a Foley catheter D. Perform a dressing change Answer: A. Assist a postsurgical client to the bathroom

Step-by-step solution

Analyze Option A - Assist a postsurgical client to the bathroom

This task can be assigned to assistive personnel because it does not require skilled nursing judgement. Assistive personnel can help patients with basic activities such as mobility and ambulation.

Analyze Option B - Monitor vital signs during blood transfusion

This task requires nursing judgement and monitoring for potential transfusion reactions. It is more likely to be an RN responsibility, as assistive personnel have limited monitoring and assessment skills.

Analyze Option C - Irrigate a Foley catheter

This task involves working with a medical device (Foley catheter) and requires clinical judgement to administer solution and monitor output. It is possible that it may require advanced skills and assessment, making it less appropriate for assistive personnel.

Analyze Option D - Perform a dressing change

This task involves wound care and requires aseptic technique and clinical judgement. Due to the potential for complications and need for skilled care, this task would not be appropriate for assistive personnel.

Choose the correct task to delegate to assistive personnel

After analyzing all options, it is clear that Option A: Assist a postsurgical client to the bathroom is the most appropriate task to delegate to assistive personnel on the oncology unit by the RN.

Key concepts

Oncology Nursing

Oncology nursing is a specialized field of nursing focused on the care of patients who have cancer. Nurses in this sector need to have extensive knowledge of cancer types, treatments, and medical innovations.
They play a critical role in managing both the complex and straightforward needs of oncology patients.

• Deliver physical care and support to cancer patients.
• Manage treatment plans and monitor side effects.
• Communicate effectively with both patients and family members.

Oncology nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, specialty clinics, and patient homes. They must stay updated with the latest in cancer research to provide the best care possible. In collaboration with other medical professionals, oncology nurses focus on both the treatment and the emotional well-being of their patients, making them key figures in patient healthcare.

Assistive Personnel Duties

Assistive personnel, often known as nursing assistants or aides, provide support services under the direction of registered nurses (RNs). They take on responsibilities that do not require the high level of clinical judgement that nurses must employ.
Their duties typically include routine and basic patient care services.

• Helping patients with daily living activities such as bathing and mobility.
• Assisting with transferring patients from their beds to chairs or the bathroom.
• Recording basic health information like temperature and weight.

In the oncology unit, while they often support postsurgical patients with tasks such as assisting them to the bathroom, they do not perform tasks like monitoring complex medical treatments or handling sterile procedures. Their focused support allows registered nurses to concentrate on more critical aspects of patient care.

Nurse Responsibilities

Nurses have a broad range of responsibilities that are essential for delivering effective patient care. These responsibilities demand thorough training, deep medical knowledge, and clinical skills.
An RN (Registered Nurse) utilizes their professional judgement to perform various tasks.

• Administer medications and monitor patients for reactions.
• Develop and implement patient care plans.
• Perform assessments and make evidence-based decisions regarding patient care.

In oncology units, nurses not only provide direct patient care but also educate patients and their families about treatments and overall care. Handling complex situations, like blood transfusions, requires their immediate assessment and judgement to ensure patient safety and to act promptly in adverse reactions. This level of responsibility highlights the expertise required to be an RN.

Nursing Judgement

Nursing judgement is the critical thinking that nurses apply when making decisions about patient care. This skill is cultivated through extensive education and hands-on practice.
It involves interpreting clinical data, understanding patient needs, and weighing the risks and benefits of care options.

• Analyze patient symptoms and laboratory results to determine the best course of action.
• Anticipate potential complications and prepare interventions.
• Communicate effectively with healthcare team members to coordinate holistic care.

Effective nursing judgement is vital, especially in high-stakes areas like oncology care, where patients may experience swift changes in condition. Nurses must be adept at making swift, sound decisions, whether about adjusting dosages or intervening during emergencies. This judgement distinguishes registered nurses from assistive personnel, as it enables them to manage and oversee intricate care procedures that directly impact patient outcomes.