Question

Which task must be performed by the registered nurse? A. Hanging a bag of total parenteral nutrition solution B. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter C. Administering a vaginal suppository D. Checking the weights used with skeletal traction

Short answer

A. Hanging a bag of total parenteral nutrition solution B. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter C. Administering a vaginal suppository D. Checking the weights used with skeletal traction Answer: All of the above tasks are possible responsibilities for a registered nurse, as they are trained and qualified to provide comprehensive patient care, including administering medication and therapy, performing invasive procedures, monitoring patient progress, and ensuring patient comfort.

Step-by-step solution

Option A: Hanging a bag of total parenteral nutrition solution

A registered nurse is responsible for providing complete patient care, which includes administering medications and therapy. Hanging a bag of total parenteral nutrition solution falls under their scope as it requires understanding the patient's nutritional needs and proper administration of the solution. This task is a plausible responsibility for a registered nurse.

Option B: Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter

As a part of their job, registered nurses are often required to perform invasive procedures such as inserting an indwelling urinary catheter. This task involves knowledge of urinary anatomy and proper technique for aseptic insertion. Therefore, this task is also a possible responsibility for a registered nurse.

Option C: Administering a vaginal suppository

Administering a vaginal suppository is another responsibility that can be performed by a registered nurse. This task requires knowledge of female anatomy and the safe administration of medications. A registered nurse is trained to perform this task, making it another plausible responsibility.

Option D: Checking the weights used with skeletal traction

Checking the weights used with skeletal traction is an essential aspect of patient recovery and rehabilitation process in cases involving skeletal traction. Registered nurses are educated and trained to perform this task as they are responsible for monitoring and adjusting the weights as needed for patient comfort and proper healing. This task is a possible responsibility for a registered nurse.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the tasks listed in the options, each task is a possible responsibility performed by a registered nurse. They are trained and qualified to provide comprehensive patient care, including administering medication and therapy, performing invasive procedures, monitoring patient progress, and ensuring patient comfort.

Key concepts

Total Parenteral Nutrition

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is a lifeline for patients who cannot eat or absorb nutrients through their usual digestive route.

Registered nurses play a crucial role in managing TPN therapy. They must demonstrate expertise in calculating nutritional needs, aseptic techniques, and the management of TPN infusions. This includes preparing the infusion, monitoring for complications such as infections or metabolic imbalances, and adjusting the formulation as directed by nutritionists or physicians. Frequent lab monitoring is imperative to ensure the patient's well-being, as TPN is a highly specialized form of nutrition that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract.

Indwelling Urinary Catheter Insertion

Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is a delicate procedure that requires knowledge of aseptic techniques and urinary anatomy.

Nurses must be vigilant to maintain sterility to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), the most common hospital-acquired infection. The procedure involves carefully inserting a catheter into the bladder through the urethra. The nurse must assess the patient's condition, ensure the patient's privacy and comfort throughout the procedure, and provide aftercare to maintain catheter function and hygiene. Adequate patient education on catheter care is also a part of a nurse's responsibilities.

Administering Medication

Administering medication is a fundamental nursing responsibility with no margin for error. It involves the 'five rights': the right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right route, and the right time.

Nurses are accountable for understanding medications' indications, side effects, and interactions, whether it's a pill, injection, or a suppository. Importantly, when administering any medication—like a vaginal suppository mentioned in the exercise—the nurse must explain the process, obtain informed consent, and ensure the patient's privacy and comfort. Documentation post-administration is also vital to track the patient's response to the medication.

Skeletal Traction Care

Skeletal traction involves the use of weights and pulleys to align and stabilize fractures.

For nurses, care of a patient in skeletal traction includes regular checking and adjusting of weights to maintain proper force direction and weight resistance, which is fundamental for proper bone healing. In addition, the nurse must monitor the patient's skin integrity, neurovascular status, and pain levels, and adjust the traction accordingly. Preventing complications such as pressure ulcers, nerve damage, and deep vein thrombosis by repositioning the patient and providing adequate support with pillows or pads is also a critical responsibility.