Question

Select all that apply: Select those that represent clear communication of a delegated task. A. "Let me know if Mrs. Chou's 8 P.M. BP is high." B. "Let me know if Mrs. Chou's diastolic is greater than 90 when you take it." C. "Id need to look at Mr. Johnson's incision site before you redress it." D. "Call me if Mr. Johnson's incision is still draining." E. "Call me if there's anything I need to know."

Short answer

The options that represent clear communication of a delegated task are A, B and D.

Step-by-step solution

Analyzing Option A

The first option states 'Let me know if Mrs. Chou's 8 P.M. BP is high.' This communicates a specific task which involves checking Mrs. Chou's blood pressure at 8 P.M and informing if it is high. It's specific, measurable, and time-bound and hence can be considered as clear communication of a delegated task.

Analyzing Option B

The second option states 'Let me know if Mrs. Chou's diastolic is greater than 90 when you take it.' This identifies a very specific task that is also measurable, making this a clear communication of a delegated task.

Analyzing Option C

Option C states 'I'd need to look at Mr. Johnson's incision site before you redress it.' This is a statement rather than a delegation of task, therefore, it does not qualify as clear communication of a delegated task.

Analyzing Option D

Option D states 'Call me if Mr. Johnson's incision is still draining.' This indicates a clear task, since the person is expected to check if Mr. Johnson's incision is still draining, and to contact the speaker if so, making this a valid case of communication of a delegated task.

Analyzing Option E

Option E states 'Call me if there's anything I need to know.' This is a very unspecific task and might be relevant to many things, and is hence not considered a clear communication of a delegated task.

Key concepts

Delegated Task Communication

Communication is an essential skill in nursing, particularly when it comes to delegating tasks. Clear and concise communication ensures that tasks are completed safely and effectively. For instance, when delegating the task of monitoring a patient's blood pressure, it's important to specify the patient's name, the time the blood pressure should be taken, and the benchmarks for reporting back. Like in the exercise, option A ('Let me know if Mrs. Chou's 8 P.M. BP is high.') provides a clear and specific directive. Similarly, option B ('Let me know if Mrs. Chou's diastolic is greater than 90 when you take it.') specifies exact figures to watch for, ensuring that the delegatee understands when to escalate the issue.

Effective delegated task communication should always be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. When delegating, it's essential to also ensure the delegatee has the competency for the task, understands the task, and agrees to accept the responsibility. For instance, 'Call me if Mr. Johnson's incision is still draining' (option D) is a clear example of effective communication because it tells exactly what to look for and when to report back. Remember, always avoid vague instructions like 'Call me if there's anything I need to know' (option E), which might result in important details being overlooked.

Clinical Decision Making

Clinical decision making is a critical aspect of nursing that involves the ability to think through complex situations and make informed decisions based on patient data, clinical expertise, and patient preferences. It begins with assessing the situation, gathering information, identifying options and potential outcomes, and then selecting the best course of action.

In the context of the exercise, clinical decision making would involve deciding on what information is necessary for a nurse to know about a patient's condition at a specific moment. It also entails assigning tasks that provide relevant data for making further decisions, such as the monitoring of Mrs. Chou's diastolic (option B). A thorough clinical judgment would consider whether a task should be delegated and how it should be communicated. Understanding the importance of specificity in communication, as with option D, aids in creating actionable data points for decisions that can impact patient safety and care outcomes.

NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation

Preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam is a significant step in a nursing student's career. It tests not only knowledge but also critical thinking and decision-making skills necessary for the safe practice of nursing. To succeed, it's essential to familiarize oneself with various types of questions, particularly those that involve prioritization, delegation, and assignment.

Select All That Apply (SATA) questions, like in the provided exercise, require thorough understanding and application of nursing principles. Developing the ability to discern between specific and vague instructions (e.g., options A, B, and D versus E) is crucial. Preparation should include studying content areas such as pharmacology, pathophysiology, and management of care, which often cover delegation and communication. Additionally, practicing with varied question formats and utilizing resources such as NCLEX-RN reviewers, practice tests, and study groups can enhance test-taking strategies and build confidence for the exam day.