Question

A nurse in a mental health clinic is planning care for four clients. Which of the following should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel?

a. Administering a scheduled dose of a tricyclic antidepressant.

b. Assisting with therapeutic communication during group therapy.

c. Monitoring vital signs for a client taking lithium.

d. Escorting a client to the seclusion room during a violent outburst.

Answer 1

The nurse should delegate administering a scheduled dose of a tricyclic antidepressant to an assistive personnel. Assisting with therapeutic communication during group therapy and monitoring vital signs for a client taking lithium require a higher level of knowledge and assessment skills, so these tasks should not be delegated to an assistive personnel. Escorting a client to the seclusion room during a violent outburst can be delegated to an assistive personnel, as long as the nurse ensures the safety of the client and others.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should delegate administering a scheduled dose of a tricyclic antidepressant to an assistive personnel. Assisting with therapeutic communication during group therapy and monitoring vital signs for a client taking lithium require a higher level of knowledge and assessment skills, so these tasks should not be delegated to an assistive personnel. Escorting a client to the seclusion room during a violent outburst can be delegated to an assistive personnel, as long as the nurse ensures the safety of the client and others.