A nurse has received change-of-shift report and is delegating tasks to the assistive personnel (AP). The nurse should tell the AP to complete which of the following tasks first?

Choice A rationale Laboratory specimen transport is a necessary task but does not involve immediate physiological stability or time-sensitive clinical intervention. Standard urine specimens should be delivered within one hour of collection to prevent bacterial overgrowth or chemical changes, but this does not supersede the urgent metabolic needs of a diabetic client awaiting medication. It remains a lower priority task compared to assessing blood glucose levels before scheduled insulin administration. Choice B rationale Feeding a client with upper extremity immobilization is an important task related to nutrition and comfort. However, this task does not carry the same immediate risk as potential hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia in a client requiring insulin. Nutritional assistance can be slightly delayed or scheduled around more critical diagnostic tasks. It follows the priority of physiological safety, where metabolic monitoring takes precedence over the physical assistance required for meal consumption. Choice C rationale Blood glucose monitoring is the highest priority because it directly impacts medication administration and safety. Short-acting insulin must be given based on current glucose levels to prevent adverse events. Normal fasting blood glucose ranges from 70 to 99 mg/dL. Performing this task first ensures the client receives their insulin and breakfast on time, preventing dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar that could lead to acute complications like diabetic ketoacidosis or hypoglycemia. Choice D rationale Condom catheter application is a routine skin integrity and hygiene task for managing urinary incontinence. While important for preventing skin breakdown and maintaining client dignity, it is not time-sensitive or life-threatening. This task can be safely deferred until after the AP has completed higher-priority clinical measurements like glucose checks. The nurse must delegate tasks based on the urgency of the client’s physiological needs and the potential for clinical instability.