What is the best care assignment for an elderly client awaiting discharge with a skin tear?

Assigning a nursing assistant to help with self-care activities is the best care assignment for an elderly client awaiting discharge with a skin tear because it provides the appropriate level of support while considering the client's capabilities and needs. Nursing assistants are trained to assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene, which are essential for maintaining the patient's comfort and promoting healing in the presence of a skin tear.

This option also allows the registered nurse (RN) to focus on other critical aspects of care, such as overseeing ongoing assessments and ensuring that discharge plans are in place. Assisting the elderly client in self-care fosters independence while ensuring that they receive the help they need, which is crucial for their safety and recovery.

Other options, such as delegating the LPN to administer medications or having the RN perform a thorough assessment, may not be the best fit given the situation's focus on immediate self-care needs. Additionally, instructing the patient to perform self-care independently might not be safe or realistic for an elderly client with a skin tear, as it could lead to complications or further injury. Therefore, the choice to assign a nursing assistant is well-aligned with the goals of safe and effective patient care during the discharge process.