A nurse delegates care for a UAP. Which statement is appropriate when delegating care for a client with CN II (optic nerve) impairment?

A nurse delegates care for a UAP. Which statement is appropriate when delegating care for a client with CN II (optic nerve) impairment?

• A. Inform the client about the location of the nutrition items
• B. Assist the client with ambulation
• C. Change the bed linens
• D. Tell the client where the food items are

Answer: (D)

When vision is reduced from optic nerve impairment, guiding a patient’s interaction with their environment becomes essential. A simple, direct verbal cue that helps the patient locate items supports independence and safety without requiring the nurse to provide ongoing education or manage risky activities. Saying where the food items are gives the patient concrete orientation for self-feeding, which is well within what a UAP can coach—clear, brief guidance that helps the patient participate in daily care. Informing the patient about the location of nutrition items is similar in intent but can blur into instructional content or dietary education, which is more appropriate for the nurse. Assisting with ambulation introduces a safety risk for someone with limited vision, and changing bed linens, while important, does not address the specific safety and independence needs associated with visual impairment in the moment.

When vision is reduced from optic nerve impairment, guiding a patient’s interaction with their environment becomes essential. A simple, direct verbal cue that helps the patient locate items supports independence and safety without requiring the nurse to provide ongoing education or manage risky activities. Saying where the food items are gives the patient concrete orientation for self-feeding, which is well within what a UAP can coach—clear, brief guidance that helps the patient participate in daily care.

Informing the patient about the location of nutrition items is similar in intent but can blur into instructional content or dietary education, which is more appropriate for the nurse. Assisting with ambulation introduces a safety risk for someone with limited vision, and changing bed linens, while important, does not address the specific safety and independence needs associated with visual impairment in the moment.