A charge nurse hears a provider speaking to a staff nurse in anger concerning incorrect supplies that are available to perform a procedure. Which of the following statements by the charge nurse is appropriate?

Rationale:

A. A client who has pneumonia and has an axillary temperature of 38° C (101° F) has an elevated temperature, but it is less critical than immediate concerns with circulation.

B. A client who has diarrhea and requests clear liquids for breakfast needs dietary adjustments but does not present as urgent.

C. A client who has a cast on the left leg and reports numbness and paresthesia could be experiencing complications such as compartment syndrome, which is an urgent condition requiring immediate assessment.

D. A client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and has a fasting blood glucose level of 150 is important to monitor but not as immediately critical as potential complications with circulation.

Rationale:

A. Reviewing preoperative laboratory test results is within the nurse’s responsibilities to ensure that all necessary tests have been completed.

B. Assessing the current health status of the client is an important preoperative task for the nurse.

C. Ensuring a signed surgical consent form is completed is within the nurse’s scope to verify that informed consent has been obtained.

D. Explaining the operative procedure, risks, and benefits is typically the responsibility of the surgeon or provider, not the nurse.