A charge nurse is admitting a client who has bipolar disorder and who is in the manic phase. Which of the following room assignments should the nurse give the client?

A. While placing the client in a room within view of the nurses' station might allow for closer monitoring, it does not address the specific infection control requirements needed for a patient with active TB. TB is an airborne pathogen, so simply placing the room near the nurses' station does not prevent the spread of TB germs to other patients or staff.
B. This option is not specifically appropriate for TB unless the client requires intensive monitoring or care that cannot be provided on a general medical-surgical unit. The ICU is not designed specifically for airborne isolation and does not offer the specialized ventilation required for managing TB patients.
C. For a patient with active TB, the room should have specialized ventilation to prevent the spread of airborne pathogens. A room with air exhaust directly to the outdoor environment is ideal for TB patients as it ensures that the airborne particles are effectively removed from the healthcare environment, minimizing the risk of transmission to others.
D. Tuberculosis is an airborne infection, so placing a TB patient in a room with another client, regardless of whether they are nonsurgical, poses a risk of transmission. TB requires a single-patient room with proper ventilation to prevent the spread of the disease to other patients and staff.

A. While assisting others is an important aspect of nursing care, it generally does not directly reflect the acuity of clients. Assisting colleagues might involve helping with tasks, offering support, or collaborating on care, but it is more related to teamwork and overall unit dynamics rather than directly indicating the complexity or intensity of care needed by individual clients.

B. Medication administration is a significant factor in determining client acuity. The complexity and frequency of medications, the need for monitoring and adjustments, and the administration of high-risk medications (e.g., anticoagulants, insulin) all contribute to the overall acuity level. High acuity clients often require more complex medication management, which demands more time and attention from nursing staff.
C. Meal breaks are a necessary part of a nurse’s schedule but are not related to client acuity. Meal breaks are periods of rest and are essential for maintaining the nurse’s well-being and productivity. However, they do not affect the level of care required by clients or the determination of client acuity.
D. Charting is a crucial component of nursing care that reflects the time spent documenting client information, assessments, and care provided. While charting is essential for legal documentation, communication, and continuity of care, it is not a direct indicator of client acuity.