A charge nurse is receiving change-of-shift report. Which of the following situations should the charge nurse address first?

Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because this situation is the most urgent and requires immediate action. The charge nurse should prioritize the new admission and assign a staff nurse to receive the report and prepare the room for the client. The charge nurse should also ensure that the client's needs are met and that the admission process is smooth and efficient.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because this situation is not as urgent as the new admission and can be addressed later. The charge nurse should plan the staffing for the shift and arrange for replacements or reassignments if necessary. The charge nurse should also communicate with the staff members who called in and document their reasons for absence.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because this situation is not as urgent as the new admission and can be addressed later. The charge nurse should coordinate with the transport department and the occupational therapy department to reschedule the client's appointment or find an alternative way to transport the client. The charge nurse should also inform the client and the staff nurse about the change and apologize for any inconvenience.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct choice because this situation is not as urgent as the new admission and can be addressed later. The charge nurse should review the incident report and follow up with the nurse who wrote it and the client who was involved. The charge nurse should also implement corrective actions and preventive measures to avoid similar errors in the future.

Choice A reason: This is not the correct choice because witnessing the client signing the consent form is not a valid option. The client is a minor and cannot legally consent to their own treatment without the permission of their guardian, unless they are emancipated, married, or pregnant.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because asking the adult neighbor to sign the consent form is not a valid option. The adult neighbor is not a legal guardian or a close relative of the client and has no authority to consent to the client's treatment.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because obtaining consent from the hospital administrator is not a valid option. The hospital administrator is not a medical professional or a legal representative of the client and has no authority to consent to the client's treatment.

Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because attempting to notify the client's guardian to obtain consent is the best option. The client's guardian is the person who has the legal right and responsibility to make decisions for the client's health care. The nurse should try to contact the guardian by phone or other means and obtain verbal or written consent for the emergency surgery. If the guardian cannot be reached, the nurse should follow the facility's policy and procedure for obtaining consent in emergency situations.