A charge nurse is reviewing documentation in the medical record from a newly licensed nurse.

Exhibits

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The client has a history of major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder. They have had previous hospitalization which has included detoxification. The client is inappropriate and is a huge fall risk. The provider has denied this RN's requests for physical or chemical restraints. Currently, the ICU and progressive care unit are full, and the client is being admitted to this medical unit. They appear 'medically stable. The client is alert, oriented to self and location. Denies pain. Sitting up in bed. The partner is at bedside and said that their spouse is always complaining or arguing

A. "The client works in the hospital radiology department": This information is irrelevant to the client’s current health status and does not imply a need for total care by the nurse.

B. "The client discussed having prior thoughts of suicide": While suicidal ideation is serious and requires careful monitoring and assessment, this information alone does not necessarily indicate that the nurse must assume total care. A nurse would still delegate non-critical tasks to the AP, but constant monitoring and appropriate interventions would still be the nurse’s responsibility.

C. "The client's blood pressure and pulse have been fluctuating throughout the day": Fluctuating vital signs, especially blood pressure and pulse, can indicate an unstable condition that may require immediate attention and careful monitoring. This scenario suggests that the client’s condition may be critical and requires ongoing assessment and evaluation by the nurse, rather than simply delegating tasks like monitoring vital signs to assistive personnel (AP). The nurse needs to assess the situation thoroughly, interpret the fluctuations, and adjust the care plan accordingly.

D. "The client's family members have been present most of the day": Family presence alone does not impact the need for total care by the nurse. It is important for the nurse to communicate with the family, but this statement does not indicate the need for the nurse to assume total care over other team members.

A. While the client's temperature is not extremely high, it is elevated and persistent. Requesting an antipyretic or further evaluation may be warranted to prevent potential complications.

B. Insertion of NG tube for decompression is not necessary as the client is passing flatus and has bowel sounds in all quadrants, indicating normal gastrointestinal function.

C. Oxygen 2 to 4 L/min via nasal cannula is not necessary since the client's SpO2 levels are within normal range on room air.

D. The client's urinary output is adequate (400 mL over 6 hours), so a catheter is not required at this time.

E. The lack of drainage from the wound drain could indicate a problem that requires immediate attention. This could prevent complications like infection or fluid accumulation.