A charge nurse observes a client fall while ambulating with an assistive personnel and notes that the client's gait belt was not in place. When reviewing the incident report, the charge nurse finds that the report does not mention the gait belt. Which of the following ethical principles should the charge nurse follow?

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: A client who has gestational diabetes and is receiving biweekly nonstress tests is incorrect. Gestational diabetes requires monitoring of maternal blood glucose levels and fetal well-being. Nonstress tests are a common method of assessing fetal well-being in pregnancies complicated by conditions such as gestational diabetes. Nurses caring for clients with gestational diabetes need to understand the management of blood glucose levels, dietary considerations, insulin administration if needed, and fetal monitoring techniques. This requires obstetrical-specific knowledge and expertise.

Choice B reason: A primigravida client who is 1 day postoperative following a Cesarean section and has a PCA pump is correct. This client is postoperative following a Cesarean section and is likely in need of pain management through a PCA pump. Postoperative care after a Cesarean section involves monitoring for signs of complications such as infection, bleeding, and wound healing, as well as managing pain effectively. While nurses with medical-surgical experience may be familiar with PCA pumps, the postoperative care of a cesarean section client involves obstetrical-specific considerations such as uterine monitoring, assessment of lochia (vaginal discharge after childbirth), and breastfeeding support.

Choice C reason: A client who is at 32 weeks of gestation and has premature rupture of membranes is not an appropriate assignment for the RN who has floated from a medical-surgical unit, as it involves a high-risk pregnancy that needs close monitoring and intervention to prevent preterm labor and infection. The charge nurse should assign this client to an RN who is competent in the obstetrical unit.

Choice D reason: A multigravida client who has preeclampsia and is receiving misoprostol for induction of labor is not an appropriate assignment for the RN who has floated from a medical-surgical unit, as it involves a complex and potentially life-threatening condition that requires frequent assessment and intervention to prevent eclampsia, hemorrhage, and fetal distress. The charge nurse should assign this client to an RN who is proficient in the obstetrical unit.