A client who has back pain presents to an emergency department and is provided a prescription for oxycodone. A staff nurse tells the charge nurse that they think the client is seeking drugs and is not actually in distress. Which of the following responses should the charge nurse make?

The correct answer is choice D.

Choice A rationale:

“A client who is in balanced skeletal traction.” This client requires specialized orthopedic knowledge to manage the traction and monitor for complications. A nurse without orthopedic experience may not be familiar with the care required.

Choice B rationale:

“A client who had a total hip arthroplasty 3 days ago.” This client is likely to require specialized post-operative care, including pain management, mobility assistance, and monitoring for complications such as infection or dislocation. These tasks typically require specific orthopedic training.

Choice C rationale:

“A client who has a fractured femur with a new cast.” This client will require specialized care to manage the cast, monitor for complications such as compartment syndrome, and provide pain management. These tasks typically require specific orthopedic training.

Choice D rationale:

“A client who had a right above-the-knee amputation 24 hours ago.” This is the correct answer. While this client will require post-operative care, the care is likely to be similar to the post-operative care provided on a medical unit, such as pain management, wound care, and monitoring for complications. Therefore, a nurse from a medical unit could likely provide appropriate care for this client.

The correct answer is choice A: "I delegate tasks to personnel based on their job descriptions."

Choice A rationale:

The response "I delegate tasks to personnel based on their job descriptions" is appropriate in this situation. Charge nurses are responsible for delegating tasks based on the scope of practice and job descriptions of the staff members. This response emphasizes the importance of adhering to established roles and responsibilities within the healthcare team.

Choice B rationale:

The statement "Everyone working here has to care for clients who are incontinent" may be true, but it does not address the specific concern raised by the assistive personnel (AP). It's important to provide a more focused response that addresses the AP's feelings and concerns.

Choice C rationale:

While discussing workflow organization to reduce the number of incontinent clients (Choice C) might be a potential solution, it doesn't directly address the AP's statement about fairness. The charge nurse's response should prioritize explaining the delegation process and addressing the AP's concerns about fairness.

Choice D rationale:

The response "Why do you not want to care for clients who are incontinent?" could be perceived as confrontational and defensive. It's essential to maintain a respectful and supportive tone when addressing staff concerns. This response does not effectively address the situation or provide a solution.