A client who has four gold seed implants on a chest wall tumor is on radiation precautions. What basic precautions should the practical nurse (PN) observe when administering direct care to this client?

Verifying the completion of all new prescriptions is crucial because it ensures that necessary medications or treatments are not delayed or missed for the clients. By reviewing the new prescriptions, the PN can ensure that any necessary medications or treatments are ordered and completed as required. This task takes priority because it directly impacts the immediate care and well-being of the clients.
While the other tasks mentioned are also important, they are not as time-sensitive or critical as verifying the completion of new prescriptions:
A. "Clean up and organize the nurses' work-station": While maintaining a clean and organized work-station is important for efficiency and safety, it can be done after the more critical tasks have been completed.
B. "Write a narrative shift summary for each client": Providing shift summaries is important for effective communication and continuity of care, but it can be done after ensuring the completion of new prescriptions, as it involves documenting and reviewing the events and assessments that occurred during the shift.
C. "Calculate and record intake and output totals": Tracking intake and output is important for assessing fluid balance, but it can also be done after verifying the completion of new prescriptions, as it involves documenting and calculating fluid volumes.

When a client's family member expresses concerns about the care provided, it is essential for the nurse to gather more information and understand the specific issues raised. By asking for a description of what happened during the night, the nurse can obtain details about the perceived inadequate care. This allows the nurse to gather accurate information, assess the situation, and address any legitimate concerns.
A. Explaining that all staff are doing their best may not address the specific issues raised by the daughter and may not provide a satisfactory resolution to her concerns.
B. Telling the daughter to talk with the unit's nurse manager can be an appropriate step, but it should come after gathering information about the situation. The nurse needs to have a clear understanding of what happened before involving the nurse manager.
C. Reassuring the daughter that the mother will get better care may not address her concerns and may not provide a solution to the perceived problem. It is important to gather more information before offering reassurance or making promises.