A client who is febrile is admitted to the hospital for treatment of pneumonia. In accordance with the care pathway, antibiotic therapy is prescribed. Which of the following situations requires the nurse to complete a variance report with regard to the care pathway?

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.

Choice A reason: I should discard personal health information documents in the trash before leaving the unit is not a correct statement, as it violates the client's privacy and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). I should shred or dispose of personal health information documents in a secure container or according to the facility's policy.

Choice B reason: I can post the client's vital signs in the client's room is not a correct statement, as it exposes the client's health information to unauthorized persons. I should keep the client's vital signs confidential and only share them with the client and the health care team.

Choice C reason: I can use another nurse's password as long as I log off after using the computer is not a correct statement, as it compromises the security and integrity of the electronic health record. I should use my own password and never share it with anyone else.

Choice D reason: I should encrypt personal health information when sending emails is a correct statement, as it protects the client's privacy and the HIPAA. I should use encryption or other secure methods when transmitting personal health information electronically.