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: Data collection about specific client needs related to turning is not an assessment that the nurse should make before delegating care, but rather a task that the nurse should perform and communicate to the AP. The nurse should identify the client's risk factors, preferences, and goals for turning and share them with the AP.

Choice B reason: Changing the client's central IV line dressing is not a task that the nurse should delegate to the AP, as it requires sterile technique and infection control. The nurse should perform this task and document the findings and interventions.

Choice C reason: Checking the client's pain level prior to turning her is an assessment that the nurse should make before delegating care, as it affects the client's comfort and safety. The nurse should ensure that the client's pain is adequately managed and that the AP is aware of the client's pain status and medication regimen.

Choice D reason: The presence of the client's family is not an assessment that the nurse should make before delegating care, but rather a factor that the nurse should consider and respect when planning and implementing care. The nurse should involve the client's family in the care process as much as possible and provide them with education and support.