A female client with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is transferred to a long term care facility for physical rehabilitation. To prevent injury, which action is most important for the practical nurse to implement?

A. "Place a 'Do Not Resuscitate' sign outside the client's door and at the bedside."
A DNR order must be written by the healthcare provider and documented in the medical record. A sign alone is not sufficient to ensure the client’s wishes are followed.

B. "Reassure the client that life-saving measures will not be taken without consent."
While reassuring the client is important, the client’s wishes must be documented formally through an advance directive, which is legally binding and ensures that medical staff are aware of and follow the client’s instructions.

C. "Complete an advance directive form and place it in the medical record."
While completing an advance directive is important, the first priority is notifying the healthcare provider so that the client’s wishes can be documented and the proper legal forms can be completed.

D. "Notify the client's healthcare provider of the client's wishes as soon as possible."
The nurse should immediately notify the healthcare provider of the client’s wishes. The healthcare provider can then initiate the appropriate legal documentation, such as a DNR order or an advance directive, ensuring the client’s wishes are respected in the future. This is the first step in ensuring that the client’s preferences are followed.

A client with continuous urinary bladder irrigation via a 3-way catheter: This task requires specialized knowledge and skill to ensure proper management of the irrigation process, monitoring for complications, and adjusting the irrigation rate as needed. It falls within the scope of practice of the PN, who has the necessary training and expertise.
B. A client with urinary urgency and incontinence who is asking for a bedpan: This task can be safely and appropriately assigned to the UAP. Assisting the client with using a bedpan for voiding is a basic care task that does not require specialized nursing knowledge or skills.
C. A client with a full urinary bedside drainage unit after receiving a diuretic: Emptying a full urinary bedside drainage unit is a task that can be assigned to the UAP. It involves routine emptying and documentation of the drainage bag and does not require specialized nursing knowledge or skills.
D. A client with paraplegia who needs a urinary condom-catheter change: This task requires specialized knowledge and skill to perform a sterile procedure, ensure proper placement and securement of the condom catheter, and assess for any complications. It falls within the scope of practice of the PN, who has the necessary training and expertise.