A nurse is scheduling a client for surgery.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take to obtain precertification for the client to have surgery?

Choice A rationale:

Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein, often associated with pain, redness, and warmth at the catheter site. In this case, the client's catheter site is described as cool and taut, which is not consistent with the manifestations of phlebitis.

Choice B rationale:

Infection typically presents with signs such as redness, warmth, swelling, and pain at the catheter site. The description of the client's catheter site as cool and taut is not indicative of infection.

Choice C rationale:

The client's symptoms, including a cool and taut catheter site and IV fluid leaking, are indicative of infiltration. Infiltration occurs when IV fluids inadvertently enter the surrounding tissue instead of the vein. It can lead to localized swelling and discomfort.

Choice D rationale:

Circulatory overload is characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, elevated blood pressure, and tachycardia. These symptoms are not consistent with the client's description of a cool and taut catheter site with IV fluid leaking.

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice A rationale: Advanced beginners are newly graduated nurses who rely on limited experience and follow guidelines strictly. They cannot yet mentor others effectively because they lack the necessary comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for precepting new staff members.

Choice B rationale: Proficient nurses have a deep understanding of clinical situations through experience. They can recognize patterns, predict outcomes, and provide effective mentorship as preceptors. They are skilled at guiding new staff members and improving their clinical performance.

Choice C rationale: Expert nurses possess an intuitive grasp of clinical situations and make decisions rapidly. While they are highly skilled, the role of preceptor is generally better suited to proficient nurses who are adept at breaking down complex tasks for new learners.

Choice D rationale: Competent nurses have a few years of practice and can plan and manage patient care efficiently. However, they are not yet at the stage where they can fluidly adapt to varying situations or mentor new staff as effectively as proficient nurses.