A nurse manager is discussing critical pathway use during a staff meeting. Which of the following information should the nurse manager include as an outcome of critical pathway use?

Choice A reason: This is the first action the nurse preceptor should take to demonstrate appropriate time management. By determining the client care goals, the nurse preceptor can prioritize the most important and urgent tasks for each client and delegate appropriately.

Choice B reason: This is not the first action the nurse preceptor should take to demonstrate appropriate time management. Reviewing the client's new laboratory values is an important task, but it should be done after determining the client care goals and before completing the required tasks.

Choice C reason: This is not the first action the nurse preceptor should take to demonstrate appropriate time management. Completing the required tasks is an essential part of nursing care, but it should be done after determining the client care goals and reviewing the client's new laboratory values.

Choice D reason: This is not the first action the nurse preceptor should take to demonstrate appropriate time management. Documenting the assessment data is a vital part of nursing care, but it should be done after completing the required tasks and before the end of the shift.

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.