After reviewing the morning laboratory findings for four clients, which client should the nurse follow up with first? Reference Range:

International Normalized Ratio [0.8 to 1.1]

Blood Glucose 74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]

Potassium [3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)]

Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) [less than 100 pg/mL (less than 100 ng/L)]

Choice A Reason: A client with multisystem failure secondary to a motor vehicle collision is not an appropriate assignment for the new graduate nurse. This client has complex and unstable needs that require advanced assessment, intervention, and evaluation skills. The nurse should assign this client to a nurse with 10 years experience, who has more expertise and confidence in managing critically ill clients.

Choice B Reason: A client in end-stage liver failure who is experiencing esophageal bleeding is not an appropriate assignment for the new graduate nurse. This client has a high risk of complications such as hemorrhage, infection, hepatic encephalopathy, and hepatic coma. The nurse should assign this client to a nurse with 5 years experience, who has more knowledge and skill in providing palliative care and managing bleeding disorders.

Choice C Reason: A client with Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome who is on a ventilator is not an appropriate assignment for the new graduate nurse. This client has a life-threatening condition that requires close monitoring of respiratory status, oxygenation, and hemodynamics. The nurse should assign this client to a nurse with 10 years of experience, who has more competence and proficiency in caring for ventilated clients and interpreting data from invasive devices.

Choice D Reason: A client with chest tubes secondary to a stab wound to the chest is an appropriate assignment for the new graduate nurse. This client has a relatively stable condition that requires routine care of chest tubes, pain management, and wound healing. The nurse should assign this client to the new graduate nurse, who has learned the basic principles and techniques of chest tube management during the refresher course and the internship. The charge nurse should also provide supervision and support to the new graduate nurse as needed.

Choice A Reason: This is the correct answer because the nurse should immediately inform the healthcare provider of the medication error and the client's condition. The healthcare provider may order antidotes, such as protamine sulfate for heparin and vitamin K for warfarin, to reverse the anticoagulant effects and prevent bleeding complications.

Choice B Reason: Monitoring for signs of bleeding is important but not the priority action for the nurse because it does not address the cause of the problem or prevent further harm. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and urine output, as well as check for any signs of bleeding, such as bruising, petechiae,

hematuria, hematemesis, melena, or epistaxis.

Choice C Reason: Completing an adverse occurrence report is important but not the priority action for the nurse because it does not provide immediate intervention or treatment for the client. The nurse should complete an

adverse occurrence report after notifying the healthcare provider and implementing appropriate actions. The report should include the details of the error, such as the time, dose, route, and name of the medications involved, as well as the client's response and outcome.

Choice D Reason: Obtaining blood for coagulation studies is important but not the priority action for the nurse because it does not provide immediate intervention or treatment for the client. The nurse should obtain blood

samples for coagulation studies, such as prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), after notifying the healthcare provider and following their orders. The results of these tests can help determine the extent of anticoagulation and guide further therapy.