A patient experiences a gasoline tank fire when riding a motorcycle and is admitted to the emergency department (ED) with partial-thickness burns on the anterior surfaces of both lower extremities. Which percentage of body surface area should the nurse document in the electronic medical record (EMR)?

Choice A reason: An adolescent with multiple contusions due to a fall that occurred 2 days ago is not a client that the charge nurse should assign to the RN, as this is a stable and low-acuity client who can be safely cared for by the PN. This is a distractor choice.

Choice B reason: A 75-year-old client with renal calculi who requires urine straining is not a client that the charge nurse should assign to the RN, as this is a routine and non-complex task that can be performed by the PN. This is another distractor choice.

Choice C reason: A 30-year-old depressed client who admits to suicide ideation is a client that the charge nurse should assign to the RN, as this is an unstable and high-risk client who requires close monitoring, assessment, and intervention by the RN. Therefore, this is the correct choice.

Choice D reason: A 64-year-old client who had a total hip replacement the previous day is not a client that the charge nurse should assign to the RN, as this is a postoperative and moderate-acuity client who can be managed by the PN under the supervision of the RN. This is another distractor choice.

Choice A reason: Blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature are vital signs that should be monitored in any client, but they are not laboratory results. ESRD can cause hypertension and cardiovascular complications, so blood pressure and heart rate should be controlled with medications and lifestyle modifications. Temperature should be monitored for signs of infection or inflammation.

Choice B reason: Leukocytes, neutrophils, and thyroxine are not specific laboratory results for ESRD. Leukocytes and neutrophils are types of white blood cells that indicate immune system activity and infection. Thyroxine is a thyroid hormone that regulates metabolism and growth. ESRD can affect the immune system and the thyroid function, but these are not the primary indicators of renal function.

Choice C reason: This is the correct answer because serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus are important laboratory results for ESRD. ESRD can cause electrolyte imbalances that can affect the heart, muscles, nerves, and bones. Serum potassium can increase due to reduced renal excretion and cause cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Serum calcium can decrease due to impaired absorption and activation of vitamin D and cause muscle cramps, tetany, and osteoporosis. Serum phosphorus can increase due to reduced renal excretion and cause soft tissue calcification and bone pain.

Choice D reason: Erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are laboratory results that measure red blood cell count, oxygen-carrying capacity, and blood volume. ESRD can cause anemia due to reduced production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell formation in the bone marrow. Anemia can cause fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, and chest pain. However, these are not the most significant laboratory results for ESRD.