The charge nurse observes a new nurse preparing to insert an intravenous (IV) catheter. The new nurse has gathered supplies, including intravenous catheters, an intravenous insertion kit, and a 4x4 sterile gauze dressing to cover and secure the insertion site. Which action should the charge nurse take?

A. Administer oxygen 5 L/minute via simple face mask: Oxygen administration is a priority intervention to improve oxygenation and address the client's low oxygen saturation of 82%.
Hypoxemia can lead to tissue hypoxia and further compromise the client's condition. Therefore, administering oxygen should be the first action taken to ensure an adequate oxygen supply to vital organs.
B. Bacitracin applied topically to lacerations every 12 hours: While wound care is important, administering oxygen and establishing IV access take precedence over topical
treatment. Oxygenation and fluid resuscitation are critical in the immediate management of a trauma patient to ensure adequate tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery.

C. Place 2 large bore peripheral IV's: Establishing IV access is essential for administering medications and fluids rapidly. This is particularly important in this scenario where the client may require immediate fluid resuscitation due to hypotension (blood pressure of 83/41 mm Hg).
Large bore IV access allows for rapid infusion of fluids and medications to stabilize the client's hemodynamic status.

D. X-ray of the right arm and cervical spine: While diagnostic imaging is important for assessing injuries, it is not as urgent as administering oxygen and establishing IV access. Oxygenation and fluid resuscitation are higher priorities to stabilize the client's condition before proceeding with diagnostic tests.

E. Computed tomography scan of the brain: While a CT scan of the brain is essential for assessing potential head injuries, the immediate focus should be on stabilizing the client's oxygenation and hemodynamic status. Administering oxygen and fluids take precedence over diagnostic imaging to address the client's hypoxemia and hypotension.

F. Vital signs every 1 hour: Monitoring vital signs is important for ongoing assessment, but it is not as urgent as administering oxygen and fluids. Vital signs should be monitored closely, but immediate interventions to address hypoxemia and hypovolemia are critical to stabilize the client's condition.

G. Give 1 Liter bolus of 0.9% sodium chloride solution IV once: The client's hypotension (blood pressure of 83/41 mm Hg) indicates hypovolemia and the need for fluid resuscitation. Administering a bolus of intravenous fluids (1 Liter bolus of 0.9% sodium chloride solution) is essential to address hypovolemia and improve perfusion to vital organs. This intervention helps stabilize the client's blood pressure and prevent further deterioration of her condition.

A. Initiating teaching for client care after discharge is incorrect. Teaching, especially initial or comprehensive education, is within the scope of practice of a registered nurse (RN), not a practical nurse (PN).
B. Using bladder ultrasound to detect urinary retention is correct. This is a task within the scope of practice for a PN, as it involves data collection and does not require independent clinical judgment.
C. Completing comprehensive assessments is incorrect. Comprehensive assessments require critical thinking and are the responsibility of the RN. PNs may collect data but do not perform initial comprehensive assessments.
D. Beginning initial sterile wound care for surgical clients is incorrect. The RN should perform the first sterile dressing change postoperatively to assess the wound properly. The PN may perform subsequent dressing changes per facility policy.