The nurse leading a cardiac team on a medical surgical unit is assigning client care to a practical nurse (PN) and an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which task should the nurse assign to the PN?

Choice A reason: This is a correct answer because continuing to monitor the client for signs of an infection is important to detect any recurrence or complication of MRSA infection. MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics and can cause serious skin, soft tissue, bone, joint, or bloodstream infections. The nurse should assess the client's vital signs, wound appearance, pain level, and laboratory results.

Choice B reason: This is not a correct answer because calling the healthcare provider for a prescription for linezolid is not necessary unless the client has an active MRSA infection that requires treatment. Linezolid is an antibiotic that can be used to treat MRSA infections, but it has potential side effects and interactions that need to be considered. The nurse should not prescribe or administer antibiotics without a valid order.

Choice C reason: This is a correct answer because collecting multiple sets of blood cultures for MRSA screening is important to identify any asymptomatic bacteremia or sepsis that could result from MRSA infection. MRSA can enter the bloodstream through wounds, catheters, or surgical sites and cause life-threatening complications such as endocarditis, osteomyelitis, or pneumonia. The nurse should obtain blood samples from different sites and times and send them to the laboratory for analysis.

Choice D reason: This is a correct answer because placing the client on contact transmission precautions is important to prevent the spread of MRSA to other clients, staff, or visitors. Contact transmission precautions include wearing gloves and gowns when entering the client's room, using dedicated or disposable equipment, and performing hand hygiene before and after contact with the client or their environment.

Choice E reason: This is not a correct answer because obtaining a sputum specimen for culture and sensitivity is not relevant to the client's history of MRSA wound infection. Sputum culture and sensitivity is a test that can be used to diagnose respiratory infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. The nurse should only obtain a sputum specimen if the client has signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as cough, fever, chest pain, or dyspnea.

Choice A: Reinforcing need for adequate hydration is not the most important action for the nurse to implement, as this is a general recommendation for all clients and does not address the specific needs of this client. This is a distractor choice.

Choice B: Providing typed instructions for healthy diet selection is not the most important action for the nurse to implement, as this may not be feasible or accessible for this client who lives in a poor neighborhood and may have limited resources and literacy. This is another distractor choice.

Choice C: Scheduling follow-up appointments with specialists is the most important action for the nurse to implement, as this can ensure that this client receives continuous and comprehensive care for their complex and chronic conditions, which can improve their outcomes and quality of life. Therefore, this is the correct choice.

Choice D: Demonstrating specific breathing and walking exercises is not the most important action for the nurse to implement, as this can be done by other health care professionals or at home by the client. This is another distractor choice.