Which intervention is the most important for the practical nurse (PN) to implement when applying an ice pack to a client?

A. "Place a 'Do Not Resuscitate' sign outside the client's door and at the bedside."
A DNR order must be written by the healthcare provider and documented in the medical record. A sign alone is not sufficient to ensure the client’s wishes are followed.

B. "Reassure the client that life-saving measures will not be taken without consent."
While reassuring the client is important, the client’s wishes must be documented formally through an advance directive, which is legally binding and ensures that medical staff are aware of and follow the client’s instructions.

C. "Complete an advance directive form and place it in the medical record."
While completing an advance directive is important, the first priority is notifying the healthcare provider so that the client’s wishes can be documented and the proper legal forms can be completed.

D. "Notify the client's healthcare provider of the client's wishes as soon as possible."
The nurse should immediately notify the healthcare provider of the client’s wishes. The healthcare provider can then initiate the appropriate legal documentation, such as a DNR order or an advance directive, ensuring the client’s wishes are respected in the future. This is the first step in ensuring that the client’s preferences are followed.

When the PN witnesses a situation where a resident is shouting profanities and a staff member (UAP) responds inappropriately, the immediate priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of the resident. It is essential to address the situation promptly and prevent further escalation.
Entering the room and instructing the UAP to leave immediately serves several purposes:

1. Protecting the resident: Removing the UAP from the room ensures that the resident is not subjected to further conflict or distress.
2. Maintaining a calm and therapeutic environment: By addressing the disruptive behavior and removing the staff member involved, the PN can help restore a peaceful environment for the resident and other individuals in the facility.
3. Ensuring professional conduct: Shouting and engaging in unprofessional behavior is not acceptable in a healthcare setting. By immediately intervening and directing the UAP to leave the room, the PN reinforces the importance of maintaining a respectful and professional approach to caregiving.
After addressing the immediate concern, the PN should follow up by reporting the incident and providing a detailed account to the nurse manager or supervisor. This allows for appropriate action to be taken, such as further investigation or disciplinary measures if necessary.
The other options mentioned are not the first actions to be taken in this situation:

A. Reporting the incident and the UAP for further action by the nurse manager: While reporting the incident is important, it is not the immediate action required to address the situation in
real-time.

B. Telling both of them to lower their voices in consideration of other residents: While promoting a calm environment is important, addressing the issue of shouting and unprofessional behavior takes precedence over requesting a volume reduction.

C. Telling the resident and the UAP that shouting is not permitted: While it is essential to communicate the expectations of behavior, the immediate focus should be on removing the staff member from the situation and ensuring the resident's well-being.