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Question

Difficulty: EasyClient Care Assignments and Collaboration

A charge nurse is assigning clients for the upcoming shift on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following clients is most appropriate to assign to the practical nurse (PN)?

  1. A client who is 3 days post-operative and requires a routine sterile dressing changeAnswer
  2. B
    A newly admitted client reporting sudden, severe chest pain and shortness of breath
  3. C
    A client who requires an explanation of surgical risks before signing an informed consent form
  4. D
    A client requiring intravenous (IV) push morphine for acute pain management

Answer

The client who is 3 days post-operative and requires a routine sterile dressing change
The correct answer describes a client who is clinically stable (3 days post-operative) and requires a routine skill (sterile dressing change). Practical nurses are thoroughly trained to care for stable clients with predictable outcomes and to perform standard sterile procedures, making this the most appropriate assignment.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the scope of practice for a practical nurse (PN).
Identify that PNs are assigned to care for stable clients with predictable outcomes and are permitted to perform routine therapeutic procedures.
Understanding scope of practice is essential for safe delegation and assignment.
2
Evaluate the clinical stability and requirements of each client option.
Identify that the newly admitted client is unstable, the client needing IV push medications requires advanced interventions, and the client needing surgical explanation requires a provider.
Matching client needs with the correct team member's legal boundaries prevents unsafe care.
3
Select the client assignment that perfectly aligns with the PN's capabilities.
The 3-day post-operative client needing a sterile dressing change is the safest and most appropriate assignment.
This client has a predictable recovery trajectory and the required task is within the established PN scope of practice.

Key Concept

Client Care Assignments and Collaboration
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Client Care Assignments and Collaboration

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