Final answer:
The nurse should prioritize tasks based on client needs and acuity, which might involve administering pain medications first, obtaining vital signs, or assisting with other immediate medical needs. Bathing is generally considered a lower-priority task compared to pain management and vital sign monitoring.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should prioritize tasks based on client needs and acuity. When managing multiple tasks such as administering pain medications, obtaining vital signs, and assisting with bathing, it is important for the nurse to assess the urgency and significance of each task in relation to patient care. The correct answer is D. Prioritize tasks based on client needs and acuity. Pain management may be a priority if patients are experiencing severe discomfort, as untreated pain can lead to complications and affect the healing process. However, if a patient's vital signs indicate a critical condition, this may take precedence. Bathing, while important for patient hygiene and comfort, is generally a lower priority than pain management and monitoring vital signs. The nurse should work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse and may need to focus on providing dialysis treatments or other immediate medical needs. This approach is similar to the practice during surgeries where a team, including the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional, reviews key concerns for the patient's recovery and care aloud. Ultimately, the nurse must use clinical judgment to determine the order of tasks.