Final answer:
The RN should take on the care of the actively dying patient who needs IV pain medication due to the complexity of care required and the need for professional nursing judgment at a high level.
Step-by-step explanation:
The RN should assume responsibility for the client who is actively dying and requires IV pain medication. This task requires complex clinical decision-making and the direct supervision of a registered nurse, as it involves assessing and responding to a patient's needs, which could change rapidly. The RN's expertise in IV medication administration, especially in the context of palliative care, is crucial for ensuring the patient's comfort and dignity during end-of-life care.
Tasks such as frequent ambulation and dressing changes post-surgery could potentially be delegated to the LPNs, as they often have training in these areas. The client in protective isolation could be assigned to either an LPN or the RN, depending on the complexity of the care needed and the institutional policies. However, the administration of IV pain medication, particularly for a patient near death, necessitates the advanced skills and judgment of an RN who may have experience within ICU, CGU, Emergency, or medical-surgical environments.