Final answer:
The medical nurse without orthopedic experience should be assigned to the client with a sprained ankle awaiting discharge instructions, as it requires the least specialized orthopedic care.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse from a medical unit without orthopedic experience should be assigned to the client that requires the least specialized care. Considering the options provided, option C, a client with a sprained ankle awaiting discharge instructions, would be the most suitable as it involves the most general nursing care and education that a medical nurse would be more likely to be familiar with. The other clients (A, B, and D) have conditions that involve more complex orthopedic care and knowledge for which the nurse has no experience. It is important that patient safety and quality of care are prioritized, and this includes assigning patients to nurses with appropriate skill sets.
Orthopedic injuries, such as hip replacement surgery and spinal injuries, require specialized nursing care. The recovery and care of such patients typically involve managing morbidity and preventing complications like pneumonia, bedsores, and thrombophlebitis. A medical nurse without orthopedic experience might not be versed in the care protocols for these more complex conditions. Therefore, the medical nurse would be best suited to care for the client with a simple condition such as a sprained ankle.