Final answer:
The nurse should prioritize the needs of their patients, attending first to the sickest one. This method is patient-centered and ensures efficient allocation of time and resources within the healthcare team.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse is assigned to care for five patients and is concerned about the ability to provide adequate care, the appropriate action is to prioritize the needs of the patients and determine the sickest patient. This approach ensures that the nurse attends first to those with the most critical needs. With the prioritization strategy, the nurse can allocate resources and time more effectively, ensuring that the care provided is efficient and patient-centered. Delegating one of the patients or hoping for assistance are not proactive strategies and could lead to delays in care. Addressing the easiest patients first could result in neglecting those who require immediate attention and thus is not the preferred approach.
Handling a heavy workload effectively requires strong critical thinking and time management skills. It also often requires collaboration with a healthcare team, which includes doctors, other nurses, and support staff. The relationship between doctors and nurses defines their roles and authority within the medical setting, where doctors generally have more decision-making power, but both roles are crucial for patient care.