Question

The medical surgical nursing unit is shortstaffed for the shift and a registered nurse from the pediatric unit has been floated to the nursing unit. Which client should the nurse assign to the float nurse?

A. A 32-year-old client newly diagnosed with diabetes who needs dietary and medication teaching

B. A 56-year-old client newly admitted with Guillain-Barr�� syndrome who has severe leg weakness

C. An 86-year-old client with dementia who will be transferred to a skilled nursing facility during the shift

D. A 59-year-old client who will be returning from surgery following transurethral resection of the prostate

Answer 1

The nurse should assign the float nurse to the 86-year-old client with dementia who will be transferred to a skilled nursing facility during the shift.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this situation, the nurse should assign the float nurse to the client who requires the least specialized care and can be safely managed by a nurse from a different unit. Based on the options provided, the float nurse should be assigned to the 86-year-old client with dementia who will be transferred to a skilled nursing facility during the shift.

This client does not require immediate medical interventions or specialized knowledge specific to the medical surgical nursing unit. While the other clients have more complex healthcare needs, such as newly diagnosed diabetes, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or post-operative care, these should be managed by nurses trained in the respective specialties.

By assigning the float nurse to the client with dementia, it ensures that the other clients receive care from nurses who are experienced and knowledgeable in their specific conditions.