A charge nurse in the emergency department is supervising a nurse who is floating from the medical-surgical unit. Which of the following assignments is appropriate for the float nurse?

Choice A reason: Closing the fire doors and the doors to the clients' rooms is an action that the nurse should take after activating the fire alarm, as it helps to contain the fire and prevent smoke inhalation.

Choice B reason: Activating the fire alarm is the first action that the nurse should take after removing the client from the room, as it alerts the fire department and the rest of the staff and clients about the fire.

Choice C reason: Extinguishing the fire is an action that the nurse should take only if the fire is small and confined, and after activating the fire alarm and ensuring the safety of the client and self. The nurse should use the appropriate fire extinguisher and follow the PASS technique (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep).

Choice D reason: Removing all clients from the unit is an action that the nurse should take only if the fire is large and spreading, and after activating the fire alarm and ensuring the safety of the client and self. The nurse should follow the RACE protocol (rescue, alarm, confine, extinguish/evacuate) and the facility's emergency plan.

Choice A reason: A client who has gestational diabetes and is receiving biweekly nonstress tests is incorrect. Gestational diabetes requires monitoring of maternal blood glucose levels and fetal well-being. Nonstress tests are a common method of assessing fetal well-being in pregnancies complicated by conditions such as gestational diabetes. Nurses caring for clients with gestational diabetes need to understand the management of blood glucose levels, dietary considerations, insulin administration if needed, and fetal monitoring techniques. This requires obstetrical-specific knowledge and expertise.

Choice B reason: A primigravida client who is 1 day postoperative following a Cesarean section and has a PCA pump is correct. This client is postoperative following a Cesarean section and is likely in need of pain management through a PCA pump. Postoperative care after a Cesarean section involves monitoring for signs of complications such as infection, bleeding, and wound healing, as well as managing pain effectively. While nurses with medical-surgical experience may be familiar with PCA pumps, the postoperative care of a cesarean section client involves obstetrical-specific considerations such as uterine monitoring, assessment of lochia (vaginal discharge after childbirth), and breastfeeding support.

Choice C reason: A client who is at 32 weeks of gestation and has premature rupture of membranes is not an appropriate assignment for the RN who has floated from a medical-surgical unit, as it involves a high-risk pregnancy that needs close monitoring and intervention to prevent preterm labor and infection. The charge nurse should assign this client to an RN who is competent in the obstetrical unit.

Choice D reason: A multigravida client who has preeclampsia and is receiving misoprostol for induction of labor is not an appropriate assignment for the RN who has floated from a medical-surgical unit, as it involves a complex and potentially life-threatening condition that requires frequent assessment and intervention to prevent eclampsia, hemorrhage, and fetal distress. The charge nurse should assign this client to an RN who is proficient in the obstetrical unit.