A charge nurse is completing client care assignments. Which of the following assignments is appropriate for a licensed practical nurse?

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.

Choice A reason: This is not the correct choice because this response is insensitive and unprofessional. The nurse should not blame or criticize the client for signing the consent form, as this may make the client feel guilty or pressured. The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and right to change their mind.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because this response is inadequate and irrelevant. The nurse should not assume that the client needs more information about the surgery, as this may not address the client's underlying reasons for being unsure. The nurse should listen to the client's concerns and provide emotional support.

Choice C reason: This is the correct choice because this response is respectful and reassuring. The nurse should acknowledge the client's feelings and let them know that they have the option to cancel the surgery if they are not comfortable with it. The nurse should also inform the provider and the surgical team about the client's situation and facilitate further discussion if needed.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct choice because this response is inappropriate and unethical. The nurse should not offer medication to the client to help them relax, as this may impair their decision-making capacity and consent. The nurse should not coerce or manipulate the client to undergo the surgery.