A charge nurse is teaching a group of nurses about the purpose of a living will. Which of the following information about living wills should the charge nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A reason: Administering IV nitroglycerin to a client who is experiencing chest pain is not an appropriate assignment for the float nurse, as it requires advanced cardiac knowledge and skills that the nurse may not have. The charge nurse should assign this task to a nurse who is experienced in the emergency department.

Choice B reason: Completing a SAD PERSONS assessment scale for a client who has attempted suicide is not an appropriate assignment for the float nurse, as it requires mental health expertise and training that the nurse may not have. The charge nurse should assign this task to a nurse who is qualified in psychiatric nursing.

Choice C reason: Setting up a trauma room for an incoming client who was in a motor-vehicle crash is not an appropriate assignment for the float nurse, as it requires emergency preparedness and competence that the nurse may not have. The charge nurse should assign this task to a nurse who is familiar with the trauma protocols and equipment.

Choice D reason: Performing a urinary catheterization for a client who has experienced a cerebrovascular accident is an appropriate assignment for the float nurse, as it is a basic nursing skill that the nurse should have learned and practiced in the medical-surgical unit. The charge nurse should assign this task to the float nurse as long as the nurse is comfortable and confident with the procedure.

Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because this client has the most urgent and potentially life-threatening problem. Urinary retention after spinal surgery can lead to bladder distension, infection, renal damage, or autonomic dysreflexia (a dangerous rise in blood pressure and heart rate). The nurse should assess the client's bladder, catheterize the client if indicated, and notify the surgeon.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because this client has a serious but not urgent problem. Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor that can affect the function of the pancreas and other organs. IV chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. The nurse should provide emotional support, education, and symptom management to this client, but they are not the highest priority.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because this client has a chronic but not acute problem. Peripheral vascular disease is a condition that affects the blood vessels outside the heart and brain, causing reduced blood flow to the limbs. An absent pedal pulse indicates poor circulation in the foot, which can lead to pain, numbness, or tissue damage. The nurse should monitor the client's pulses, skin temperature, and color, and teach the client how to prevent complications, but they are not the highest priority.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct choice because this client has a stable but not critical problem. MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics and can cause skin or systemic infections. An axillary temperature of 38°C (101°F) indicates a mild fever, which is a common sign of infection. The nurse should administer antibiotics as prescribed, observe the client for signs of sepsis, and follow infection control precautions, but they are not the highest priority.