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 client does not need an interdisciplinary conference because their condition is not complex or chronic. The nurse can manage the client's care by monitoring their vital signs, fluid intake and output, and hydration status. The nurse can also educate the client on how to prevent orthostatic hypotension by changing positions slowly and wearing compression stockings.

Choice B reason: This client does not need an interdisciplinary conference because their condition is well-controlled and self-managed. The nurse can manage the client's care by checking their blood glucose levels, administering insulin as prescribed, and providing dietary and lifestyle education. The nurse can also collaborate with the diabetes educator or the endocrinologist if needed.

Choice C reason: Although this client is at risk for pressure ulcers, their albumin level is within the normal range, indicating adequate nutritional status. Low albumin levels are often associated with poor wound healing and increased risk of skin breakdown, but in this case, nutrition does not appear to be a concern. Preventive measures, such as regular repositioning, skin assessments, and pressure-relieving devices, can be implemented by nursing staff without requiring an interdisciplinary meeting.

Choice D reason:This client is the most appropriate candidate for an interdisciplinary conference. The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is a critical lab value for monitoring heparin therapy, and a level of 34 seconds is below the therapeutic range. A subtherapeutic aPTT increases the risk of clot formation, indicating that the heparin dose may need to be adjusted. An interdisciplinary team, including the physician, pharmacist, nurse, and laboratory personnel, should collaborate to ensure safe and effective anticoagulation management. This conference would allow for a discussion on dosage adjustments, potential medication interactions, and continued monitoring to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.