A newly licensed nurse is floating to an unfamiliar unit and determines that they do not have sufficient experience to safely care for their assigned clients. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Calling the provider if you note clubbing of the client's fingernails is not an instruction the charge nurse should include in the teaching. This is an unnecessary and inappropriate action, as clubbing is a chronic and irreversible sign of hypoxia that does not require immediate intervention. The nurse should document the finding and monitor the client's respiratory status.

Choice B reason: Having an assistive personnel ambulate the client just before meals is not an instruction the charge nurse should include in the teaching. This is a harmful and contraindicated action, as ambulation can increase the client's oxygen demand and cause dyspnea and fatigue. The nurse should schedule the client's activity and rest periods around the meals and provide supplemental oxygen as prescribed.

Choice C reason: Notifying the charge nurse if you observe that the client has distended neck veins is an instruction the charge nurse should include in the teaching. This is a necessary and appropriate action, as distended neck veins can indicate right-sided heart failure, which is a complication of COPD. The nurse should report the finding and assess the client for other signs of fluid overload, such as edema, weight gain, and crackles.

Choice D reason: Maintaining the client's oxygen saturation level above 95 percent is not an instruction the charge nurse should include in the teaching. This is an unrealistic and potentially harmful goal, as clients with COPD usually have lower oxygen saturation levels due to chronic hypoxia. The nurse should maintain the client's oxygen saturation level at the prescribed range, which is typically between 88 and 92 percent.

Choice A reason: The risk of suicide is the highest priority for the charge nurse to assess. The client has several risk factors for suicide, such as major depressive disorder, medication noncompliance, hopelessness, social isolation, and psychomotor retardation. The charge nurse should evaluate the client's suicidal ideation, intent, and plan, and implement safety measures as needed.

Choice B reason: The risk of dehydration is a lower priority than the risk of suicide. The client may be dehydrated due to decreased fluid intake, but this is not a life-threatening condition. The charge nurse should monitor the client's hydration status and encourage oral fluids as appropriate.

Choice C reason: The risk of infection is a lower priority than the risk of suicide. The client does not have any signs or symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, or leukocytosis. The charge nurse should assess the client's vital signs and laboratory results as indicated, but this is not an urgent issue.

Choice D reason: The risk of seizure is a lower priority than the risk of suicide. The client does not have any history or risk factors for seizure, such as epilepsy, head trauma, or drug withdrawal. The charge nurse should observe the client for any abnormal movements or behaviors, but this is not a likely complication.