A nurse has just completed assessment charting on the electronic record for an assigned client. An assistive personnel (AP) who just measured the client's vital signs asks to chart them while the nurse is still logged into the record. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: This is not the correct choice because requesting orientation to the medical-surgical unit is not the first action the nurse should take. Orientation is a process that takes time and planning, and it may not be feasible or necessary for a temporary assignment. The nurse should first ensure that they are competent to perform the tasks and procedures required on the medical-surgical unit.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because referring to the assigned resource nurse regarding client assignments is not the first action the nurse should take. The resource nurse is a person who can provide guidance and support to the nurse during the shift, but they are not responsible for determining the nurse's competencies or assigning clients. The nurse should first communicate with the charge nurse, who is the leader of the unit and has the authority to assign clients according to the nurse's skills and experience.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because informing the nursing supervisor of the lack of experience on the medical-surgical unit is not the first action the nurse should take. The nursing supervisor is a person who can oversee the staffing and operations of the nursing units, but they are not directly involved in the clinical care of the clients or the education of the staff. The nurse should first consult with the charge nurse, who can assess the nurse's competencies and provide appropriate resources and education.

Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because clarifying competencies with the medical-surgical charge nurse is the first action the nurse should take. The charge nurse is a person who can evaluate the nurse's skills and knowledge, assign clients according to the nurse's level of expertise, and provide orientation and training as needed. The nurse should be honest and proactive in communicating their competencies and learning needs to the charge nurse.

Choice A reason: This is a correct statement by the newly licensed nurse. Airborne precautions are used for clients who have infections that can be transmitted through the air, such as tuberculosis, chickenpox, or measles. The nurse should have the client wear a mask when leaving the room to prevent spreading the infection to others.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect statement by the newly licensed nurse. A negative-pressure airflow room is used for clients who are on airborne precautions, not for clients who have compromised immunity. A negative-pressure airflow room prevents contaminated air from escaping the room and infecting others. A client who has compromised immunity should be placed in a positive-pressure airflow room, which prevents outside air from entering the room and exposing the client to pathogens.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect statement by the newly licensed nurse. An N95 respirator mask is used for clients who are on airborne precautions, not for clients who are on droplet precautions. Droplet precautions are used for clients who have infections that can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, such as influenza, pertussis, or meningitis. The nurse should wear a surgical mask, not an N95 respirator mask, when caring for a client who is on droplet precautions.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect statement by the newly licensed nurse. Visitors do not need to wear a mask when visiting a client who is on contact precautions, unless they are in direct contact with the client or the client's environment. Contact precautions are used for clients who have infections that can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact, such as MRSA, VRE, or C. difficile. The nurse should wear gloves and a gown, and perform hand hygiene before and after caring for a client who is on contact precautions.