A nurse is caring for a client who has osteoarthritis and reports difficulty buttoning their clothes. The nurse should recommend a referral for the client to which of the following members of the interprofessional team?

The correct answer is C.

Choice A: Take extra wheelchairs to the emergency department While having extra wheelchairs available can be helpful in a disaster situation, it is not the primary responsibility of the PACU charge nurse. The logistics of equipment distribution would typically be managed by a different team or department.

Choice B: Send PACU assistive personnel to assist with triage Triage is a critical part of disaster response, but it is typically performed by trained emergency department personnel or those with specific training in disaster triage. PACU personnel should focus on their area of expertise, which is post-anesthesia care.

Choice C: Identify stable clients for transfer to a surgical unit This is the correct action. By identifying stable clients for transfer, the PACU charge nurse can free up space for incoming patients who may require immediate post-operative care. This action helps to ensure that the PACU is ready to receive patients who are likely to come from the emergency department after immediate lifesaving interventions.

Choice D: Report to the command center for further instructions While communication with the command center is important in a disaster situation, the PACU charge nurse’s primary responsibility is to manage the care environment and patient flow within their specific unit. Other teams or personnel would likely handle tasks like reporting to the command center.

Choice A rationale:

Providing the client with information about advance directives is an appropriate intervention. Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals to communicate their preferences for medical treatment in the event they become unable to make decisions for themselves. Educating the client about the importance and benefits of advance directives empowers them to make informed decisions about their care.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the client to contact an attorney to create advance directives is not the primary responsibility of the hospice nurse. While legal assistance might be helpful, the nurse should first ensure that the client understands the concept of advance directives and their significance before suggesting legal involvement.

Choice C rationale:

Informing the client that they will need a relative to witness their advance directives is not accurate. While witnesses are often required when signing legal documents, the specific requirements for advance directives can vary by jurisdiction. It's important for the nurse to provide accurate information and not make assumptions about legal processes.

Choice D rationale:

Telling the client that The Joint Commission requires clients to have advance directives is not accurate. While The Joint Commission emphasizes the importance of patient rights and informed decision-making, it does not mandate that all clients must have advance directives. The decision to create advance directives is a personal choice and should be based on the individual's values and preferences.