A nurse on a med-surge unit is caring for four clients. The nurse should recognize that which of the following clients is the priority?

- A: Including the time the client received his last dose of pain medication is crucial for continuity of care. It ensures that the client receives their next dose on time and prevents either underdosing or overdosing. Pain management is a critical aspect of postoperative care, and accurate timing can significantly affect the client's recovery and comfort.
- B: Personal beliefs about the client's relationships are subjective and not typically relevant to the clinical care required during a transfer. Such information could lead to bias and does not contribute to the medical management of the client.
- C: While the steps for wound care are important, they are usually documented in the client's care plan and not necessary for a change-of-shift report unless there has been a recent change or a complication that the next team needs to be aware of.
- D: The client's preferred time for bathing is a part of personal care preferences and, while important for client comfort, is not critical information for a change-of-shift report. This information can be relayed to the rehabilitation facility but does not impact immediate clinical care.

a. Measuring oxygen saturation for a client with dyspnea requires clinical judgment and assessment skills typically performed by licensed nursing staff.
b. Performing nasal hygiene for a client with an NG tube is within the scope of practice for an assistive personnel (AP) and does not require advanced nursing skills.
c. Pouching a client's ostomy bag for a new colostomy requires specialized training and should be performed by licensed nursing staff.
d. Inserting a rectal suppository for a vomiting client involves administering medication and assessing the client's condition, tasks that should be performed by licensed nursing staff.