A nurse working in the emergency department is assessing several clients. Which of the following clients is the highest priority?

Choice A reason: A physical therapist is not the most appropriate member of the interprofessional health care team to consult for a child who has oppositional defiant disorder. A physical therapist helps clients with physical impairments or disabilities to improve their mobility, function, and quality of life. A child who has oppositional defiant disorder may not have any physical problems that require a physical therapist's intervention.

Choice B reason: A speech pathologist is not the most appropriate member of the interprofessional health care team to consult for a child who has oppositional defiant disorder. A speech pathologist helps clients with communication disorders, such as speech, language, voice, or swallowing problems. A child who has oppositional defiant disorder may not have any communication problems that require a speech pathologist's intervention.

Choice C reason: An occupational therapist is not the most appropriate member of the interprofessional health care team to consult for a child who has oppositional defiant disorder. An occupational therapist helps clients with physical, mental, or developmental challenges to perform daily activities, such as self-care, work, or leisure. A child who has oppositional defiant disorder may not have any occupational problems that require an occupational therapist's intervention.

Choice D reason: A social worker is the most appropriate member of the interprofessional health care team to consult for a child who has oppositional defiant disorder. A social worker helps clients with psychosocial issues, such as family conflicts, behavioral problems, or emotional distress. A child who has oppositional defiant disorder may benefit from a social worker's services, such as counseling, case management, or referral to community resources.

Choice A reason: The charge nurse should address the situation of the emergency department nurse waiting to give report on a new admission first. This is the most urgent and time-sensitive issue that affects the client's safety and continuity of care. The charge nurse should assign a staff nurse to receive the report and prepare for the admission.

Choice B reason: The charge nurse should address the situation of a nurse on the previous shift writing an incident report about a medication error second. This is an important and serious issue that requires follow-up and corrective actions. The charge nurse should review the incident report, talk to the nurse involved, and implement measures to prevent future errors.

Choice C reason: The charge nurse should address the situation of two staff members calling to say they will be absent third. This is a significant and challenging issue that affects the staffing and workload of the unit. The charge nurse should contact the staffing office, request replacements, and adjust the assignments accordingly.

Choice D reason: The charge nurse should address the situation of transport assistance being unavailable to take a client to occupational therapy last. This is a minor and temporary issue that does not compromise the client's health or well-being. The charge nurse should contact the transport department, reschedule the therapy session, and inform the client and the therapist.