The charge nurse, working with one nurse, two practical nurses (PNs), a unit secretary, and two unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs), is caring for 24 clients on a medical surgical unit. Which task is best for the charge nurse to assign to the PN?

Choice A reason: Discussing why visitors should not lie in the bed with the client is not the best action for the nurse to implement. The nurse should not waste time explaining the rationale to the visitor, as this may cause conflict or resentment. The nurse should focus on the immediate safety and comfort of the client and the visitor.

Choice B reason: Notifying the charge nurse that the visitor is lying on the client's bed is not the best action for the nurse to implement. The nurse should not escalate the situation to the charge nurse, as this may imply that the nurse is unable to handle the problem. The nurse should use his or her own authority and judgment to resolve the issue.

Choice C reason: Explaining that the client has the right to have a visitor lie on the bed is not the best action for the nurse to implement. The nurse should not condone or encourage the visitor's behavior, as this may compromise the client's health and hygiene. The nurse should respect the client's wishes, but also uphold the standards of care and infection control.

Choice D reason: Instructing the UAP to ask the visitor to get off the client's bed is the best action for the nurse to implement. The nurse should delegate the task to the UAP, who has already established rapport with the visitor and the client. The nurse should also monitor the situation and ensure that the UAP is polite and respectful to the visitor and the client.

Choice A reason: Consulting the palliative care team is an important action for the nurse to take, but not the first one. The palliative care team can provide holistic and compassionate care to the client and the family and help them cope with the end-of-life issues. However, the nurse should first obtain a do not resuscitate prescription from the healthcare provider to ensure that the client's wishes are respected and followed.

Choice B reason: Obtaining a do not resuscitate prescription is the first action for the nurse to take. The do not resuscitate prescription is a legal document that states that the client does not want any cardiopulmonary resuscitation or other life-sustaining interventions in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. The nurse should obtain the prescription from the healthcare provider and document it in the client's chart. The nurse should also inform the staff and the family about the prescription and its implications.

Choice C reason: Defining the term heroic measures is not the first action for the nurse to take. The term heroic measures is vague and subjective and may mean different things to different people. The nurse should clarify with the client and the family what they consider as heroic measures and what they want to avoid or accept. However, the nurse should first obtain a do not resuscitate prescription to ensure that the client's wishes are legally binding and clear.

Choice D reason: Coordinating a family conference is not the first action for the nurse to take. The family conference is a meeting where the client, the family, the healthcare provider, and the nurse can discuss the goals and plans of care and address any concerns or questions. The family conference can facilitate communication and decision-making and promote mutual understanding and support. However, the nurse should first obtain a do not resuscitate prescription to ensure that the client's wishes are honored and communicated.