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: The number of clients leaving the unit for diagnostic tests is not the most important information for the charge nurse to consider. The charge nurse should focus on the needs and conditions of the clients who are staying on the unit and require nursing care. The charge nurse should also ensure that the clients who are leaving the unit are accompanied by appropriate staff and have their medications and equipment ready.

Choice B reason: The acuity level of the clients on the unit is the most important information for the charge nurse to consider. The acuity level reflects the complexity and intensity of the clients' needs and the amount of nursing care they require. The charge nurse should assess the acuity level of the clients on the unit and compare it with the available staff and resources. The charge nurse should also consider the potential changes in the clients' conditions and the expected admissions and discharges.

Choice C reason: The physician's plans to perform procedures on the unit is not the most important information for the charge nurse to consider. The charge nurse should coordinate with the physician and the staff to ensure that the procedures are performed safely and efficiently. However, the charge nurse should not base the staffing decision solely on the physician's plans, as they may change or be delayed. The charge nurse should also consider the overall needs and status of the clients on the unit.

Choice D reason: The skill level of the personnel staffing the unit is not the most important information for the charge nurse to consider. The charge nurse should evaluate the skill level of the staff and assign them to the appropriate clients and tasks. The charge nurse should also provide supervision and guidance to the staff and ensure that they follow the policies and standards of care. However, the charge nurse should not base the staffing decision solely on the skill level of the staff, as they may not be sufficient or suitable for the clients' needs. The charge nurse should also consider the acuity level and the number of the clients on the unit.

Choice A reason: Ensuring transfer of the client's electronic chart code is a necessary action, but it is not the most important. The nurse should make sure that the client's records are updated and accessible to the palliative care team, but this can be done after the client is settled in the new room.

Choice B reason: Giving a detailed report to the accepting nurse is the most important action, as it ensures continuity and quality of care for the client. The nurse should provide information about the client's diagnosis, prognosis, preferences, goals, medications, interventions, and family situation.

Choice C reason: Giving client written information about end-of-life care is a helpful action, but it is not the most important. The nurse should provide the client with educational materials and resources about palliative care, hospice care, advance directives, and bereavement support, but this can be done later or by the palliative care team.

Choice D reason: Taking the family to the client's new room is a supportive action, but it is not the most important. The nurse should assist the family with the transition and offer emotional support, but this can be done after the report is given to the accepting nurse.