The nurse in the medical-surgical unit is assigning client care to a nurse who is floating from PACU. The nurse should recognize that the float nurse is most qualified to care for which of the following clients?

Choice A reason: Increasing the oxygen level may seem appropriate because the saturation is 89%, but in clients with COPD, oxygen therapy must be carefully titrated. These patients rely on hypoxic drive to stimulate breathing, and excessive oxygen can suppress respiratory drive, leading to CO2 retention and respiratory failure. Since the client is resting comfortably and not in distress, increasing oxygen is not the immediate action.

Choice B reason: Administering PRN furosemide is indicated for fluid overload in congestive heart failure, typically when there are signs such as pulmonary edema, crackles, or dyspnea. In this case, the client is resting comfortably without evidence of acute fluid overload, so furosemide is not warranted.

Choice C reason: Delivering PRN albuterol is appropriate for acute bronchospasm or wheezing. The client is not showing signs of respiratory distress, wheezing, or bronchospasm. Therefore, albuterol is not necessary at this time.

Choice D reason: Continuing to monitor is the most appropriate action. The client’s oxygen saturation of 89% is acceptable for a COPD patient, as their target range is often 88–92%. Since the client is comfortable and stable, the nurse should continue monitoring while avoiding unnecessary interventions that could destabilize the patient’s condition.

Choice A reason: Stating that there are no provider’s prescriptions available does not belong in the "Background" section of SBAR. This information is administrative rather than clinical and does not provide relevant context about the client’s current condition.

Choice B reason: The client being disoriented with pupils slow to respond to light is appropriate for the "Background" section. SBAR requires the nurse to provide pertinent clinical information that explains the client’s current status. This detail gives the provider context about neurological function and supports decision-making.

Choice C reason: Reporting that the client was found unconscious on the floor belongs in the "Situation" section, not "Background." The "Situation" describes the immediate problem, while "Background" provides supporting clinical history.

Choice D reason: Suggesting that the client should be seen by a neurologist is part of "Recommendation," not "Background." SBAR separates objective data from subjective recommendations to maintain clarity in communication.