The nurse should recognize that floating to the adult medical-surgical unit has placed them at legal risk for:

Choice A rationale

Applying wrist restraints immediately is an invasive intervention that may escalate the client’s agitation and anger. Restraints are used when absolutely necessary to prevent harm, and only after other de-escalation techniques have failed. Their use may breach the least restrictive intervention principle, which prioritizes non-invasive measures first.

Choice B rationale

Engaging the client in a repetitive activity acts as a distraction and can reduce agitation by refocusing their attention. This technique aligns with dementia care principles, emphasizing non-pharmacological interventions to manage behavioral disturbances. By promoting sensory engagement, it can help mitigate aggression effectively and respectfully.

Choice C rationale

Placing the client in a seclusion room can escalate feelings of confusion, isolation, and fear, worsening agitation. Seclusion should only be a last resort for safety reasons and not a first-line intervention in dementia care. It is contraindicated unless immediate harm is likely.

Choice D rationale

Administering haloperidol without first attempting non-pharmacological interventions disregards the principle of using medications judiciously. While haloperidol may calm agitation, side effects such as sedation or movement disorders make it inappropriate as a first-line option. This choice should follow other measures.

Choice A rationale

Assignment abandonment involves leaving patients without care, which isn’t the nurse’s action here. The nurse stayed responsible and notified the charge nurse about equipment unfamiliarity to maintain ethical and safe practice standards.

Choice B rationale

Legal risks arise when a nurse uses medical equipment without validation, breaching competency and risking harm. Standards by regulatory bodies like the Joint Commission highlight the need for appropriate training, ensuring safe, error-free patient care.

Choice C rationale

Refusal of neonatal assignments does not connect to the case's circumstances. The legal concerns stem from equipment unfamiliarity, not from declining to work in specific units, which falls under staffing policies rather than individual liability.

Choice D rationale

Scope-of-practice violations occur when nurses exceed their authorized duties, but this doesn’t apply. The central issue involves patient safety risks due to equipment use beyond competence, aligning more closely with training and validation requirements.