Which client is the most appropriate to assign to a registered nurse in a skilled nursing unit?

Which client is the most appropriate to assign to a registered nurse in a skilled nursing unit?

• A. A client with stable vital signs
• B. A client receiving IV vancomycin for sacral decubitus
• C. A client recovering from a simple wound
• D. A client who requires assistance with ADLs

Answer: (B)

When assigning clients in a skilled nursing unit, it is vital to consider the complexity of care and the level of nursing skill required for safe and effective treatment. A client receiving IV vancomycin for sacral decubitus is appropriate for assignment to a registered nurse due to the need for careful monitoring associated with intravenous medications and the potential for complications, such as phlebitis or reactions to the medication itself. Administering IV therapy, especially antibiotics like vancomycin, also involves assessing renal function and monitoring for therapeutic effectiveness and adverse effects. This level of care requires the advanced skills of a registered nurse who can provide the necessary assessments and interventions. While clients with stable vital signs, recovering from simple wounds, or needing assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) may not require intensive nursing care, they typically represent a lower acuity level and could often be managed by licensed practical nurses or nursing assistants under the supervision of an RN. This allows the registered nurse to focus on more complex cases, ensuring that higher-level nursing skills are utilized effectively within the team.

When assigning clients in a skilled nursing unit, it is vital to consider the complexity of care and the level of nursing skill required for safe and effective treatment. A client receiving IV vancomycin for sacral decubitus is appropriate for assignment to a registered nurse due to the need for careful monitoring associated with intravenous medications and the potential for complications, such as phlebitis or reactions to the medication itself.

Administering IV therapy, especially antibiotics like vancomycin, also involves assessing renal function and monitoring for therapeutic effectiveness and adverse effects. This level of care requires the advanced skills of a registered nurse who can provide the necessary assessments and interventions.

While clients with stable vital signs, recovering from simple wounds, or needing assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) may not require intensive nursing care, they typically represent a lower acuity level and could often be managed by licensed practical nurses or nursing assistants under the supervision of an RN. This allows the registered nurse to focus on more complex cases, ensuring that higher-level nursing skills are utilized effectively within the team.