A nurse is orienting a newly licensed nurse on the neurological unit. Which of the following clients should the nurse assign to the newly licensed nurse?
A.
A client who has Guillain-Barré syndrome and a tracheostomy
B.
A client who has a brain tumor and is admitted for chemotherapy
C.
A client who has multiple sclerosis and ataxia
D.
A client who sustained a concussion and is being monitored for complications
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is D. A client who sustained a concussion and is being monitored for complications.
Explanation:
When assigning clients to newly licensed nurses, it is crucial to consider the complexity of each patient’s condition and the level of nursing experience required for their care.
A. A client who has Guillain-Barré syndrome and a tracheostomy: This patient requires advanced nursing skills, including respiratory management, suctioning, and potential airway interventions. A newly licensed nurse may not have the experience to handle emergencies associated with tracheostomy care.
B. A client who has a brain tumor and is admitted for chemotherapy: This situation can also be complex, involving the administration of chemotherapy and monitoring for side effects. Patients with brain tumors may have specific neurological assessments that a new nurse may not be fully equipped to handle yet.
C. A client who has multiple sclerosis and ataxia: This condition can involve various neurological challenges, requiring significant assessment skills and familiarity with the disease’s progression and its impact on daily functioning. A newly licensed nurse may struggle to manage these complexities.
D. A client who sustained a concussion and is being monitored for complications: This option is the most suitable for a newly licensed nurse. While monitoring for complications is essential, the immediate risks are lower than in the other scenarios. The nurse’s tasks would likely include performing neurological assessments, monitoring vital signs, and observing for any changes in the patient’s condition. These responsibilities are within the scope of practice for a new nurse, providing a manageable learning experience while still ensuring patient safety. This assignment allows the newly licensed nurse to build confidence and skills in neurological assessments without overwhelming complexity or critical care requirements.