The charge nurse is planning for the shift and has a registered nurse (RN) and a practical nurse (PN) on the team. Which client should the charge nurse assign to the RN?
Explanation & Rationale
A: An adolescent with multiple contusions due to a fall that occurred 2 days ago can be managed by the PN as the condition is stable and does not require the advanced skills of an RN. B: A 75-year-old client with renal calculi who requires urine straining can also be assigned to the PN because urine straining is a task within the PN's scope of practice. C: A 30-year-old depressed client who admits to suicide ideation requires the expertise of an RN due to the need for continuous assessment, potential for crisis intervention, and the complexity of care needed. D: A 64-year-old client who had a total hip replacement the previous day would typically be stable post-operation and could be managed by the PN, with the RN available for any complications that may arise.