The charge registered nurse (RN) on a medical-surgical unit is responsible for making assignments. Which assignment made by the RN is most appropriate?

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An RN is appropriately assigned to the client who is most unstable. Following this client's orthopedic surgery, the nurse must perform frequent neurovascular, pain, drain, wound, and respiratory assessments; assess for potential risk factors (eg, pulmonary embolus); and provide emotional support as well. Good critical thinking skills are needed to develop, implement, and evaluate an appropriate plan of care for this client. (Option A) Administration of blood is not within the scope of the LPN's practice. (Option B) A student nurse may not be able to administer medications independently and/or would require close supervision by either nursing faculty or an RN preceptor. The student nurse may not be able to provide adequate pain relief in a timely manner. The nurse who assesses the pain should administer the medication and evaluate the response. (Option C) A postoperative client requires thorough education and evaluation prior to discharge. This level of client education should be performed by an RN; an LPN may reinforce prior teaching completed by an RN but is not able to provide initial teaching or evaluate learning outcomes. Educational objective: An RN is appropriately assigned to the client who is most unstable. The LPN's scope of practice does not include new discharge teaching or the administration of blood.

The Charge Registered Nurse (RN) on a Medical-Surgical Unit Is