A float nurse from labor and delivery is assigned to the cardiac care unit. Which client is most appropriate for the charge nurse to assign to the float nurse?

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A hypertensive crisis is an elevation in blood pressure (BP) >180 mm Hg systolic and/or >120 mm Hg diastolic with evidence of organ damage (eg, kidney damage, retinopathy). The goal of treatment is to slowly lower BP using IV antihypertensive medications (eg, vasodilators) to limit end-organ damage. Once the client's condition is stabilized, oral antihypertensives are prescribed and IV medications are titrated off. Float nurse assignments should be made on the basis of what is within the knowledge and skill of the generalist nurse. The float nurse can safely care for the client whose BP is controlled by oral medication, and has the knowledge and skill to assess vital signs (Option B). (Option A) The client with a history of myocardial infarction showing signs of reinfarction (eg, nausea, increased oxygen demands) may be unstable and should not be assigned to the float nurse. (Option C) A ventricular rate of 65/min observed in a client with a demand pacemaker rate of 70/min indicates a malfunction in sensing or capturing the client's heart rate. An experienced cardiac nurse should care for this client. (Option D) Unstable angina (angina at rest) is a medical emergency that requires specialist-level monitoring and intervention. Educational objective: Assignments for float nurses should be made based on what is within the knowledge and skill of the generalist nurse. A float nurse should be able to administer oral medication and monitor vital signs, whereas myocardial infarction, pacemaker malfunction, and unstable angina should be assigned to an experienced cardiac nurse.

A Float Nurse from Labor and Delivery Is Assigned to the Cardiac