An admitted emergency department (ED) client is waiting for an intensive care unit (ICU) bed to be available for transfer to the inpatient unit. The ED is very crowded today. The ICU resident is currently too busy to request that an ICU client be transferred to telemetry so the bed can be available; the resident will be able to do so in about 6 hours. What action should the ED charge nurse take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

It is important to move the client to the ICU and for the ED to continue to care for incoming clients. The nursing supervisor, who serves as an "officer" of the facility, can help resolve interdepartmental issues when it is necessary for a higher authority to intervene and expedite processes (Option B). (Option A) The telemetry unit manager would not have the authority to transfer a client. Although the manager could suggest other transfers, prescriptions for the transfers would still be necessary. The nursing supervisor can work with the telemetry manager as needed. (Option C) The client needs appropriate monitoring equipment and staff, not just a physical bed. A high-acuity client is not held in a hallway without adequate caregiving support. (Option D) The client will be held until a bed and staff are available in the appropriate unit. However, the charge nurse should at least try to facilitate a timely transfer. Educational objective: A higher level of authority/chain of command, such as the nursing supervisor, should handle interdepartmental difficulties.

An Admitted Emergency Department (ED) Client Is Waiting for an Intensive