The charge nurse must transfer a client from the maternity unit to the medical-surgical unit to make a bed available. It would be most appropriate for the nurse to transfer the client who is
A. experiencing preterm contractions and requires continuous monitoring for potential preterm labor.
[2%]
B. postpartum following a cesarean section and needs close observation for surgical wound healing and pain management.
[62%]
C. admitted for pre-eclampsia and is experiencing a frontal headache.
[8%]
D. in her second trimester, undergoing evaluation for suspected gestational diabetes and requires a nonstress test.
[28%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Maternal & Newborn Health
Lesson
Postpartum
Client Need
Test Plan
Management of Care
Related Topic
Assignment, Delegation and Supervision
Item Type
Item Type
Analysis
Explanation
Choice B is correct. The most appropriate client to transfer from the maternity unit to the medical-surgical unit to make a bed available is the client who is postpartum after delivering her baby via cesarean section and needs close observation for surgical wound healing and pain management.
Choice A is incorrect. A pregnant client in her third trimester experiencing preterm contractions needs obstetric evaluation and monitoring for potential preterm labor. This client should not be removed from the maternity unit.
Choice C is incorrect. This option is incorrect because the client is still pregnant and requires specialized antepartum care for managing pre-eclampsia, which is a pregnancy-related condition.
Choice D is incorrect. This option is incorrect because it involves a pregnant client in her second trimester who is undergoing evaluation for suspected gestational diabetes. Like other high-risk pregnancy conditions, gestational diabetes is typically managed by specialists in antepartum or high-risk pregnancy units. These units have the expertise and resources to provide specialized care, monitoring, and management for pregnant clients with complex medical conditions. Finally, the client will require a nonstress test which will require education from the antepartum nurse. Keeping this client on the unit would be appropriate because of the observation and pending NST.
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Additional Info
✓ The nurse should communicate effectively with the medical-surgical and maternity unit staff involved in the transfer. Clear and concise handoff communication is crucial to ensure the receiving team understands the client's pertinent medical history, ongoing treatments, medications, and any potential complications.
✓ The nurse should coordinate the transfer in a timely manner to prevent any delays in providing care to both the client being transferred and any incoming clients in need of care in the medical-surgical unit.
✓ The nurse should be sensitive to the emotional and psychological needs of the client during the transfer process. Transferring from one unit to another can be a significant change for the client, especially if she has developed a rapport with the medical staff on a particular floor.
