NCLEX-RNManagement of CareMedium
A medical-surgical nurse is floated to the pediatric unit for the shift due to staffing shortages. Which client should the charge nurse assign to the floated nurse?
- AAn infant receiving IV chemotherapy for neuroblastoma
- BA 6-year-old admitted for observation after a simple febrile seizure, currently stable and asymptomatic
- CA 2-year-old in respiratory distress requiring frequent nebulizer treatments and close monitoring
- DA 10-year-old post-operative scoliosis repair with an epidural infusion requiring specialized monitoring
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. A 6-year-old admitted for observation after a simple febrile seizure, currently stable and asymptomatic
Floated nurses should be assigned stable clients whose care needs fall within the floated nurse's general skill set. The stable client under observation requires basic monitoring skills common to all RNs, whereas the other clients require pediatric-specific specialized knowledge and interventions.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Chemotherapy administration requires specialized oncology certification.
- C. This client requires pediatric respiratory expertise and close specialized monitoring.
- D. Epidural monitoring in a pediatric surgical client requires specialized training.
Floating Nurse Assignment
When a nurse is floated to an unfamiliar unit, assignments should match the nurse's competencies — typically the most stable clients with the lowest acuity and complexity.
- Floated nurses should receive orientation to unit-specific equipment/protocols
- Assign stable, low-acuity clients to floated staff
- Specialized care (chemo, epidurals, critical respiratory needs) should go to unit-based staff
Memory trick: Float to the stable, not the unstable.