Which client should be assigned to a registered nurse over a practical nurse?

The situation of the client who reports incisional pain of "9" after ambulation indicates a significant level of discomfort that requires immediate assessment and intervention. Assigning this client to a registered nurse is appropriate because the registered nurse possesses advanced skills in critical thinking, assessment, and the formulation of a plan of care for clients experiencing complications or those who are at higher risk.

In this scenario, incisional pain at a level of "9" suggests a potential complication or inadequate pain management that needs to be thoroughly evaluated, requiring more in-depth clinical judgment. The registered nurse can perform comprehensive assessments to determine the cause of the pain and initiate appropriate interventions, such as adjusting pain management strategies, assessing for possible complications related to the surgical procedure, and communicating findings to the healthcare team.

Conversely, the other clients listed are experiencing stable conditions or routine needs that do not necessitate the advanced assessment skills of a registered nurse. The stable postoperative client and the client with a low-grade fever may be monitored by a practical nurse, who can effectively manage their care. Similarly, a client requiring routine medication administration typically falls within the scope of practice of a practical nurse, who is trained to handle such tasks efficiently. Thus, the focus here is on the level of assessment and intervention