When should a registered nurse be assigned rather than a practical nurse to a client?

The assignment of a registered nurse rather than a practical nurse is most appropriate when a postoperative client reports incisional pain at a 9/10 on a scale of 1-10. This situation indicates that the client is experiencing significant pain, which may require comprehensive assessment, critical thinking, and advanced clinical judgment that a registered nurse is trained to provide.

Postoperative pain management often involves not just pain medication administration but also an evaluation of the surgical site, considerations of potential complications, and development of a comprehensive plan for pain management which may include pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Registered nurses have the skills to assess the situation thoroughly, interpret the severity of pain in the context of the patient's overall condition, and collaborate with the healthcare team to respond effectively, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

In contrast, situations such as routine medication administration, dressing changes, or staffing shortages may be adequately managed by practical nurses, who are trained to perform these tasks but may not have the same level of assessment and decision-making skills required for more complex or acute clinical situations.