Two clients are admitted to the unit at the same time. One client is an older adult client with a possible overdose of acetaminophen who has a heart rate of 130 beats/minute and a blood pressure of 86/40 mm Hg. The other is an older adult client with a long history of chronic obstructed pulmonary disease (COPD) and a pulse oximeter reading of 80% oxygen saturation. Which assignment is the best use of available staff?

A registered nurse (RN) to admit the client with COPD while a practical nurse (PN) checks the vital signs of the client with a possible overdose.

An RN to care for both clients since their care requires skills beyond the scope of practice for a PN.

A PN to monitor the client with COPD while an RN admits the client with a possible overdose.

Two PNs to admit the clients since frequent vital signs will need to be taken on them both.