After reporting to work for a night shift, the nurse learns that the unit is understaffed because two RNs called out sick. As a result, each nurse on the unit must provide care for four acute clients in addition to the nurse's regular clients. Which statement is true for this nurse when working in understaffed circumstances?
A. Understaffing constitutes an extenuating circumstance that creates a temporarily lower expectation for care for the nurse.
B. The nurse is legally obliged to refuse to provide care when understaffing creates the potential for unsafe conditions.
C. The nurse must document that float staff, nurses on overtime, and part-time staff were contacted in an effort to fill the gaps in care.
D. The nurse will be legally held to the same standards of care as when staffing levels are normal.