A charge nurse is discussing disaster response with nursing staff. Which of the following statements indicates an understanding of the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS)?

A. Reassign the task to another nurse: While reassignment may be an option, it does not address the underlying issue. Ensuring the LPN has the knowledge and skill to complete the task is more effective in addressing both immediate and future concerns.

B. Report the issue to the unit manager: Reporting to the manager might be appropriate if the issue persists or reflects repeated non-compliance. However, verifying the LPN's competence and addressing the problem directly should be the first step.

C. Change the client’s dressing: While changing the dressing resolves the immediate client need, it does not address the issue of delegation or why the task was not completed. This approach bypasses the opportunity to assess and support the LPN.

D. Verify the LPN knows how to do a dressing change: Before taking further action, the charge nurse should determine why the task was not completed. If the LPN lacks the knowledge or skill to perform a dressing change, the nurse must address this gap and provide appropriate education or support to ensure client care is not compromised.

Rationale:

A. Ambulate an older adult client who has hypertension is a task that an AP can perform, provided the client is stable and has been assessed by the nurse.

B. Provide discharge instructions for a client who has a new skin graft is a task that requires nursing judgment and cannot be delegated to an AP.

C. Check a blood product with another nurse prior to administration is a nursing responsibility that requires verification by licensed personnel and cannot be delegated to an AP.

D. Weigh a client who has heart failure is appropriate for an AP, as it involves routine measurement that can be delegated.

E. Perform an admission assessment on a client is a nursing responsibility and cannot be delegated to an AP.