A charge nurse is observing a staff nurse performing a wound irrigation for a client who has a pressure injury. Which of the following actions by the staff nurse indicates an understanding of the procedure?

A. A nurse administers a medication without first identifying the client.

Negligence refers to the failure to provide care that a reasonable and prudent person would normally perform in a similar situation, resulting in harm to the client. In this scenario, administering medication without first identifying the client constitutes negligence because it violates the standard of care expected of a nurse. Proper identification of the client is essential to ensure that the correct medication is administered to the right individual, preventing medication errors and potential harm.

B. A nurse begins a blood transfusion without obtaining consent from a client:

This situation involves a failure to obtain informed consent, which is a violation of the client's rights but does not necessarily constitute negligence. Negligence typically involves a failure to provide proper care rather than a failure to obtain consent.

C. An assistive personnel prevents a client from leaving the facility:

While preventing a client from leaving the facility without appropriate authorization may be inappropriate or a breach of the client's rights, it does not necessarily constitute negligence. Negligence involves a failure to provide care that meets the standard of care expected in a given situation.

D. An assistive personnel discusses client care in the facility cafeteria with visitors present:

This situation may involve a breach of confidentiality or privacy but does not constitute negligence unless the discussion leads to harm or adverse consequences for the client. Negligence typically involves a failure to provide care that results in harm or injury to the client.

A. "I will use the grab bars when getting in and out of the bathtub." - Using grab bars in the bathtub can help prevent slips and falls, promoting safety during bathing.

B. "I need to have a fire escape plan with my family." - Having a fire escape plan is crucial for emergency preparedness and can help ensure the safety of the client and their family in the event of a fire.

C. "I need to set my hot water heater to 140 degrees Fahrenheit." - Setting the hot water heater to 140 degrees Fahrenheit poses a scalding risk, especially for older adults and individuals with sensitive skin. The water heater temperature should be set to a safe and comfortable level, typically between 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, to prevent burns.

D. "I will apply tape over frayed areas of electrical cords." - Applying tape over frayed areas of electrical cords is not a safe practice, as it does not address the underlying issue and may pose a fire hazard. Frayed electrical cords should be replaced promptly to prevent electrical shocks and fires.

E. "I need to check my medications for expiration dates." - Checking medication expiration dates is important to ensure that the medications remain safe and effective for use, reducing the risk of adverse effects or ineffective treatment.