A charge nurse is providing an inservice for staff nurses on the use of new IV pumps.
Which of the following actions should the charge nurse take to best evaluate staff competency with the new equipment?

This is because people with COPD are more likely to catch respiratory infections such as colds, flu and pneumonia, which can worsen their symptoms and cause further lung damage. An influenza vaccine can help prevent flu and reduce the risk of complications.

Choice B. A broad-spectrum antibiotic is wrong because antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral ones. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for COPD exacerbations caused by bacterial infections, but not for prevention.

Choice C. A bronchodilator is wrong because bronchodilators are medications that relax the muscles around the airways and make breathing easier. They are used to treat the symptoms of COPD, but they do not prevent respiratory infections.

Choice D. A corticosteroid is wrong because corticosteroids are anti inflammatory drugs that reduce swelling and mucus production in the airways. They are also used to treat the symptoms of COPD, but they do not prevent respiratory infections. In fact, long-term use of corticosteroids may increase the risk of infections by suppressing the immune system.

The nurse has a duty to protect the patient’s rights and well-being, and to report any signs of abuse or neglect. Financial abuse is defined as someone illegally or improperly using an elder’s money or belongings for their own personal use. It is a common form of elder abuse and can have serious consequences for the victim’s physical and mental health.

The nurse should not assume that the son has the patient’s best interest in mind (choice A), as this may not be the case.

The nurse should not ignore the situation or dismiss it as a non-clinical issue (choice B), as this would violate the nurse’s ethical and legal obligations. The nurse should not notify the primary care physician that the patient can no longer care for himself (choice C), as this may not be true and may infringe on the patient’s autonomy and dignity.

The nurse should respect the patient’s wishes and help him to exercise his rights and choices.

The nurse should also provide support and resources to the patient, such as counselling, legal aid, or social services.