A charge nurse witnesses an assistive personnel failing to follow facility protocol when discarding contaminated linens. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Alert the infection control department
Discuss the issue with the AP
Reinforce facility protocols at the next staff meeting
Notify the unit manager about the incident
The Correct Answer is B
a. Alert the infection control department:
While the infection control department plays a role in ensuring proper infection prevention practices, directly alerting them may not be the most immediate action to take. The charge nurse should first address the issue internally before escalating it to other departments.
b. Discuss the issue with the AP:
This is the most appropriate initial action to take. Speaking directly with the assistive personnel allows the charge nurse to clarify the correct protocol, provide education or retraining if necessary, and address any misunderstandings or lapses in adherence to facility policies.
c. Reinforce facility protocols at the next staff meeting:
While reinforcing facility protocols is important, waiting until the next staff meeting may not address the immediate concern of the observed failure to follow protocol. Direct communication with the individual involved is more effective for addressing the specific incident in a timely manner.
d. Notify the unit manager about the incident:
Notifying the unit manager about the incident may be necessary if the issue persists or if further action is required beyond the initial discussion with the assistive personnel. However, it may not be the first step to take when addressing an isolated incident.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
a. Advise him to complete less time-consuming tasks first:
This intervention may be helpful in prioritizing tasks and ensuring that essential care is provided in a timely manner. However, it does not address the underlying issue of difficulty focusing and may not address the root cause of the problem.
b. Recommend that he take time to plan at the beginning of his shift:
Planning at the beginning of the shift is essential for organizing tasks and prioritizing care. This intervention may help the newly licensed nurse improve their time management skills and focus by providing a structured approach to their work.
c. Offer to provide care for his clients while he takes a break:
While taking breaks is important for maintaining focus and preventing burnout, offering to provide care for his clients may not address the underlying issue of difficulty focusing and completing tasks. Additionally, taking over his tasks may not encourage the newly licensed nurse to develop the skills needed to improve his performance.
d. Ask other staff members to take over some of his tasks:
Asking other staff members to take over some of his tasks may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying issue or help the newly licensed nurse develop the skills needed to improve his performance.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
a. Review current literature regarding client falls:
This option involves conducting a review of existing research and literature on client falls. Reviewing current literature can provide valuable insights into evidence-based practices and interventions for fall prevention. However, conducting a literature review typically follows problem identification and is part of the process of developing an evidence-based approach to addressing the issue.
b. Implement a fall prevention plan:
Implementing a fall prevention plan involves putting in place strategies and interventions aimed at reducing the risk of falls among clients. While implementing a fall prevention plan is an essential step in addressing the issue, it should be based on a thorough assessment of clients at risk for falls (which comes before planning interventions) to ensure that interventions are targeted and effective.
c. Identify clients who are at risk for falls:
This is the most appropriate first step in the quality improvement process. Identifying clients who are at risk for falls allows healthcare providers to focus interventions on those who are most vulnerable. It involves conducting comprehensive assessments, considering factors such as age, mobility, cognitive status, medications, and history of falls, to determine individual risk levels.
d. Notify staff of the increased fall rate:
While communication with staff about the increased fall rate is important for raising awareness and promoting a culture of safety, it should not be the first action taken in the quality improvement process. Before notifying staff, it's essential to identify clients at risk for falls and develop targeted interventions to address the issue effectively.
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