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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
a. Document in the client’s chart that an incident report has been filed:
Documenting that an incident report has been filed is an important step in the process of addressing the client's complaint. It ensures that there is a record of the incident and initiates the appropriate follow-up procedures.
b. Call risk management to interview the client:
In long-term care facilities, risk management departments are responsible for investigating incidents and ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to prevent future occurrences. In this situation, involving risk management may be necessary to conduct a thorough investigation.
c. Contact the nurse manager:
The nurse manager is responsible for overseeing the nursing staff and ensuring that quality care is provided to clients. Contacting the nurse manager allows for immediate notification of the incident and enables them to initiate the appropriate steps to address the situation.
d. Reassure the client that the staff is well trained:
While it's important to provide reassurance to the client, simply reassuring them without taking any further action may not adequately address their concerns or prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Correct Answer is ["C"]
Explanation
a. Store opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours:
Incorrect. Once opened, bottles of normal saline should generally be used within a short time frame (typically 24 hours) and should not be stored for extended periods to prevent contamination. This practice could lead to infection risks and is not recommended as a cost-containment measure.
b. Wait to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full:
Incorrect. Overfilling sharps containers increases the risk of needle-stick injuries and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Sharps containers should be disposed of when they are about three-quarters full to maintain safety.
c. Use clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care:
Correct. For colostomy care, clean gloves are generally sufficient as it is a clean procedure, not a sterile one. Using clean gloves instead of sterile gloves reduces costs without compromising patient safety.
d. Return unused supplies from the bedside to the unit’s supply stock:
Incorrect. Returning unused supplies to the general supply stock can pose a risk of cross-contamination and infection. Once supplies have been brought to a patient's bedside, they are considered contaminated and should not be returned to the supply area.
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