A group of nurse managers is asked to engage in a needs assessment for a piece of equipment that will be expensed to the organization's budget. Which question is most important to consider when analyzing the cost-benefit for this piece of equipment?

Choice A Reason: Identifying locations of skin lesions on a newly admitted client is a nursing assessment that requires clinical judgment and cannot be delegated to the UAP.

Choice B Reason: Emptying the ostomy bag for a client with a temporary colostomy is a routine task that does not require clinical judgment and can be delegated to the UAP.

Choice C Reason: Providing a complete bed bath for a comatose client is a routine task that does not require clinical judgment and can be delegated to the UAP.

Choice D Reason: Performing foot care including toenail trimming and heel care is a nursing intervention that requires clinical judgment and cannot be delegated to the UAP. The UAP may cause injury or infection to the client's feet, especially if the client has diabetes or peripheral vascular disease.

Choice E Reason: Giving mouth care to an elderly client who has a tracheostomy is a nursing intervention that requires clinical judgment and cannot be delegated to the UAP. The UAP may cause trauma or aspiration to the client's trachea, especially if the client has poor oral hygiene or respiratory secretions.

Choice A Reason: Demonstrating how to complete an adverse occurrence or variance report is important, but not the most important objective. This report is a tool for quality improvement and risk management, but it does not prevent litigation by itself. The nurse should also communicate effectively with the client and/or their family, and document the incident and the actions taken.

Choice B Reason: Discussing how to handle complaints from clients and/or their families is the most important objective, as it can help prevent or resolve conflicts, and avoid escalation to legal action. The nurse should listen empathetically, acknowledge the client's feelings and concerns, apologize if appropriate, explain the situation and the plan of care, and involve the supervisor or other resources if needed.

Choice C Reason: Describing how to obtain legal services if needed is relevant, but not the most important objective.

This objective implies that litigation is inevitable or expected, which may create a negative or defensive attitude in the staff nurses. The nurse should focus on preventing litigation by providing safe and quality care and building trust and rapport with the clients and/or their families.

Choice D Reason: Maintaining personal malpractice insurance is advisable, but not the most important objective. This objective may protect the nurse's personal assets in case of a lawsuit, but it does not prevent litigation from occurring. The nurse should follow the standards of practice and the policies and procedures of the organization, and document accurately and thoroughly.