A home health nurse is planning her daily visits and receives laboratory results for four adult clients. The nurse should first visit the client who has which of the following laboratory values?

Choice A rationale:

Writing a memorandum emphasizing the importance of attending staff meetings might help remind the staff about the significance of these meetings. However, it does not address the root causes of the poor attendance issue. Exploring the reasons behind the lack of attendance should come before issuing reminders.

Choice B rationale:

Appointing a task force to promote attendance at the meetings is a proactive step. However, it might be premature without understanding the reasons for the poor attendance. The task force's efforts could be more effective if informed by a thorough analysis of the underlying issues.

Choice C rationale:

Exploring the reasons that staff are not attending the meetings is the crucial first step. Understanding the factors contributing to the poor attendance allows the charge nurse to tailor interventions appropriately. Reasons could include scheduling conflicts, lack of engagement, or dissatisfaction with meeting content.

Choice D rationale:

Reducing the number of meetings staff are required to attend might address the attendance issue, but it doesn't address the root causes. It's important to identify the reasons behind poor attendance before making decisions about changing meeting frequency.

The correct answer is choice B: Perform a chart review to gather data about the clients who developed infections.

Choice A rationale: Conducting an in-service on proper catheter insertion and maintenance may be helpful in addressing the issue but should not be the first step.

Choice B rationale: Performing a chart review to gather data about the clients who developed infections is an essential first step. This allows the nurse manager to analyze potential trends or common factors contributing to the infections, which can help identify specific areas for improvement or intervention (NurseLabs, n.d.).

Choice C rationale: Observing each staff nurse perform a urinary catheter insertion could help identify improper techniques that contribute to the infections. However, this is time-consuming and should be done after a chart review has been conducted.

Choice D rationale: Requiring completion of a self-paced instruction program might improve staff knowledge, but it should not be the first action taken by the nurse manager.

In conclusion, the nurse manager should first perform a chart review to gather data about the clients who developed urinary tract infections. This will help identify possible factors contributing to the infections and guide the nurse manager in developing targeted interventions to address the issue.