A home health nurse is preparing to make an initial visit to a family following a referral from a local provider. Identify the sequence of steps the nurse should take when conducting a home visit. (Move the steps into the box on the right, placing them in the order of performance. Use all the steps.)

A. Patient-centered care: This competency focuses on respecting client preferences, values, and needs while involving them in care decisions. Completing an incident report does not directly address individualized client care.

B. Evidence-based practice: Evidence-based practice involves integrating the best current research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. Documenting an incident report is not based on reviewing or applying research evidence.

C. Informatics: Informatics involves using information technology to communicate, manage knowledge, and support decision-making. While an incident report may use electronic systems, the primary purpose is not focused on informatics competency.

D. Quality improvement: Completing an incident report identifies errors, near misses, or adverse events, which helps the healthcare team analyze processes and implement changes to improve patient safety. This reflects the quality improvement competency by contributing to safer care systems.

Rationale for correct choices:

• Skin feels cool to the touch: Cool skin indicates poor peripheral perfusion, which can signal early hypovolemic shock in a child with burns. Prompt assessment and interventions, such as fluid resuscitation, are necessary.
• Capillary refill 3 seconds in left foot: Delayed capillary refill reflects compromised circulation and decreased tissue perfusion. Early recognition and intervention help prevent progression to shock.
• Blood pressure 102/50 mm Hg: Mild hypotension combined with tachycardia, cool skin, and delayed capillary refill suggests early hypovolemic shock, a life-threatening complication requiring immediate attention.
• Temperature 35.8° C (96.4° F): Hypothermia can occur due to heat loss from burn injuries, increasing the risk for coagulopathy, impaired wound healing, and further hemodynamic instability.
• Output of 25 mL dark amber urine through catheter: Low and concentrated urine output indicates possible dehydration or reduced renal perfusion, which can progress to acute kidney injury if not addressed urgently.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Respiratory rate 20/min: Although slightly decreased from admission, this is within a near-normal range for an 8-year-old and not immediately concerning. Continuous monitoring is appropriate, but it is not an urgent priority compared with perfusion and hemodynamic indicators.
• Dressing on left hand shows small amount of moisture through gauze: Minor moisture in the dressing may reflect mild wound exudate, which requires routine monitoring and dressing changes. It does not indicate an immediate life-threatening risk.