A nurse is attending a quality improvement meeting. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first when initiating a quality improvement program to address health care-associated infections?

A) Sublingual medication is crushed and administered through a client's gastrostomy tube: This scenario represents a violation of the client's right to refuse treatment or medication. Administering medication through a route other than the one prescribed without the client's consent is inappropriate and can result in harm or adverse effects.

B) Finger nail marks appear on a client's wrist after a radial pulse was taken: This scenario indicates a violation of the client's right to be free from abuse. Evidence of physical harm, such as finger nail marks, suggests that the client may have been handled roughly or experienced unnecessary force during the procedure, which is unacceptable.

C) Pain medication is administered 1 hr before a client has a dressing change: While administering pain medication slightly ahead of a painful procedure may be appropriate to provide optimal pain relief, it does not inherently violate the client's rights if it aligns with the client's pain management plan and preferences. Therefore, this scenario does not represent a clear violation of client rights.

D) The same indwelling urinary catheter is reinserted after a failed attempt: Reinserting the same urinary catheter after a failed attempt could represent a violation of the client's right to safe care and freedom from unnecessary discomfort. Repeated attempts at catheter insertion without clinical justification increase the risk of infection and discomfort for the client.

E) Medications scheduled four times a day are administered 2 hr after the scheduled time: Administering medications significantly late violates the client's right to receive care in a timely manner. Delayed medication administration can affect treatment efficacy and compromise the client's well-being, especially for medications with strict dosing schedules.

A. "My attorney will need to notarize the document."

This statement indicates a misunderstanding of advance directives. Notarization by an attorney is not a requirement for advance directives. While legal advice may be helpful in completing advance directive documents, notarization by an attorney is not necessary for their validity.

B. "I have to choose a member of my family to be my health care surrogate."

This statement is incorrect. While a family member can serve as a health care surrogate if chosen by the individual, there is no requirement to select a family member. The individual can choose any competent adult to act as their health care surrogate, regardless of familial relationship.

C. "Once the form is notarized, it cannot be changed."

This statement is incorrect. Advance directive documents can be changed or revoked at any time by the individual as long as they are of sound mind and able to make decisions. Notarization does not prevent changes or revisions to the document.

D. "My health care surrogate can decide my treatment if I am unable to."

Correct. This statement demonstrates an understanding of advance directives. A health care surrogate, also known as a health care proxy or durable power of attorney for health care, is a person chosen by an individual to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. This includes decisions about medical treatment, procedures, and end-of-life care.