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?

"I might have trouble staying on a low-fat diet after my surgery." This statement, while relevant to postoperative care, is not a reason to delay obtaining the signature or notify the provider. The client's ability to adhere to a low-fat diet is a matter for preoperative education and counseling.

"I can resume my normal activities in 1 to 2 weeks." This statement, while reflecting the client's expectations for recovery, is not a reason to delay obtaining the signature or notify the provider. It indicates the client's understanding of the anticipated postoperative timeline.

"I will plan to be in the hospital for 24 hours following my surgery." This statement is incorrect as it relates to the type of surgery being performed (laparoscopic total cholecystectomy). Hospital stays for this procedure are typically shorter, often involving an overnight stay or even less. This discrepancy should be clarified with the provider before obtaining the signature.

"I hope that removing my appendix will make me feel better." This statement is incorrect and indicates a misunderstanding of the procedure. A laparoscopic total cholecystectomy involves the removal of the gallbladder, not the appendix. The nurse should delay obtaining the signature and notify the provider to ensure the client understands the correct procedure and its implications.

A.While it is important to have nonperishable food items, they should generally be checked and rotated every 6 months to a year to ensure they remain within expiration dates and to maintain freshness. Depending on storage conditions, some items may degrade sooner, so this timeframe may be insufficient.

B.In a disaster situation, access to pharmacies may be limited, so having a backup supply of essential nonprescription medications like pain relievers, antacids, and allergy medications is essential. This ensures that individuals have what they need to manage minor health issues without needing immediate access to stores.

C.Current recommendations typically advise having enough supplies for at least 3 days (72 hours) to a week, as this is generally the period required before external help may arrive during a disaster. While gathering supplies for two weeks can be helpful, it may not be feasible for everyone due to storage limitations.

D.The recommended amount of water for emergency situations is 1 gallon (approximately 3.8 liters) per person per day, which accounts for drinking and basic hygiene needs. Two liters would not be sufficient for most people’s daily water needs during an emergency.