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. Report the fire details to the facility emergency extension:

While reporting the fire details is important, activating the fire alarm takes precedence. The alarm initiates a quicker and broader response to the emergency.

B. Close the door to the client's room:

Closing the door may be a subsequent action to contain smoke and fire, but it is not the immediate priority. Activating the fire alarm ensures a faster response and is crucial for alerting others.

C. Activate the fire alarm.

Activating the fire alarm is the most immediate action to take in the event of a fire. The fire alarm alerts others in the facility, including staff and emergency services, about the potential danger. This rapid notification initiates the emergency response, ensuring a quick and coordinated effort to address the fire situation and safeguard everyone in the vicinity.

D. Turn off electrical equipment:

Turning off electrical equipment is a valid action to prevent further hazards, but it is not the immediate priority. Activating the fire alarm comes first to ensure the safety of everyone in the facility.

A. "Maybe you should wait to have the procedure."

This response may come across as directive and could potentially influence the client's decision. It does not encourage the client to express their feelings or concerns but suggests a specific course of action.

B. "This is a common feeling for clients to have before the procedure."

While it's true that many clients may experience conflicted feelings before undergoing certain procedures, this response is somewhat dismissive. It does not invite the client to explore their specific concerns and may not address the individual nature of the client's feelings.

C. Share more with me about your concerns related to the procedure.

This response encourages the client to express their concerns and provides an opportunity for the nurse to understand the specific issues causing the conflict. It demonstrates empathy and openness, fostering a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. By inviting the client to share more, the nurse can gain insight into the client's emotional and psychological concerns about the tubal ligation.

D. "Why are you concerned about the procedure?"

While this question is an attempt to understand the client's concerns, it may be perceived as too direct or confrontational. The wording might make the client feel defensive or pressured to justify their feelings. The more open-ended phrasing in option C is generally more conducive to therapeutic communication.