A nurse is caring for a client who has an implanted venous access port.

Which of the following should the nurse use to access the port?

The correct first action for the charge nurse to take in response to an increase in facility-acquired catheter infections is toidentify possible precipitating factors related to the infections. This is because understanding the root cause of the problem is crucial before implementing any changes or interventions. By identifying the factors contributing to the increase in infections, the nurse can then develop targeted strategies to address these specific issues.

Now, let’s discuss why the other options are not the first actions to take:

1. Schedule nursing staff training for infection control procedures: While training is important, it should be based on identified needs. Without first understanding the precipitating factors of the increased infections, the training may not address the actual issues at hand.

2. Meet with providers to discuss measures to decrease the infections: This could be a subsequent step after identifying the precipitating factors. Meeting with providers without concrete data or understanding of the problem may lead to ineffective solutions.

3. Revise the current policy for catheter care: Policy revision should be based on evidence and identified needs. It would be premature to revise policies without first understanding what factors are contributing to the increase in infections.

In summary, the first step in addressing a problem is always to understand its causes. Only then can effective solutions be developed and implemented.

Encourage collaboration between the two nurses when making the assignments. This is because collaboration is one of the most effective conflict-resolution strategies in nursing, as it involves finding a mutually beneficial solution that satisfies both parties and improves the quality of care. Collaboration can also foster trust, respect, and teamwork among nurses, which can boost morale and efficiency.

Choice B is wrong because telling the nurses that the assignments will be more equitable in the future does not address the root cause of the conflict or involve the nurses in the decision-making process.

It also implies that the charge nurse admits to being unfair, which can damage their credibility and authority.

Choice C is wrong because asking each nurse to take turns making the assignments does not resolve the conflict, but rather avoids it. Avoidance is one of the least effective conflict management strategies in nursing, as it results in not addressing the issue or finding a common ground.

Avoidance can also lead to resentment, frustration, and poor communication among nurses.

Choice D is wrong because arranging for the nurses to have as few shifts together as possible also does not resolve the conflict, but rather accommodates it. Accommodation is another ineffective conflict management strategy in nursing, as it involves giving in to one party’s demands or preferences at the expense of another’s.

Accommodation can also create a sense of inequality, injustice, and dissatisfaction among nurses.

Normal ranges for conflict-resolution strategies in nursing are not applicable, as different situations may require different approaches.

However, some general guidelines are to use collaboration when both parties have important goals or interests, compromise when both parties have some common ground or willingness to give up something, competition when one party has a clear advantage or authority, avoidance when the conflict is trivial or temporary, and accommodation when one party values harmony or relationships more than their own goals or interests.