A nurse is completing an incident report after a client fall. Which of the following competencies of Quality and Safety Education for Nurses is the nurse demonstrating?

Rationale for correct choices:

• Obtain IV access: The client has hypotension (BP 90/50 mm Hg), tachycardia (HR 118/min), and significant anemia (Hgb 9.1 g/dL, Hct 27%), all of which suggest possible active gastrointestinal bleeding. Establishing IV access is a priority to allow rapid fluid resuscitation or blood product administration as needed.
• Prepare for a blood transfusion: Given the positive hemoccult stool, anemia, and vital sign changes, the client may require a blood transfusion to restore hemodynamic stability and oxygen-carrying capacity. Preparing for transfusion ensures timely intervention in case of worsening blood loss.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Call the surgical suite to notify that the client is arriving STAT: While the client is scheduled for endoscopy, immediate stabilization takes priority over notifying the surgical suite. The client’s hemodynamic status must be addressed first to prevent deterioration.
• Recheck the client's oxygen saturation: The client’s oxygen saturation is 98% on room air, which is within normal limits. Rechecking is not immediately necessary and does not address the urgent need for stabilization.
• Place the client in a supine position with feet elevated: Although elevating the feet can help improve perfusion temporarily, it does not treat the underlying anemia or hypotension and is less urgent than establishing IV access and preparing for transfusion.
• Offer oral fluids: Oral intake is contraindicated in a client at risk for endoscopy and possible GI bleeding. Fluids could increase the risk of aspiration and do not address hemodynamic instability.
• Administer PRN antacids: Antacids may provide minor symptom relief but do not treat active blood loss or stabilize the client before endoscopy.
• Document vital signs: Documentation is important but secondary to immediate interventions that address the client’s hypotension and potential hemorrhage.

Rationale:

A. How to change the tracheostomy dressing using clean technique: Tracheostomy dressings should be changed using sterile technique, not clean technique, to prevent infection and protect the airway. Teaching clean technique would be inappropriate.

B. How to operate the portable suction machine: Suctioning is a critical skill for maintaining airway patency and preventing respiratory complications. Teaching the partner how to operate the suction machine ensures they can assist safely at home if needed.

C. How to change the nondisposable tracheostomy tube daily: Nondisposable tracheostomy tubes are not typically changed daily; frequent changes can damage the stoma or airway. Tube changes are usually performed by trained healthcare personnel.

D. How to secure the tracheostomy tube with ties at the back of the neck: Ties should be secured in a way that avoids pressure or friction on the back of the neck, typically fastening at the sides. Focusing on back-of-neck placement could lead to skin breakdown or discomfort.