A nurse is conducting an in-service for hospice nurses about interventions to reduce the risk for compassion fatigue.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

The correct answer is: A

Choice A reason: Providing the nurse administering medications with an identifying vest can help reduce medication errors by making it easier for other staff and patients to identify the nurse responsible for medication administration. This can minimize interruptions and distractions, which are common causes of medication errors. It also serves as a visual reminder to the nurse of their critical role in medication safety.

Choice B reason: Removing medications from automatic dispensing systems before they are reviewed by pharmacists is not a recommended practice. Pharmacists play a crucial role in reviewing prescriptions for accuracy and potential drug interactions before dispensing. Therefore, medications should remain in the dispensing system until they have been properly reviewed and approved by a pharmacist.

Choice C reason: Waiting to document medications given to clients until the end of a shift is not advisable. Accurate and timely documentation is essential in healthcare, particularly when it comes to medication administration. Documentation should occur as soon as the medication is given to ensure that all healthcare providers have up-to-date information and to prevent errors such as omissions or duplications.

Choice D reason: Preparing medications for multiple clients at the same time increases the risk of errors, such as mix-ups between patients or incorrect dosing. It is best practice to prepare and administer medications for one client at a time, following the ‘five rights’ of medication administration: the right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right route, and the right time.

Choice A rationale:
Quality of practice involves the nurse's competence in providing care to patients and ensuring that the care meets established standards. Violating the quality of practice standard would typically involve issues related to the quality and safety of care provided. In this scenario, the nurse's violation is related to accessing a client's medical record without being involved in their care, which is an ethical breach rather than a violation of the quality of practice standard.
Choice B rationale:
Code of ethics is the standard of professional performance that the nurse is violating. Accessing a client's medical record without being involved in their care is a violation of the ethical principles outlined in the Code of Ethics for Nurses. This action breaches patient confidentiality and privacy, which are fundamental ethical obligations for nurses.
Choice C rationale:
Collaboration involves working effectively with other healthcare professionals to provide optimal patient care. Violations of the collaboration standard would typically involve issues related to teamwork, communication, and interdisciplinary relationships. The scenario described does not pertain to collaboration but rather concerns ethical conduct.
Choice D rationale:
Evidence-based practice refers to the integration of current research evidence into clinical decision-making and patient care. Violations of evidence-based practice would involve not following the latest research and best practices in patient care. In this case, the nurse's violation is related to ethical principles and patient privacy rather than evidence-based practice.