A nurse is discussing risk factors for child maltreatment with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following examples should the nurse include?

Rationale:

A. Consult with a pharmacist about the medication: Consulting a pharmacist is the most appropriate action when a nurse is unfamiliar with a medication. Pharmacists are knowledgeable about drug indications, dosages, side effects, and interactions, making them a key resource for medication safety.

B. Ask the client about the medication: Clients may have some knowledge about their prescriptions, but they are not reliable sources for professional clinical decisions. Relying on client input when the nurse lacks knowledge could lead to unsafe medication administration.

C. Ask the charge nurse to administer the medication: Delegating the task does not resolve the knowledge gap. The nurse remains responsible for ensuring they understand any medication they are preparing, and should take steps to educate themselves rather than pass the task to another nurse.

D. Complete an incident report: An incident report is only warranted if a medication error or adverse event occurs. Being unfamiliar with a drug and seeking clarification is a preventive measure, not an incident requiring formal reporting.

Rationale:

A. "The client in room 205 has had several visitors today." This is non-essential social information that does not contribute to continuity of care or clinical decision-making. Change-of-shift reports should focus on relevant clinical updates and care plans.

B. "The client in room 204 received some pain medicine earlier today." This statement lacks specificity, such as the type, dosage, time, and client response to the medication. Without detailed clinical context, the information is not useful for ensuring safe, consistent care.

C. "The client in room 205 is scheduled for a dressing change at 1800." This provides specific, actionable information that the oncoming nurse needs to know in order to follow the treatment plan and ensure timely wound care.

D. "The client in room 203 will undergo surgery at 0900 tomorrow." This is essential procedural information that allows the next nurse to prepare the client appropriately and monitor for any pre-op needs, such as NPO status or lab work.

E. "The client in room 204 has a new prescription for IV gentamicin." This communicates a significant change in the client’s medication regimen, which may require monitoring for side effects, such as nephrotoxicity or ototoxicity, making it critical to include in report.