A nurse is discussing the process of evidence-based practice (EBP). Which of the following sources should the nurse identify as being examples of credible sources of information? (Select All that Apply.)

Explanation:

A. Battery: Battery refers to intentional harmful or offensive touching without consent. In the context of healthcare, it usually involves physical contact or procedures performed without the patient's consent. An inadvertent medication error, even if it causes harm, does not typically constitute battery unless there was an intentional act of administering the wrong medication against the patient's will.

B. Assault: Assault is the threat of harmful or offensive contact. It involves creating a reasonable apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact in the patient's mind. An inadvertent medication error, while it may cause harm, does not typically constitute assault unless there was an intentional threat of harm made to the patient.

C. Abuse: Abuse involves the intentional mistreatment or harm of another person. An inadvertent medication error is not considered abuse unless there was an intentional act to harm the patient.

D. Malpractice: Malpractice refers to professional negligence or failure to provide the standard of care expected in a particular profession, such as nursing. In the scenario described, the inadvertent medication error resulting in a severe allergic reaction and prolonging the client's hospitalization could be considered a case of malpractice. The nurse failed to meet the standard of care expected in administering medications safely, leading to harm to the patient.

Explanation:

A. Material safety data sheets:

Material safety data sheets (MSDS) are documents that provide information about the properties of chemicals and substances, including hazards, handling, storage, and emergency procedures. While MSDS are crucial for ensuring safe handling of materials, they primarily focus on chemical safety and may not provide detailed guidance on specimen collection protocols. Therefore, while MSDS are essential references for safety, they are not the primary source for revising specimen collection protocols.

B. Evidence-based practice:

Evidence-based practice (EBP) involves integrating the best available evidence from research studies, clinical expertise, and patient values and preferences to make informed decisions about patient care. For revising protocols, nurses should rely heavily on evidence-based guidelines and research literature related to specimen collection techniques, safety measures, accuracy, and quality assurance. EBP ensures that protocols are based on the latest scientific evidence, leading to improved patient outcomes and quality of care.

C. Client medical records:

Client medical records contain detailed information about individual patients, including their medical history, diagnoses, treatments, and laboratory results. While medical records are valuable for understanding specific patient needs and conditions, they are not typically used as primary sources for developing or revising unit-wide protocols. However, reviewing medical records may provide insights into specific challenges or issues related to specimen collection for certain patients.

D. Facility policy and procedures:

Facility policy and procedures manuals outline the organization's guidelines, protocols, and standards of practice for various aspects of patient care, including specimen collection. Nurses should refer to facility policies and procedures to understand existing protocols, safety measures, documentation requirements, and quality control processes related to specimen collection. While facility policies are important references, they may need to be updated based on current evidence and best practices, which is where evidence-based practice comes into play.