A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new colostomy.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take when demonstrating how to change the ostomy appliance?

Choice A rationale:

Identifying possible precipitating factors related to the infections is the first step in addressing the issue of increased catheter infections. Understanding the potential causes, such as poor catheter insertion techniques, inadequate hygiene practices, or contaminated equipment, can help the nurse pinpoint the areas that need improvement. By identifying these factors, the nurse can implement targeted interventions to prevent future infections.

Choice B rationale:

Meeting with providers to discuss measures to decrease infections is a valid step, but it should come after identifying the specific factors contributing to the infections. Without a clear understanding of the root causes, the discussion with providers may lack focus and may not lead to effective solutions.

Choice C rationale:

Revising the current policy for catheter care can be considered after identifying the precipitating factors. Policy revision should be based on evidence-based practices and a thorough understanding of the issues contributing to the infections. Simply revising the policy without addressing the underlying causes may not lead to significant improvements.

Choice D rationale:

Scheduling nursing staff training for infection control procedures is an important step in preventing infections, but it should also follow the identification of specific issues related to the catheter infections. Training programs can be tailored to address the identified problems and provide targeted education to the staff members involved.

Choice A rationale:

Checking the medical record for prior blood glucose test results is a task that can be delegated to the assistive personnel (AP). It provides relevant information for the nurse to assess the client's current condition. However, it is not the most crucial step in ensuring the safe performance of the blood glucose test.

Choice B rationale:

Asking the client if she has taken her antidiabetic medication today is important, but this task is better suited for the nurse, as it requires accurate communication with the client about their medication history and adherence. Delegating this task to the AP may lead to potential misunderstandings or errors in the information provided.

Choice C rationale:

The nurse should determine if the AP has the necessary skills and competence to perform the blood glucose test. Delegating tasks based on the competency of the staff member ensures the safety and well-being of the client. If the AP is not skilled in performing the test, the nurse should assign the task to someone else or perform the test personally.

Choice D rationale:

The nurse should not directly perform the blood glucose test if it can be safely delegated to the AP. Delegating appropriate tasks to competent staff members allows nurses to focus on more complex aspects of client care and ensures efficient use of resources within the healthcare team.