A nurse is reviewing a client's clinical pathway upon discharge following hip arthroplasty. Which of the following information can assist the nurse in evaluating the cost effectiveness of the care?

The correct answer is choice A: A nurse is photocopying their assigned client's diagnostic test results.

Choice A rationale: The charge nurse should intervene because photocopying a client's diagnostic test results can pose a potential breach of confidentiality and privacy. Unless there is a specific and authorized reason, personal health information should not be copied or removed from the client's medical record.

Choice B rationale: An assistive personnel (AP) documenting a client's vital signs on the client's paper-based graphic record is a routine task and does not require intervention by the charge nurse.

Choice C rationale: The unit secretary faxing a client's laboratory results to the provider is a standard practice for sharing necessary health information with the care team. No intervention is required.

Choice D rationale: An RN staying with a client who is reading their requested medical records is appropriate. Clients have the right to access their own medical records, and the nurse's presence can help address any questions or concerns the client might have while reviewing their records.

Choice A rationale:

Reporting the findings to the hospital ethics committee is not the appropriate action in this scenario. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a clinical issue related to patient care and safety, not an ethical concern. The hospital ethics committee is generally responsible for addressing ethical dilemmas and conflicts.

Choice B rationale:

Alerting central supply is not the correct action in this situation. Central supply typically handles the procurement and distribution of medical supplies, equipment, and materials. While maintaining proper equipment and supplies is important, addressing VAP requires a focus on infection prevention and patient care practices.

Choice C rationale:

Filling out an incident report is not the best course of action for addressing an increase in ventilator-associated pneumonia. Incident reports are typically used to document unexpected events, accidents, or errors that occur in the healthcare setting. However, addressing the rise in VAP involves implementing measures to prevent and control infections, which falls under the purview of the quality improvement team.

Choice D rationale:

The correct action is to notify the quality improvement team. Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a healthcare-associated infection that can lead to serious complications for patients on ventilators. The quality improvement team is responsible for monitoring and improving the quality of patient care, including infection prevention and control. By notifying the quality improvement team, the nurse manager can initiate a comprehensive review of current practices, identify potential areas for improvement, and implement evidence-based interventions to reduce the incidence of VAP.