A nurse manager has received information from the facility's risk management department that a former client is pursuing a lawsuit. The nurse manager should anticipate a deposition will be required during which phase of the legal process?

Rationale:

A. A client who is 3 days postoperative following a craniotomy requires careful monitoring due to potential complications from brain surgery, so vital signs should be taken by a nurse.

B. A client who is 3 days postoperative following gastric bypass surgery is stable enough for an AP to obtain vital signs, as the risk of immediate postoperative complications is lower compared to more recent surgeries.

C. A client who is 2 hr postoperative following an abdominal hysterectomy requires close monitoring due to the recent surgery, so vital signs should be obtained by a nurse.

D. A client who is 1 hr postoperative following a thyroidectomy requires vigilant monitoring for potential complications from recent surgery, which should be done by a nurse.

Rationale:

A. Verbally questioning the staff does not effectively assess hands-on competency with the equipment.

B. Reading the procedure and signing a form does not ensure that the staff can actually use the equipment correctly.

C. A written examination tests knowledge but not practical skills.

D. Demonstrating proficiency ensures that staff can correctly operate the equipment in a practical setting, which is the most effective way to evaluate competency.