A nurse manager observes an assistive personnel incorrectly transferring a client to the bedside commode. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

a. "You must choose a member of your family to serve as your health care proxy":

This response is not accurate. While family members are often chosen as healthcare proxies, the client is not required to select a family member. The most important consideration is choosing someone who understands the client's healthcare wishes and is willing and able to advocate for them. The nurse should emphasize the importance of selecting a trusted individual, whether they are a family member or not.

b. "A health care proxy can make decisions for you when you are unable to do so":

This response is accurate. A healthcare proxy is a legal document that allows an individual to appoint someone else to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so due to illness or incapacity. The nurse should explain the role of a healthcare proxy in advocating for the client's wishes and ensuring that their healthcare preferences are honored.

c. "You should appoint a health care proxy before undergoing an invasive procedure":

While it is advisable for clients to have advance directives, including a healthcare proxy, in place before undergoing any medical procedure, this response does not fully address the client's question. The timing of appointing a healthcare proxy should not be limited to specific medical procedures but should be based on the client's readiness to make such decisions and their recognition of the importance of having a designated advocate for their healthcare needs.

d. "It is necessary for an attorney to approve your health care proxy":

This response is not accurate. While it may be helpful to seek legal advice when creating advance directives, including a healthcare proxy, it is not a requirement for an attorney to approve the document. The client can typically complete a healthcare proxy form themselves, following the legal requirements of their jurisdiction. However, consulting with an attorney can provide additional guidance and ensure that the document is properly executed.

a. Help the AP assist the client with the transfer.

While it is important to instruct the AP to seek assistance when unsure, this does not immediately address the safety of the client during the current incorrect transfer.

b. Demonstrate the proper client transfer technique to the AP.

Demonstrating the proper technique is an important step, but it should come after ensuring the immediate safety of the client. This can be done once the client is safely transferred.

c. Instruct the AP to request assistance when unsure about a task.

Correct. The nurse's first priority should be the safety of the client. By immediately assisting the AP with the transfer, the nurse ensures the client's safety and prevents potential injury.

d. Refer the AP to the facility procedure manual.

Referring the AP to the procedure manual is important for future reference, but it does not address the immediate risk to the client. This action can be taken after ensuring the client's safety and demonstrating the correct technique.