As the nurse manager on a rehab unit, you are asked to come to the tub room immediately because two nursing assistants are having a loud disagreement in front of a client. You ask the nursing assistants to meet you outside and, after ensuring that a third nursing assistant is able to care for the client, you speak with the two nursing assistants. Which of the following would you ask first?

Choice A reason: While promoting teamwork among healthcare providers is important, it is not the primary reason for maintaining a low nurse-to-patient ratio. Teamwork is a byproduct of adequate staffing, which allows nurses to collaborate effectively.

Choice B reason: Increasing adverse events is the opposite of what a low nurse-to-patient ratio aims to achieve. Research shows that higher nurse-to-patient ratios are associated with increased adverse events.

Choice C reason: A low nurse-to-patient ratio does not contribute to the duplication of services. Instead, it ensures that nurses can provide adequate attention and care to each patient, which can reduce the need for redundant services.

Choice D reason: Nursing research has validated that a low nurse-to-patient ratio improves client outcomes. Studies have shown that lower ratios are associated with reduced mortality, medication errors, ulcers, restraint use, infections, pneumonia, and improved intervention times.

Choice A reason: Clyde is at risk because he fails to disclose the use of an herbal supplement, which could interact with his prescribed anticoagulant medication. It's important for healthcare providers to have a complete understanding of all substances a patient is taking to avoid adverse drug interactions.

Choice B reason: Claude is at risk because he does not understand the medical procedure he is about to undergo. Informed consent is a critical component of healthcare, and misunderstanding the nature of a procedure can lead to unexpected outcomes and dissatisfaction with care.

Choice C reason: Sarah is at risk because she accepts medical advice without understanding it. This can lead to misuse of medications or failure to follow treatment plans, which can compromise the effectiveness of care and potentially lead to harm.

Choice D reason: George is not considered at risk because he is proactive about his healthcare. He keeps detailed records and actively seeks to understand his treatment, which is indicative of an active healthcare consumer.