The fire alarm goes off while the charge nurse is receiving the shift report. Which action should the charge nurse implement first?

Choice A Reason: This is the best action because it describes the current situation of the client and alerts the family to a possible change in the client's status. The nurse should provide the most relevant and urgent information first using the SBAR communication.

Choice B Reason: This is not the first action because it does not address the current situation of the client. The nurse should verify the client's healthcare power of attorney, but this is not a priority at this time.

Choice C Reason: This is not the first action because it does not explain the cause of the client's confusion. The nurse should review the client's medications and assess for any adverse effects, but this is not a priority at this time.

Choice D Reason: This is not the first action because it provides background information that is not directly related to the current situation of the client. The nurse should give a brief history of the client's admission, but this can be done later.

Choice A Reason: Managed healthcare plans do not pay for any in-hospital medical evaluations is not the best information for the nurse to provide this family. This statement is false and misleading. Managed healthcare plans may cover in-hospital medical evaluations if they are deemed medically necessary and authorized by the plan. The nurse should not discourage the family from seeking appropriate care for their mother based on inaccurate information.

Choice B Reason: Healthcare costs are escalating because clients want to have diagnostic testing conducted in the hospital is not the best information for the nurse to provide this family. This statement is irrelevant and insensitive. Healthcare costs are influenced by many factors, such as technology, inflation, regulation, and demand. The nurse should not blame the clients for wanting to have diagnostic testing done in the hospital, which may be essential for their health and well-being.

Choice C Reason: The client is grieving normally in response to her husband's death and hospitalization is not necessary is not the best information for the nurse to provide this family. This statement is presumptuous and dismissive. Grief is a complex and individual process that may affect people differently. The nurse should not assume that the client's confusion and disorientation are normal signs of grief, which may mask underlying medical conditions that require evaluation and treatment.

Choice D Reason: Managed care providers have mandatory pre-certification requirements for hospitalization is the best information for the nurse to provide this family. This statement is factual and helpful. Pre-certification is a process by which managed care providers review and approve proposed hospital admissions, procedures, or services before they are performed. The nurse should inform the family that they need to obtain pre-certification from their mother's plan before admitting her to the hospital, or they may face denial of coverage or higher out-of-pocket costs.