A nurse is serving on a continuous quality improvement (CQI) committee that has been assigned to develop a program to reduce the number of medication administration errors following a sentinel event at the facility. Which of the following strategies should the committee plan to initiate first?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Review the events leading up to each medication administration error. This is the first step the committee should plan to initiate because it is crucial to understand the root causes of the errors. By reviewing the events, the committee can identify system failures, communication breakdowns, or other contributing factors leading to medication errors. This information is essential for developing targeted interventions to prevent future errors. Choice A (Provide an inservice on medication administration to all the nurses) is not the best initial strategy because simply providing education may not address the underlying issues that contribute to errors. Choice B (Require staff nurses to demonstrate competency by passing a medication administration examination) is important but should come after understanding the root causes of errors to ensure that the examination is effective in preventing future errors. Choice D (Develop a quality improvement program for nurses involved in medication administration errors) is a reactive approach and should be implemented after identifying the causes of errors to provide appropriate support and training for those involved.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: - The nurse should assess the client's sacrum for edema as it requires nursing assessment skills. - Administering an enema and assisting a client to cough and deep breathe are within the scope of the AP's duties. - Application of antiembolic stockings can also be delegated to the AP, as it is a task requiring basic nursing skills. - Therefore, the nurse should plan to perform the task of assessing a client's sacrum for edema.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the client asking about his PCA pump containing morphine. This client should be cared for first because the PCA pump is delivering a potent medication that requires close monitoring to prevent adverse effects. The nurse needs to assess the client's pain level, pump settings, and any signs of overdose or underdose. This situation requires immediate attention to ensure the client's safety. Choice A is incorrect because a client needing assistance with a bath can typically wait and does not pose an immediate risk to their health or safety. Choice B is incorrect as a client requesting a referral for home health services is important but can be addressed after the client with the PCA pump. Choice D is also incorrect because a client with questions about a new prescription can typically wait as long as it is not urgent.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Provide a clear description of the task to the AP. This is essential to ensure the task is understood and completed accurately. Assessing the AP's ability to follow a teaching plan (A) is not relevant to task delegation. Determining social skills (B) and evaluating ability to work with peers (C) are also not directly related to task delegation. Providing clear instructions (D) is crucial for effective delegation and ensuring the task is performed correctly.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because according to HIPAA regulations, a client's medical records are confidential and can only be shared with the client's permission. The nurse should inform the family member that the client must provide permission to access the medical records. A: Asking the nursing supervisor to obtain the medical records is not appropriate as it bypasses the client's right to privacy. B: The health care provider cannot share the information without the client's consent. C: Involving the ethics committee is unnecessary and does not address the issue of the client's permission. In summary, choice D is correct as it upholds the client's right to privacy and follows legal and ethical guidelines. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not consider the client's autonomy and confidentiality.