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 strategy should be initiated first because it allows the committee to identify root causes of errors and understand contributing factors. By analyzing the events leading up to each error, the committee can pinpoint system weaknesses, communication breakdowns, or training gaps that may have led to the errors. This information is crucial for developing targeted interventions to prevent future errors. A: Providing an inservice on medication administration to all nurses may be beneficial, but without understanding the specific causes of errors, the inservice may not address the underlying issues that need to be corrected. B: Requiring staff nurses to demonstrate competency through an examination is important, but it is more effective as a follow-up step once the root causes of errors have been identified and addressed. D: Developing a quality improvement program for nurses involved in errors is important, but it is more effective after understanding the specific issues that need to be addressed through reviewing the events leading up to errors

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the RN from the maternal-newborn unit would have experience in postoperative care and would be familiar with the care needs of a client one-day postoperative following a total abdominal hysterectomy. This assignment aligns with the nurse's skill set and background, ensuring safe and competent care delivery. Choice A is incorrect because a client with terminal end-stage renal disease would require specialized care typically provided by nurses with nephrology experience. Choice B is incorrect as acute pancreatitis management often requires specific interventions and monitoring that may not be within the RN's expertise from a maternal-newborn unit. Choice D is also incorrect as a client who had a stroke may require neurological assessments and interventions that the RN may not be prepared to provide.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Answer A is correct as it demonstrates assertiveness by acknowledging the concern raised and seeking clarification in a non-defensive manner. By expressing openness to feedback and asking for more information, the nurse shows a willingness to address the issue constructively. This approach promotes communication and collaboration in resolving the situation. Answer B is incorrect as it responds defensively and shifts the focus to criticizing the accuser rather than addressing the concern raised. Answer C is incorrect as it does not address the issue at hand and does not demonstrate assertiveness in seeking to understand the specific concerns raised. Answer D is incorrect as it assumes a defensive stance and implies a personal attack, which is not conducive to resolving the issue professionally.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should assess the client with severe respiratory stridor and a deviated trachea first because this indicates a compromised airway, which is the priority in emergency situations. Airway compromise can quickly lead to respiratory distress and potentially respiratory failure. Assessing and managing the airway takes precedence over other injuries to ensure the client's ability to breathe. The other choices, such as open fracture, head injury with seizures, and a small burn, while important, do not pose an immediate threat to the client's airway and can be addressed after ensuring airway patency.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B. The client's blood pressure and pulse have been fluctuating throughout the day. Rationale: 1. Fluctuating vital signs indicate instability and require close monitoring by a licensed nurse. 2. This situation necessitates continuous assessment and potential intervention by the nurse. 3. Assigning tasks to an assistive personnel may not ensure adequate monitoring and timely intervention. 4. The other choices do not directly indicate the need for total care by the nurse.