Final answer:
When an assistive personnel (AP) refuses to take a specimen to the laboratory, the nurse should first ask the AP about her concerns. Understanding the AP’s reasons is crucial before deciding on further actions such as reporting to the charge nurse or filling out an incident report.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an assistive personnel (AP) refuses to take a specimen to the laboratory, the appropriate action for the nurse should be to first address the issue directly with the AP. According to best practices in healthcare communication and nursing responsibilities, the nurse should ask the AP about her concerns with the assignment before jumping to any conclusions or escalating the situation. This approach promotes a healthy work environment and ensures that the AP’s reasons for refusal are understood and, if necessary, addressed appropriately. If the conversation reveals that the AP’s concerns are valid, the nurse can take the necessary steps to resolve the issue. If there is no justifiable reason for the refusal, or if the refusal continues, the nurse may then appropriately report the situation to the charge nurse or complete an incident report, keeping in mind patient safety and the facility’s policies on staff conduct.