Final answer:
The nurse should use incident reporting to manage the complication from adverse effects of a new medication. This tool ensures detailed documentation which aids in addressing the incident and improving patient care.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing adverse effects after receiving a new medication, the most appropriate communication tool for managing this complication is b) Incident reporting. Incident reporting is an essential process in healthcare that involves documenting any unforeseen events that adversely affect patient care. It's a structured way to communicate the details of the incident, ensuring that all relevant staff are informed and can respond accordingly. The nurse would fill out an incident report form, describing the adverse effects observed, the medication and dosage administered, and any other pertinent information. This helps with tracking medication errors and improving patient safety.
In contrast, a critical pathway is used for planning and communication in the management of patient care for specific diagnoses or procedures over a designated period. The SBAR framework (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) is a structured method of communication that allows healthcare professionals to share patient information in a clear, concise way, typically used in handoffs or brief updates. Lastly, a root cause analysis is undertaken after the fact to identify the underlying causes of an incident and is more investigative and corrective in nature, rather than a method of immediate communication about the incident itself.