Final answer:
The nurse manager should privately discuss the incident with the nurse who falsified the record. Confronting publicly or ignoring the situation could have negative consequences, and reporting to administration may follow after the initial discussion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate action for the nurse manager in response to being informed that another nurse on the unit falsified information on a client's medication administration record is C) Discuss the incident in private with the nurse who falsified the record. This approach is professional and safeguards the confidentiality of the involved parties while addressing the potential breach of ethics and policy. It also allows for an investigation into the matter without prematurely making assumptions, which may be detrimental to staff morale and the reputation of the nursing staff.
Confronting the nurse publicly could lead to unnecessary conflict and may violate the accused individual's rights. Ignoring the information can compromise patient safety and can lead to a culture of negligence. Immediate reporting to hospital administration may be necessary after the private discussion, especially if the allegations are confirmed, and depending on the severity of the falsification and the policies of the institution regarding such misconduct.
In scenarios similar to the clinical focus provided, where a healthcare worker's actions led to serious consequences such as patients contracting HIV, it is critical to have stringent measures to address unethical conduct. The response should prioritize patient safety, legal compliance, and adherence to professional standards.