Final answer:
The PIC in a medical institution is tasked with designating a supervisory nurse every shift to handle emergency drug procurement, which is crucial in maintaining patient safety and care, particularly in critical units like the ICU.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a medical institution, the Person in Charge (PIC) has the responsibility, in collaboration with the relevant institutional committee, to appoint a supervisory nurse for each 8-hour shift. This nurse's duties include the procurement of drugs from the pharmacy during emergency situations. For instance, a dedicated ICU Staff Nurse would be an essential asset in managing critical patient care and medication administration, especially considering the potential for emergencies within such a high-stakes environment.
It's critical to have such protocols in place to prevent incidents such as healthcare workers tampering with medications, which can have devastating consequences like the spread of infectious diseases, exemplified by patients contracting HIV after a healthcare worker substituted syringes with painkillers. Moreover, a nurse under direct supervision can ensure the delivery of specialized treatments like dialysis while monitoring vital signs and maintaining sterile conditions.