Question

The novice nurse is assigned to provide care for a client who requires the insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter. The novice nurse tells the charge nurse, "I have only performed this procedure on one other client." Which is the best action by the charge nurse?

A. Tell the novice nurse to observe the procedure while a seasoned nurse implements it.
B. Instruct the novice nurse to review the written guidelines for the procedure.
C. Discuss the procedure with the novice nurse and supervise its implementation.
D. Ask the novice nurse to explain the procedure and then independently implement it.

Answer 1

The charge nurse should choose to discuss the procedure with the novice nurse and supervise its implementation to ensure both patient safety and nurse education. The best action by the charge nurse in this situation is C. Discuss the procedure with the novice nurse and supervise its implementation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best action by the charge nurse in this situation is C. Discuss the procedure with the novice nurse and supervise its implementation. This recommendation aligns with ensuring patient safety by providing direct supervision and offers an opportunity for hands-on learning under professional guidance. The approach not only adheres to medical protocols that advocate for safe practices but also enables the novice nurse to develop confidence and competence in performing clinical procedures such as the insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter.

It is crucial for medical professionals to adhere to a checklist and protocol to ensure patient safety and high standards of patient care. Using a checklist provides a clear framework for both the novice and experienced nurses to follow. This method has been proven to significantly reduce the chances of skipping essential steps and thus minimizes the risk of complications or infections during procedures.