A charge nurse is assessing the room of a newly admitted client who has dysphagia. Which of the following pieces of equipment should the nurse ensure is available in the client's room?

Choice A Reason:
A sufficient supply of personal protective equipment is appropriate. Bioterrorism events can involve the deliberate release of biological agents, such as bacteria, viruses, or toxins, with the intent to cause harm to individuals or populations. In such events, personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical for protecting healthcare workers and first responders from exposure to infectious agents and toxins. Adequate supplies of PPE, including masks, gloves, gowns, and eye protection, are essential to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and to prevent the spread of infection.
Choice B Reason:
A network for communication between staff members and families, is important for coordinating care and providing updates during a disaster, but it is not the highest priority when addressing immediate safety concerns related to a bioterrorism event.
Choice C Reason:
A mental health specialist on the response team, is important for providing support to individuals affected by the disaster, but it is not the highest priority during the initial response phase focused on safety and containment.
Choice D Reason:
A system for tracking client information, is important for maintaining continuity of care and tracking patient outcomes, but it is not the highest priority in the immediate response to a bioterrorism event when protecting healthcare workers and preventing further spread of infection is paramount.

Choice A Reason:
Having the client sign a consent for treatment is not appropriate. In emergency situations where a patient's life or health is in immediate danger, obtaining written consent may not be feasible or appropriate. The priority is to provide necessary medical treatment and stabilize the patient's condition. Consent may be obtained verbally if possible, but it should not delay urgent interventions.
Choice B Reason:
Contacting the client's next of kin to obtain consent for treatment is not appropriate. While it's important to involve the patient's family or next of kin in decision-making when possible, obtaining consent from them in an emergency may not be practical or timely. The focus should be on providing immediate medical care to stabilize the patient.
Choice C Reason:
Notifying risk management before initiating treatment is not appropriate. Risk management concerns are important in healthcare settings, but in emergency situations where a patient's life is at risk, the priority is to provide urgent medical care. Risk management can be addressed after the patient has been stabilized.
Choice D Reason:
Proceeding with treatment without obtaining written consent is appropriate. In emergency situations, healthcare providers have a duty to provide care without delay to stabilize the patient's condition. Written consent may be obtained later if the patient becomes stable or when circumstances allow. The primary focus is on providing necessary medical interventions to address the disorientation and cardiac arrhythmia.