A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse provide care to four clients. Which of the following actions requires intervention by the charge nurse?

Choice A Reason:
Reinforcing the potential consequences of not having advance directives on record is important, but the immediate priority is to ensure that the missing documentation is obtained.
Choice B Reason:
Reminding nurses to obtain advance directive information during the admission process is a proactive approach to preventing future instances of missing documentation. However, the priority now is to address the current gap in documentation for clients already admitted.
Choice C Reason:
Meeting with nursing staff to review the policy regarding advance directives can provide clarification and reinforcement of expectations, but again, the immediate priority is to address the missing documentation for current clients.
Choice D Reason:
Asking nurses who are caring for clients without this information in the medical record to obtain it. The priority action for the nurse manager is to ensure that advance directives, which are critical documents outlining a patient's wishes regarding medical treatment, are obtained for clients who currently lack documentation. This ensures that patients' preferences and choices regarding their care are respected, especially in critical situations.

Choice A Reason:
The client has four new medications is incorrect. While the addition of new medications may require monitoring and adjustment, it does not directly indicate a need for occupational therapy. Medication management is typically addressed by the healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Choice B Reason:
The client has extreme difficulty swallowing is incorrect. This finding suggests dysphagia, which may require intervention from a speech-language pathologist rather than an occupational therapist. Speech-language pathologists specialize in assessing and treating swallowing difficulties.
Choice C Reason:
The client is experiencing dysarthria is incorrect. Dysarthria refers to difficulty in speaking due to weakness or poor coordination of the muscles used for speech. While it may affect communication and daily activities, it is primarily addressed through speech therapy rather than occupational therapy.
Choice D Reason:
The client requires assistance getting dressed is correct. Difficulty with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, and grooming, is within the scope of occupational therapy. Occupational therapists help clients regain independence in activities of daily living through interventions aimed at improving fine motor skills, coordination, and adaptive strategies. Referring the client to an occupational therapist can help address their dressing needs and promote independence in self-care activities.