A charge nurse making rounds observes that an assistive personnel has applied wrist restraints to a client who is agitated and does not have a prescription for restraints. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. Nurses are permitted to share a client’s information with family members only if the client grants permission. This aligns with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and ensures the client’s right to privacy and confidentiality is upheld.

B.While nurses play a critical role in client education, it is the provider’s responsibility to explain treatment options, including risks, benefits, and alternatives. Nurses can reinforce this information and answer questions but are not the primary party responsible for obtaining informed consent.

C.Restraints must never be applied on a "PRN" (as needed) basis. They require a specific, time-limited order from a provider, and their use must be justified and continually reassessed. This ensures that client rights and safety are maintained.

D.Participation in a research study requires informed consent from the client. Administering medications without consent is a violation of the client’s rights and ethical standards, even in research settings.

a. Alert the infection control department:

While the infection control department plays a role in ensuring proper infection prevention practices, directly alerting them may not be the most immediate action to take. The charge nurse should first address the issue internally before escalating it to other departments.

b. Discuss the issue with the AP:

This is the most appropriate initial action to take. Speaking directly with the assistive personnel allows the charge nurse to clarify the correct protocol, provide education or retraining if necessary, and address any misunderstandings or lapses in adherence to facility policies.

c. Reinforce facility protocols at the next staff meeting:

While reinforcing facility protocols is important, waiting until the next staff meeting may not address the immediate concern of the observed failure to follow protocol. Direct communication with the individual involved is more effective for addressing the specific incident in a timely manner.

d. Notify the unit manager about the incident:

Notifying the unit manager about the incident may be necessary if the issue persists or if further action is required beyond the initial discussion with the assistive personnel. However, it may not be the first step to take when addressing an isolated incident.