A clinical instructor is evaluating a student nurse’s capability to promote patient engagement. Which of the student’s actions indicates a need for further teaching?

Choice A Reason:

Making a copy of the incident report for the provider is not necessary. Incident reports are typically used for internal documentation and risk management purposes. They are not part of the patient’s medical record and should not be shared with the provider in this manner. The provider should be notified of the incident through appropriate channels, but a copy of the report is not required.

Choice B Reason:

Documenting in the chart that an incident report has been filed is inappropriate. The patient’s medical record should contain factual, objective information about the patient’s condition and care. Mentioning that an incident report has been filed can be seen as an admission of liability and is not recommended. The focus should be on documenting the patient’s condition and any care provided as a result of the fall.

Choice C Reason:

Placing the incident report in the client’s chart is incorrect. Incident reports are not part of the patient’s medical record and should be kept separate. They are used for internal purposes to improve patient safety and care processes. Including them in the patient’s chart can lead to legal complications and is against best practices.

Choice D Reason:

Submitting the incident report to the risk manager is the appropriate action. The risk manager is responsible for reviewing incident reports to identify potential risks and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. This process is crucial for maintaining patient safety and improving healthcare quality.

Choice A Reason:

The nurse being discharged after writing a detailed social media post discussing the alleged patient abuse could be seen as a violation of hospital policy regarding social media use and patient confidentiality. While this action might seem retaliatory, it is more likely related to the breach of confidentiality and professional conduct standards.

Choice B Reason:

The nurse being discharged after three unsuccessful attempts at progressive discipline had failed indicates that the termination was due to performance issues rather than retaliation. Progressive discipline is a standard procedure used to address performance or behavior issues, and if the nurse failed to improve, the termination would be justified based on those grounds.

Choice C Reason:

The nurse being fired after formally filing a complaint in writing to hospital administration closely resembles employer retaliation. Filing a formal complaint is a protected activity under whistleblower protection laws, and retaliating against an employee for engaging in such activity is illegal. This scenario fits the definition of retaliation as it directly follows the nurse’s protected action.

Choice D Reason:

The nurse being fired after threatening to give full details of the patient abuse to local media sources could be seen as a breach of confidentiality and professional conduct. While this action might seem retaliatory, it is more likely related to the potential harm to the hospital’s reputation and breach of confidentiality.