A new mother on the postpartum unit runs out of the room screaming that her newborn infant's crib is empty and the baby is missing.

Which action should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale:

Assessment of tobacco use geared toward adolescents. Rationale: While assessing tobacco use is essential for promoting health in adolescents, the question is about developing a class about mental health and addressing the increase in suicides in the community. Assessing tobacco use is not directly related to this topic. Stress self-management techniques are more relevant.

Choice B rationale:

Exploration of stress self-management techniques. Rationale: This is the correct answer. Addressing stress and teaching adolescents self-management techniques is crucial in the context of mental health promotion and suicide prevention. Adolescents often face stressors, and providing them with effective strategies to manage stress can contribute to their overall well-being.

Choice C rationale:

Video with statistics showing trends in suicide rates. Rationale: While providing statistics about suicide rates can be informative, it may not be the most engaging or effective method for teaching adolescents about mental health and stress management. Interactive activities and skill-building exercises are often more beneficial.

Choice D rationale:

Handouts for local substance abuse treatment centers. Rationale: Providing handouts for substance abuse treatment centers

The correct answer is Choice C: Assign the remainder of medication administration to another PN who is performing treatments.

Choice A rationale: Denying the medication aide's request to leave before all medications are given does not address the issue at hand and could potentially jeopardize patient care. It is important to acknowledge the medication aide's request and find an appropriate solution that ensures patient safety and well-being.

Choice B rationale: Delegating medication administration to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who may not have the necessary training or authorization could lead to medication errors, adverse drug reactions, or other negative outcomes. It is essential to adhere to the scope of practice guidelines and facility policies when assigning tasks to UAPs.

Choice C rationale: Reassigning the medication administration to another PN with the necessary qualifications and training ensures that patients receive their medications in a safe and timely manner. This action aligns with the practical nurse's responsibility to supervise and delegate tasks appropriately, maintaining patient safety and upholding the standards of care.

Choice D rationale: Documenting why medications were not given to each resident is an important aspect of maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient records. However, it does not address the immediate need to administer medications to residents, and it is not a substitute for ensuring that patients receive their prescribed treatments. Documentation should be completed after the appropriate steps have been taken to administer medications or arrange for an alternative solution.