A newly licensed nurse realizes that she administered metoprolol 25 mg PO to the wrong client. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?

Choice A reason: This is the correct response by the nurse. The nurse should respect the client's right to privacy and confidentiality and not disclose any information about the client's treatment plan without the client's consent. The nurse should also inform the adult child that they can ask their mother for permission to access her medical records.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct response by the nurse. The nurse should not ask the adult child what they want to know about the client's treatment, as this implies that the nurse is willing to share the information without the client's consent. The nurse should only answer the questions that the client has authorized the nurse to answer.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct response by the nurse. The nurse should not tell the adult child to speak directly to their mother about her treatment, as this may put pressure on the client to reveal information that she may not want to share. The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and decision-making regarding her treatment plan.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct response by the nurse. The nurse should not ask the client's primary care provider to speak with the adult child, as this may violate the client's privacy and confidentiality. The nurse should only involve the primary care provider if the client has given consent or if there is a legal or ethical obligation to do so.

Choice A reason: This is not the correct choice because requesting orientation to the medical-surgical unit is not the first action the nurse should take. Orientation is a process that takes time and planning, and it may not be feasible or necessary for a temporary assignment. The nurse should first ensure that they are competent to perform the tasks and procedures required on the medical-surgical unit.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because referring to the assigned resource nurse regarding client assignments is not the first action the nurse should take. The resource nurse is a person who can provide guidance and support to the nurse during the shift, but they are not responsible for determining the nurse's competencies or assigning clients. The nurse should first communicate with the charge nurse, who is the leader of the unit and has the authority to assign clients according to the nurse's skills and experience.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because informing the nursing supervisor of the lack of experience on the medical-surgical unit is not the first action the nurse should take. The nursing supervisor is a person who can oversee the staffing and operations of the nursing units, but they are not directly involved in the clinical care of the clients or the education of the staff. The nurse should first consult with the charge nurse, who can assess the nurse's competencies and provide appropriate resources and education.

Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because clarifying competencies with the medical-surgical charge nurse is the first action the nurse should take. The charge nurse is a person who can evaluate the nurse's skills and knowledge, assign clients according to the nurse's level of expertise, and provide orientation and training as needed. The nurse should be honest and proactive in communicating their competencies and learning needs to the charge nurse.