A night shift nurse delegates an unfair share of tasks to the assistive personnel (AP). Additionally, nurses from the day shift report that the night shift nurse frequently leaves many tasks uncompleted. When confronting the night shift nurse, which of the following statements made by the charge nurse is most appropriate?

Choice A Reason:

Medication costs are a significant part of healthcare expenses, and managing these costs can contribute to overall savings. However, nurse managers typically have limited control over medication pricing and procurement, which are often handled by pharmacy departments and higher-level administration. While they can influence medication usage and waste reduction, their impact on overall cost reduction through medication management is less direct compared to staffing.

Choice B Reason:

Fixed costs, such as building maintenance, utilities, and equipment depreciation, are essential to consider in budget management. However, these costs are generally less flexible and harder to adjust in the short term. Nurse managers have limited influence over these expenses, as they are often predetermined by long-term contracts and organizational policies. Therefore, focusing on fixed costs may not yield significant immediate cost reductions.

Choice C Reason:

Staffing is the area where nurse managers can have the most significant influence on cost reduction. Effective staffing management involves optimizing nurse-to-patient ratios, reducing overtime, and ensuring that staffing levels align with patient care needs. By managing staffing efficiently, nurse managers can control labor costs, which are one of the largest expenses in healthcare. Additionally, appropriate staffing levels can improve patient outcomes and reduce turnover, further contributing to cost savings.

Choice D Reason:

Supplies are another area where nurse managers can influence cost reduction. By monitoring inventory, reducing waste, and negotiating with suppliers, nurse managers can help control supply costs. However, while managing supplies is important, the potential savings are generally smaller compared to the impact of effective staffing management.

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.