A nurse in an emergency department is assisting with the care of a client who is unconscious and has trauma to multiple systems following a motor vehicle crash. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: This statement is correct because the nurse should use objective terminology when documenting the occurrence. Objective terminology means using factual, unbiased, and verifiable information, such as the date, time, location, witnesses, and events of the occurrence. The nurse should avoid using subjective, opinionated, or judgmental language, such as blaming, criticizing, or speculating about the occurrence.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect because the nurse should not wait at least 12 hours to report the occurrence. The nurse should report the occurrence as soon as possible, preferably within an hour of the incident. The nurse should also notify the appropriate personnel, such as the charge nurse, the provider, and the risk manager. Delaying the report may compromise the client's safety and wellbeing, and the accuracy and completeness of the documentation.
Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect because the nurse should not omit the name of the individuals involved in the occurrence. The nurse should include the name of the client, the staff, and any other relevant parties, such as family members or visitors. The nurse should also document the role and actions of each individual, and their response to the occurrence. Omitting the name of the individuals may affect the accountability and follow-up of the occurrence.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect because the nurse should not document completion of the report in the client’s medical record. The nurse should document the occurrence report separately from the client’s medical record, and follow the facility's policy and procedure for filing and storing the report. The nurse should also document the occurrence in the client’s medical record, but only the facts and the nursing actions, not the details or the existence of the report. Documenting completion of the report in the client’s medical record may expose the facility to legal liability or litigation.

Choice A reason: The reservoir is the environment or habitat where the infectious agent lives and multiplies. The client's mouth is not a reservoir, but rather a part of the susceptible host. The reservoir for hepatitis A is usually the feces of an infected person.

Choice B reason: The susceptible host is the person who is at risk of getting the infection. The client's mouth is not a susceptible host, but rather a part of the susceptible host. The susceptibility to hepatitis A depends on factors such as age, immunity, hygiene, and exposure.

Choice C reason: The portal of entry is the opening or route through which the infectious agent enters the susceptible host. The client's mouth is a portal of entry, as it is where the contaminated food entered the client's body and caused the infection. Hepatitis A is transmitted through the fecaloral route, meaning that the virus is ingested from contact with objects, food, or water contaminated by the feces of an infected person.

Choice D reason: The infectious agent is the microorganism that causes the infection. The client's mouth is not an infectious agent, but rather a portal of entry for the infectious agent. The infectious agent for hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver and causes inflammation, jaundice, and fever.