A nurse is assisting with implementing new actions designed to reduce medication errors on her unit. Which of the following should the nurse use to measure the effectiveness of these actions?

Explanation:

A. The child was brought to the facility 30 minutes after the injury occurred:

The timing of seeking medical attention alone may not necessarily indicate abuse. However, if there are inconsistencies in the reported mechanism of injury or if there is a delay in seeking medical care without a valid explanation, it can raise suspicion and warrant further investigation.

B. The parents report that the child injured herself by falling off the couch:

While falls are common causes of fractures in toddlers, spiral fractures are more commonly associated with twisting or torsional forces, which can raise concerns about non-accidental trauma. If the reported mechanism of injury does not align with the type of fracture or if there are inconsistencies in the history provided, it may indicate potential abuse.

C. The child begins to cry when her arm is examined by the provider:

It is common for children to cry or show discomfort during a physical examination, especially if they are in pain or feeling anxious. While this finding alone may not indicate abuse, it is essential to assess the child's behavior, pain response, and overall presentation for any additional signs or patterns of abuse.

D. The child's examination shows a single injury:

The presence of a single injury does not necessarily rule out abuse. Abusive injuries can be single or multiple, and the absence of other injuries does not negate the possibility of abuse. It is crucial to consider the context, history, and clinical findings comprehensively when evaluating for abuse.

Explanation:

A. "There are 4 rights of delegation."

This statement is not entirely accurate. Delegation involves several principles, including the right task, right circumstances, right person, right direction/communication, and right supervision/evaluation. Therefore, simply stating "4 rights" does not fully encompass the principles of delegation.

B. “The nurse manager is responsible for delegating nursing tasks during each shift."

This statement is incorrect. While the nurse manager may have oversight and authority regarding delegation policies and procedures, it is typically the responsibility of the delegating nurse (the one assigning tasks) to delegate appropriate tasks to qualified individuals based on their competency and scope of practice.

C. "It is the duty of the delegatee to perform a task without asking questions when it is delegated."

This statement is not accurate and could lead to misunderstandings or errors. Effective delegation involves clear communication, which includes the opportunity for the delegatee to ask questions if they are unsure about any aspect of the delegated task. Encouraging questions helps ensure that the task is understood and performed safely and appropriately.

D. “I am responsible for ensuring that a delegated task is completed."

This statement demonstrates understanding of delegation principles. The delegating nurse (the one assigning tasks) is indeed responsible for ensuring that delegated tasks are appropriate, communicated effectively, and completed according to established standards. This includes providing necessary guidance, supervision, and follow-up to ensure task completion and quality of care.