A nurse is providing a client with IV fluids and finds that the IV pump screen is malfunctioning. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

An incident report is a formal document used to report any unexpected or adverse events that occur during patient care. In this case, the administration of an incorrect dosage is an incident that should be documented in the incident report. The incident report serves as a record of the event and helps to ensure that appropriate follow-up actions are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. It is important to note that an incident report is not part of the client's permanent medical record and is kept separate from other documentation.

The provider's progress notes, nursing care plan, and controlled substance inventory record are not appropriate locations to document this specific incident. The provider's progress notes are typically used to document the client's medical history, examination findings, treatment plans, and progress. The nursing care plan is a document that outlines the client's nursing diagnoses, goals, and interventions. The controlled substance inventory record is used to track and document the dispensing and administration of controlled substances, but it does not typically include incident reporting.

This situation involves a medication error that could potentially harm the client, and it should be reported through an incident report.

The following examples may not require an incident report:

A nurse discovers that a client's family member has administered a PCA dose. PCA (Patient-Controlled Analgesia) is a method of pain management that allows the client to self-administer pain medication within predetermined limits. If a family member administers the PCA dose without proper authorization or understanding, it is a safety concern that should be reported.

A nurse observes a client vomiting after receiving an oral pain medication. While this situation should be assessed and managed appropriately, it does not necessarily warrant an incident report unless there are additional factors or complications involved.

A nurse observes another nurse remove wrist restraints one at a time from a client who is currently calm. This situation may raise concerns regarding proper restraint removal techniques or potential safety issues, but it does not inherently indicate an immediate need for an incident report. However, if the nurse's actions were contrary to policy or posed a risk to the client's safety, it should be reported.