A nurse is researching data about best practice for reducing medication errors on a surgical unit. Which of the following steps of evidence based practice (EBP) is the nurse taking?

Explanation:

A. Material safety data sheets:

Material safety data sheets (MSDS) are documents that provide information about the properties of chemicals and substances, including hazards, handling, storage, and emergency procedures. While MSDS are crucial for ensuring safe handling of materials, they primarily focus on chemical safety and may not provide detailed guidance on specimen collection protocols. Therefore, while MSDS are essential references for safety, they are not the primary source for revising specimen collection protocols.

B. Evidence-based practice:

Evidence-based practice (EBP) involves integrating the best available evidence from research studies, clinical expertise, and patient values and preferences to make informed decisions about patient care. For revising protocols, nurses should rely heavily on evidence-based guidelines and research literature related to specimen collection techniques, safety measures, accuracy, and quality assurance. EBP ensures that protocols are based on the latest scientific evidence, leading to improved patient outcomes and quality of care.

C. Client medical records:

Client medical records contain detailed information about individual patients, including their medical history, diagnoses, treatments, and laboratory results. While medical records are valuable for understanding specific patient needs and conditions, they are not typically used as primary sources for developing or revising unit-wide protocols. However, reviewing medical records may provide insights into specific challenges or issues related to specimen collection for certain patients.

D. Facility policy and procedures:

Facility policy and procedures manuals outline the organization's guidelines, protocols, and standards of practice for various aspects of patient care, including specimen collection. Nurses should refer to facility policies and procedures to understand existing protocols, safety measures, documentation requirements, and quality control processes related to specimen collection. While facility policies are important references, they may need to be updated based on current evidence and best practices, which is where evidence-based practice comes into play.

Explanation:

A. Nonmaleficence: This ethical principle emphasizes the duty of healthcare professionals to avoid causing harm to patients. It involves refraining from actions that could potentially harm the patient, whether physical, emotional, psychological, or social. Nonmaleficence is about acting in a way that promotes the well-being and safety of patients and avoiding actions that could result in harm or injury.

B. Fidelity: Fidelity pertains to the faithfulness, loyalty, and honoring of commitments and promises made to patients. It involves maintaining trust and being truthful in interactions with patients.

C. Beneficence: Beneficence involves the obligation to do good and promote the well-being of patients. It includes actions aimed at benefiting patients, such as providing effective treatments, interventions, and support to improve their health outcomes and quality of life.

D. Justice: Justice relates to fairness and equality in healthcare. It involves the fair distribution of resources, allocation of care, and treatment decisions without discrimination or bias, ensuring that all patients receive equitable care based on their needs and circumstances.