A nurse manager finds that there has been an increase in urinary tract infections on the unit. To address this problem, which of the following actions should the nurse manager take first?

Choice A rationale:

The age of the client might impact the care plan, but it doesn't directly relate to the cost effectiveness of care. Older patients might have different health considerations, but the length of their stay and the services they require play a more significant role in cost evaluation.

Choice B rationale:

While the availability of community support groups can be beneficial for the client's overall well-being and recovery, it doesn't directly contribute to evaluating the cost effectiveness of care. Community support groups are more about psychosocial support than cost.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct choice. The length of the client's stay directly affects the cost of care. Longer stays often involve more resources, medications, treatments, and staff time, leading to higher costs. Shorter and more efficient stays are generally more cost-effective.

Choice D rationale:

The type of insurance the client carries is relevant to the client's financial responsibility for their care, but it doesn't assist in evaluating the overall cost effectiveness of care. The insurance type might affect reimbursement rates, but it doesn't provide a comprehensive picture of cost efficiency.

Choice A rationale:

A podiatrist specializes in foot-related issues. Osteoarthritis primarily affects joints, so referring the client to a podiatrist would not directly address their difficulty in buttoning clothes.

Choice B rationale:

A social worker typically addresses psychosocial needs, including emotional and financial concerns. While important, this role wouldn't directly address the client's physical difficulty with buttoning clothes due to osteoarthritis.

Choice C rationale:

Paramedical technologists are skilled in various diagnostic tests and procedures. However, they are not directly involved in assisting clients with activities of daily living or improving physical function.

Choice D rationale:

An occupational therapist (OT) specializes in helping clients regain and enhance their ability to perform daily activities, such as dressing, grooming, and self-care. For the client with osteoarthritis struggling to button clothes, an OT would assess their physical limitations and provide strategies or adaptive tools to improve independence in these activities.