A nurse on a medical surgical unit is caring for a group of clients with the assistance of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and an assistive personnel. Which of the following tasks should the nurse assign to the LPN?

Choice A Reason:
Reinforcing the potential consequences of not having advance directives on record is important, but the immediate priority is to ensure that the missing documentation is obtained.
Choice B Reason:
Reminding nurses to obtain advance directive information during the admission process is a proactive approach to preventing future instances of missing documentation. However, the priority now is to address the current gap in documentation for clients already admitted.
Choice C Reason:
Meeting with nursing staff to review the policy regarding advance directives can provide clarification and reinforcement of expectations, but again, the immediate priority is to address the missing documentation for current clients.
Choice D Reason:
Asking nurses who are caring for clients without this information in the medical record to obtain it. The priority action for the nurse manager is to ensure that advance directives, which are critical documents outlining a patient's wishes regarding medical treatment, are obtained for clients who currently lack documentation. This ensures that patients' preferences and choices regarding their care are respected, especially in critical situations.

Choice A Reason:
Fidelity is inappropriate. Fidelity refers to the obligation to fulfill commitments and responsibilities. While important in maintaining trust and professional relationships, fidelity may not directly apply to the situation described.
Choice B Reason:
Nonmaleficence is inappropriate. Nonmaleficence is the principle of doing no harm. In this situation, ensuring the safety and well-being of the client is paramount, and failing to use a gait belt could potentially lead to harm. However, the primary issue in this scenario is the accuracy and completeness of the incident report rather than the act of causing harm.
Choice C Reason:
Beneficence is inappropriate. Beneficence is the principle of doing good and acting in the best interest of the client. While ensuring the use of a gait belt aligns with promoting the client's safety and well-being, the primary concern in this scenario is the integrity and honesty in reporting the incident accurately.
Choice D Reason:
Veracity is appropriate. Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty. In this situation, the charge nurse should ensure that the incident report accurately reflects the circumstances of the fall, including the absence of the gait belt. Being truthful and transparent in reporting incidents is essential for maintaining trust, promoting accountability, and improving patient safety.