A nurse on a quality control committee is evaluating the results of recently implemented measures designed to reduce client medication errors. Which of the following methods should the nurse use to evaluate the success of the changes?

Rationale:

A. A young adult client admitted for acute glomerulonephritis following a viral infection does not indicate a mandatory report situation.

B. A dependent adult admitted for the treatment of a spiral fracture suggests potential abuse or neglect. As mandated reporters, nurses are required to report suspicions of abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.

C. A young adult client admitted for asthma and has track marks that may indicate IV drug abuse does not necessarily require mandatory reporting unless there is evidence of abuse or harm that needs to be reported.

D. An emancipated minor who has acute appendicitis and wants to leave the facility without treatment may raise concerns about the minor's capacity to make decisions, but it does not automatically necessitate reporting to an outside agency.

Rationale:

A. “There are no provider's prescriptions available.” This reflects the Situation (current problem), not background.

B. The B (Background) step of SBAR includes relevant clinical history and context that led to the current situation. Explaining how the client was found provides important background information that helps the provider understand the circumstances surrounding the client’s condition.

C. “The client should be seen by a neurologist.” This is part of the Recommendation step, where the nurse suggests actions or next steps.

D. “The client is disoriented. Pupils are slow to respond to light.” This belongs in the Assessment step, as it describes the nurse’s clinical findings.