The busy emergency department at a hospital has experienced a sharp increase in negative outcomes among clients with heart conditions in the past month. Which of the following actions should the nursing staff take to improve client outcomes?

A. Disinfecting equipment is a routine infection control measure that UAPs can perform after receiving proper training on the protocol. This activity does not require clinical judgment and falls within the
UAP’s responsibilities.
B. While UAPs may assist in educating visitors about hand hygiene, the demonstration of correct hand washing techniques is typically a nursing responsibility. Nurses are trained to provide this education effectively and ensure that the information is conveyed appropriately, especially since it may involve assessing visitors’ understanding.
C. This task requires clinical judgment and assessment skills, which are within the nursing scope of practice. Nurses need to evaluate this information in the context of the client’s overall health and care plan, making it inappropriate for delegation to UAP.
D. Screening for symptoms involves assessment and interpretation, which require a nursing level of knowledge and clinical judgment. While UAPs may collect basic data or report observations, actively screening clients for specific symptoms should be performed by a nurse.

A. This action exemplifies nursing advocacy. Ensuring that a client has given informed consent means that the nurse is making sure the patient understands their treatment options, the risks involved, and the potential benefits.
B. While sharing experiences can be helpful, influencing a client’s decision based on the nurse's own experiences can compromise the client’s autonomy. Advocacy means supporting the patient in making their own informed choices rather than directing them toward a specific decision.
C. Discussing a client’s medical treatment with someone who is not part of the healthcare team or not authorized to receive that information violates patient confidentiality and privacy rights. Advocacy includes respecting the client’s right to privacy and not disclosing information without consent.
D. While nurses can provide education and information about treatment options, recommending specific surgical or treatment options is generally outside the scope of nursing practice. Advocacy involves helping clients understand their options and supporting them in their decisions, not directing them toward specific interventions.