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. Filing an event report after a medication error is a professional and responsible action. This behavior promotes transparency and accountability and is often required by healthcare facilities to improve safety and prevent future errors. Generally, filing such a report itself does not carry disciplinary consequences, especially if done in accordance with the facility's policies.
B. This behavior can have serious disciplinary consequences. Humiliating a colleague can create a hostile work environment, which may lead to formal complaints and disciplinary actions against the nurse manager. Such actions violate workplace professionalism and can result in legal repercussions as well.
C. This behavior can also lead to disciplinary action. Condescension and disrespect undermine teamwork and can discourage open communication, which is critical in healthcare settings. This behavior can be reported and may be addressed by management or human resources.
D. Sexual harassment of a patient is a serious offense that can lead to severe legal and disciplinary consequences. It is a violation of ethical and legal standards in healthcare, resulting in potential termination, loss of licensure, and legal action.

A. While LPNs can perform some assessments, the charge nurse should assign this task to an RN. Assessing hydration status requires critical thinking and a comprehensive understanding of the client's overall clinical condition, which typically falls within the RN’s scope of practice.
B. Administering medications, including antibiotics like metronidazole, is within the scope of practice for LPNs. As long as the LPN is competent in administering medications and there are no specific contraindications for the client, this task can be appropriately assigned.
C. This task involves critical thinking and comprehensive analysis of the client's medical history, which is typically conducted by an RN. While LPNs may review aspects of the medical history, the charge nurse should assign more complex evaluations and assessments to RNs.
D. While LPNs can provide some patient education, explaining the rationale behind specific tests, especially in the context of complex infections, typically requires the knowledge and expertise of an RN. This task may involve more detailed clinical reasoning and the ability to address specific questions and concerns that the client or family may have.