The nurse is entering prescriptions for lab work in a client's electronic medical record (EMR) when the system locks up and does not restart. Which action should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: Printing electronic medical record (EMR) from backup server is not the best action to take first. It may not be possible or feasible to access the backup server if the system is down. It may also delay the communication and delivery of the prescriptions to the lab.

Choice B reason: Notifying information services department of the situation is the best action to take first. It alerts the experts who can troubleshoot and fix the problem as soon as possible. It also allows the nurse to obtain guidance on how to proceed with the documentation and prescriptions.

Choice C reason: Identifying information as late entry in the record is a relevant action to take, but not the first one. It ensures the accuracy and completeness of the EMR, but it does not address the immediate issue of the system failure. The nurse may not be able to enter the information until the system is restored.

Choice D reason: Waiting for notification that the system has been rebooted is not a proactive action to take first. It may waste valuable time and compromise the client's care. The nurse should not assume that the system will be rebooted automatically or quickly.

Choice A reason: Giving positive feedback to the PN and documenting the skill competency is not the appropriate action to take. The PN did not demonstrate proper sterile technique, as he touched the outside of the sterile glove package and the sterile sponges with his bare hands, contaminating them.

Choice B reason: Explaining to the PN that the sterile sponges are not needed for the procedure is not the relevant action to take. The PN may have been following the instructions of the healthcare provider, who may have requested the sponges for the procedure. The issue is not the need for the sponges, but the way the PN handled them.

Choice C reason: Reminding the PN to wash his hands before applying the sterile gloves is not the sufficient action to take. Washing the hands is an important step in maintaining infection control, but it does not correct the mistake the PN made by touching the sterile items with his bare hands.

Choice D reason: Asking the PN to remove the gloves and sponges and start over with a new set is the best action to take. It ensures that the PN follows the correct sterile technique and does not compromise the safety of the client or the procedure. It also provides an opportunity for the charge nurse to teach the PN how to avoid contamination.