While a nurse is caring for a client who is receiving mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube, the high-pressure alarm on the ventilator sounds.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Documenting the client's vital signs obtained by an assistive personnel is correct. Documenting vital signs is fundamental and immediate requirement when admitting a client to ensure their current health status is accurately captured and can be monitored effectively.

Choice B rationale:

Charting a summary of the data at the change of the shift is incorrect. While it's essential to provide an update at shift change, this option suggests summarizing the data, which might not include all necessary details. Comprehensive documentation is crucial for continuity of care and accurate communication among healthcare providers. Documenting specific vital signs, assessments, interventions, and the client's response to those interventions is necessary for effective patient care.

Choice C rationale:

Noting whether the client has a living will is incorrect. While it's essential to be aware of a client's advanced directives, this information is typically gathered during the admission process or during routine assessments. It is not the immediate action to be taken upon admission. Vital signs and other immediate clinical data take precedence during the initial documentation process.

Choice D rationale:

Beginning charting with an evaluation of the data is incorrect. It is important to document objective data, such as vital signs, observations, and assessments, before making any evaluations or interpretations. Objective data provide the basis for clinical decisions and interventions. Starting with evaluations might lead to biased documentation, potentially overlooking important clinical findings.

Ask the partner to list specific concerns.

• A. Evaluate the changes the partner requests: This is incorrect because it is not the first action to take. The charge nurse should first listen to and acknowledge the partner's complaints before evaluating any changes or solutions.
• B. Review the client's plan of care: This is incorrect because it is not the first action to take. The charge nurse should first understand what aspects of care are unsatisfactory for the partner and why they feel that way.
• C. Analyze other reports of poor care to look for trends: This is incorrect because it is not relevant to this situation. The charge nurse should focus on addressing this specific case of dissatisfaction rather than looking for general patterns or issues.
• D. Ask the partner to list specific concerns: This is correct because it shows respect and empathy for the partner and allows for clarification and communication of their expectations and needs. It also helps identify any gaps or misunderstandings in the client's care and facilitates problem-solving and resolution.