While caring for a client, the nurse experiences a needle stick injury. Which of the following actions should the nurse cake first?

A. Requiring staff nurses to demonstrate competency by passing a medication administration examination: While competency assessments are essential, initiating this as the first strategy may not address the root causes of medication administration errors. It's important to first understand the specific factors contributing to errors by reviewing the events leading up to each error before implementing competency assessments. This allows for a targeted approach to addressing gaps in knowledge or skills related to medication administration.
B. Providing an in-service on medication administration to all nurses: While education and training are valuable components of error reduction strategies, providing an in-service as the first step may not address the underlying system issues contributing to medication errors. Education should complement other interventions aimed at improving the medication administration process, such as system redesign or standardization of practices.
C. Developing a quality improvement program for nurses involved in medication administration errors: Implementing a quality improvement program for nurses involved in errors is important for learning from mistakes and preventing recurrence. However, developing such a program should be informed by a thorough analysis of the events leading to errors. Without understanding the root causes, it may be challenging to develop effective improvement initiatives.
D. Reviewing the events leading up to each medication administration error: This strategy is the most appropriate initial step. Conducting a detailed review of each error allows the committee to identify patterns, common factors, and system issues contributing to medication errors. By understanding the specific circumstances surrounding each error, the committee can develop targeted interventions to address root causes and prevent future errors. This approach aligns with the principles of continuous quality improvement, focusing on data-driven analysis and proactive problem-solving.

Answer: D

Rationale:

A. "Drink 400 ml every hour until bowel movements are clear": The standard recommendation for PEG is to drink a specific volume, usually 240 ml every 10 to 15 minutes, rather than 400 ml every hour. The goal is to ensure the bowel is adequately cleansed, and this rate is typically more effective in achieving that.

B. "Expect bowel movements to begin 3 hr following completion of solution": Bowel movements often start within an hour or two after starting the PEG solution rather than waiting for 3 hours after finishing it. The timing can vary, but the onset is generally sooner.

C. "To prevent dehydration, drink an additional liter of fluid during preparation time": While it is important to stay hydrated, the specific recommendation for additional fluid intake beyond the PEG solution can vary. Typically, the instructions focus on the volume of PEG solution to drink rather than specifying a set amount of additional fluid.

D. "Abdominal bloating might occur": Abdominal bloating is a common side effect of bowel cleansing preparations like PEG. It can occur due to the large volume of fluid ingested and the rapid movement of the bowel contents, making it a relevant point to include in the instructions.