Nursing Safety and Infection Control Related

Review Nursing Safety and Infection Control related questions and content

A hospitalized client is found lying on the floor next to the bed. Once the client is cared for, the nurse completes an incident report. Which written statements exemplify correct documentation on the report? Select all that apply.

  • A. The client fell out of bed.
  • B. No bruises or injuries are noted on the client.
  • C. The client apparently climbed over the side rails when the nurse was out of the room.
  • D. The health care provider was notified that the client was found lying on the floor next to the bed.
  • E. The client is alert and oriented and stated that he needed to 'go to the bathroom and didn't want to bother the nurse.'
  • F. Vital signs are temperature: 98.6°F (37°C); pulse 78 beats per minute and regular; respirations 16 breaths per minute and regular; blood pressure 188/78 mm Hg.
Correct Answer: B,D,E,F

Rationale: An incident report is a tool used by health care facilities to document situations that have caused harm or have the potential to cause harm to clients, employees, or visitors. The nurse who identifies the situation initiates the report. The report identifies the people involved in the incident, including witnesses; describes the event; and records the date, time, location, factual findings, actions taken, and any other relevant information. The primary health care provider is notified of the incident and completes the report after examining the client. Documentation on the report should always be as factual as possible and needs to avoid accusations. Because the client was found lying on the floor, it is unknown whether the client actually fell out of bed. Additionally, the nurse does not know that the client climbed over the side rails when the nurse was out of the room.