A nurse manager observes an assistive personnel (AP) incorrectly transferring a client to the bedside commode. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Instruct the AP to request assistance when unsure about a task.
B. Demonstrate the proper client transfer technique for the AP.
C. Help the AP assist the client with the transfer.
D. Refer the AP to the facility procedure manual.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. Help the AP assist the client with the transfer.
When the nurse manager observes the assistive personnel (AP) incorrectly transferring a client, the immediate priority is the safety and well-being of the client. Helping the AP complete the transfer safely at that moment is essential to prevent injury to both the client and the AP. Since transferring clients involves physical handling, any error in technique can increase the risk of falls, strain, or injury. By assisting the AP with the task, the nurse manager ensures that the client is safely transferred without delay.
Once the immediate safety concern is addressed, the nurse can then proceed with teaching and corrective actions. This includes providing instruction on the correct transfer technique (option B), encouraging the AP to seek assistance when uncertain (option A), and directing them to review the facility’s procedure manual (option D). However, addressing these concerns first would delay the assistance needed at the moment, which could put the client at risk.
By helping the AP perform the transfer correctly, the nurse not only ensures the client’s safety but also uses the opportunity to model the correct behavior. This real-time demonstration can be a powerful learning tool for the AP. After the situation is safely managed, the nurse can follow up with additional instruction and review of relevant protocols, ensuring that the AP understands the correct procedure and feels confident to ask for help when needed.
The nurse manager’s role is not only to supervise but also to mentor and ensure that the care provided by the team is safe and effective, aligning with facility protocols and maintaining the well-being of clients.