A registered nurse (RN) is assigned to care for six patients during a shift, including a patient with complex needs requiring intensive monitoring. The RN begins to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about their ability to adequately meet the needs of all patients. What is the most appropriate action for the RN to take?
Prioritize care for the most complex patient and address the others later.
Refuse the assignment and ask to be reassigned fewer patients.
Continue with the assignments but document concerns about the workload.
Request assistance or guidance from another nurse or the charge nurse.
The correct response is to ask another nurse or the charge nurse for assistance or guidance. Recognizing personal limitations is a key aspect of safe and ethical nursing practice. When a nurse feels they cannot safely provide care to all assigned patients due to workload or complexity, seeking help ensures patient safety and prevents errors. Delegating tasks to other qualified staff members under supervision is a responsible way to manage the workload. Ignoring the situation or attempting to manage without help can lead to unsafe outcomes for patients.
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