A ward has one unplanned staff absence before a shift with several high-dependency patients. Which action should the nurse manager take first?
Correct answer: B. Review patient acuity and arrange safe staff coverage
- A. Ignore the absence and keep the original assignments
- B. Review patient acuity and arrange safe staff coverage
- C. Ask one nurse to care for all high-dependency patients
- D. Cancel all routine documentation for the shift
Explanation
Safe staffing decisions begin with reviewing patient acuity and available staff, then arranging appropriate coverage or escalating the shortage. Assigning one nurse an unsafe workload can threaten patient safety and does not solve the staffing risk.
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About Ward and Unit Management
Ward management covers staffing and duty rosters, patient admission, discharge and transfer, delegation, supplies, equipment, records, reporting and coordination with the healthcare team. It also addresses bed management, infection prevention, emergency organisation and the difference between routine unit administration and direct nursing care.
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