When asked to perform a procedure that the nurse has never done before, what should the nurse do to legally protect himself or herself?
a. Go ahead and do it
b. Refuse to perform it, citing lack of knowledge
c. Discuss it with the charge nurse, asking for direction
d. Ask another nurse who has performed the procedure
ANS: C
The nurse cannot use ignorance as an excuse for nonperformance. The nurse should ask for direction from the charge nurse, explaining she has never performed the procedure independently.
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