The night nurse receives a call at 4 AM from the laboratory regarding a client's blood cultures that have tested positive for bacteria. Which action by the nurse is appropriate at this time?

Question

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Critical laboratory results (eg, positive blood cultures, severe electrolyte derangements) require immediate intervention for client safety. The nurse receiving a critical laboratory result should notify the health care provider (HCP) as soon as possible. Hospital organizations have individual policies regarding the time frame for notification of the HCP and HCP response, usually ≤60 minutes. Bacteremia requires timely treatment to prevent further complications (eg, septic shock) (Option A). (Option B) The critical laboratory result should be documented in the client's medical record, but only after immediate communication with the HCP. (Option C) The nurse must make direct contact, either via telephone or in person, when reporting a critical result. A telephone message may not be received promptly, and a critical value requires immediate intervention. (Option D) Even if the HCP usually makes rounds early in the morning, a critical value requires immediate, real-time notification to prevent delay of potentially urgent intervention. Educational objective: Critical laboratory results, such as positive blood cultures, require immediate communication with the health care provider (HCP) and timely intervention for client safety. The nurse must contact the HCP directly as soon as possible to avoid life-threatening complications (eg, septic shock).

The Night Nurse Receives a Call at 4 AM from the Laboratory