The newly licensed nurse is assigned a patient needing catheterization and has not performed the procedure before. What is the best action?

• A. Contact the nursing supervisor and explain the procedure will need to be done by another nurse
• B. Review the agency procedure for catheterization and obtain assistance from an experienced nurse
• C. Immediately advise the charge that someone else will need to assume care of this patient
• D. Promptly notify the staff development office that an instructor needs to do this procedure

Answer: (B)

The key idea is seeking proper support and following official policy when you’re faced with a procedure you haven’t performed yet, to keep the patient safe.

Catheterization is an invasive, sterile technique. For a newly licensed nurse, the safest step is to review the agency’s catheterization procedure and obtain assistance from an experienced nurse. This ensures you follow the exact steps, maintain a sterile field, use correct technique, and can promptly address any issues or complications with guidance from someone who has performed the procedure before. It demonstrates responsible practice by using available resources to ensure patient safety and skill competency.

Other approaches delay or bypass the necessary supervision or policy, which can increase risk to the patient and may not provide the required hands-on guidance you need before performing the procedure independently.