A charge nurse is concerned about a recent increase in facility-acquired catheter infections. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. Identify possible precipitating factors related to the infections: The first step in addressing an increase in infections is to determine the underlying causes, which guides appropriate interventions. B. Revise the current policy for catheter care: Incorrect. Revising policies may be necessary, but it should occur after identifying contributing factors. C. Meet with providers to discuss measures to decrease the infections: Incorrect. While collaboration is important, it is not the first step. D. Schedule nursing staff training for infection control procedures: Incorrect. Staff training is essential but should follow identification of the factors contributing to the infections.