The nurse is performing tracheostomy care for a client when a code blue is called for another client on the unit who experiences a cardiopulmonary arrest. Which action should the nurse take?

A. Simply finishing the procedure without arranging help ignores the emergency situation occurring on the unit. The nurse should ensure appropriate coverage. B. Closing the room door may help maintain privacy but does not address the urgent situation occurring elsewhere in the unit. C. Leaving during tracheostomy care could result in airway obstruction or contamination of a sterile field, placing the current client at serious risk. D. The nurse is currently performing tracheostomy care, which involves maintaining a patent airway, a critical, life-sustaining intervention. According to priority and delegation principles, a nurse should not leave a client during an invasive or sterile airway procedure, the client receiving tracheostomy care is at risk for airway compromise if the nurse leaves mid-procedure. The safest action is to call for an assistant (another nurse or staff member) to respond to the code blue while the nurse safely completes the current airway procedure. This ensures the current client’s airway is protected (ABCs — airway is highest priority). The code team still receives support.