The practical nurse (PN) notices that one of the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) working in the long- term care facility consistently records subnormal temperatures when using a tympanic thermometer. Which action should the PN take first?

b) Observe how UAP obtains temperatures - Correct Answer This is the first action the PN should take when noticing that the UAP consistently records subnormal temperatures when using a tympanic thermometer. Observing how the UAP obtains temperatures will help the PN identify any errors or problems with the technique, equipment, or documentation. The PN can then provide feedback and guidance to the UAP to ensure accurate and reliable temperature measurements. a) Demonstrate how to use the equipment. This is not the first action the PN should take when noticing that the UAP consistently records subnormal temperatures when using a tympanic thermometer. Demonstrating how to use the equipment may be helpful, but it should be done after observing how the UAP obtains temperatures and determining the cause of the discrepancy. c) Show UAP how to chart temperatures. This is not the first action the PN should take when noticing that the UAP consistently records subnormal temperatures when using a tympanic thermometer. Showing UAP how to chart temperatures may be necessary, but it should be done after observing how the UAP obtains temperatures and verifying the accuracy of the data. d) Return the thermometer for recalibration. This is not the first action the PN should take when noticing that the UAP consistently records subnormal temperatures when using a tympanic thermometer. Returning the thermometer for recalibration may be required, but it should be done after observing how the UAP obtains temperatures and ruling out any human or environmental factors that may affect the readings.