What is the first action the charge nurse should take if the assistive personnel has not documented a client's blood glucose level before administering insulin?

The most appropriate first action for the charge nurse is to determine if the assistive personnel (AP) has completed the assignment. This step is crucial because it provides insight into the situation regarding the non-documented blood glucose level. Understanding whether the AP has gathered the necessary data and simply failed to document it, or if they have not performed the blood glucose measurement at all, is essential for ensuring patient safety. By clarifying the situation, the charge nurse can then make informed decisions about the next steps, whether that involves checking the blood glucose level personally, addressing the failure to complete the task with the AP, or taking further action.

In a clinical setting, accurate blood glucose monitoring is critical, especially before administering insulin, to prevent potential complications such as hypoglycemia. Thus, confirming whether the AP has fulfilled their responsibilities ensures that proper care protocols are followed and that the client's safety is prioritized.