Which situation requires completion of an incident report in a nursing context?

Completion of an incident report is essential in a nursing context when an unexpected or potentially harmful occurrence takes place, and option B illustrates such a situation. When a nurse discovers a dose of hydromorphone in a client’s bed after the client has reported severe pain, it raises significant concerns about medication safety and administration. This scenario suggests a possible medication error, such as the drug having been misplaced, improperly administered, or possibly misused.

This situation warrants a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the found medication, ensuring that the patient’s safety is prioritized and that any necessary steps can be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future. An incident report documents the details surrounding the event, helps illuminate potential system flaws, and can be vital for quality improvement processes.

In contrast, the other options presented do not represent incidents that need formal reporting. A patient refusing medication is a common occurrence and would typically be recorded in the patient’s chart, but does not necessitate an incident report. Similarly, requesting assistance with daily activities is a routine aspect of patient care and does not indicate an error or safety issue. Discussing a patient's care with another nurse is standard practice and essential for patient safety and continuity of care, again not warranting an incident report.