When a nurse refuses to care for an HIV-positive client, what action should the charge nurse take first?

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Multiple Choice

When a nurse refuses to care for an HIV-positive client, what action should the charge nurse take first?

Explanation:
A nurse must provide care to every patient regardless of infection status, and refusing care based on HIV status goes against professional standards and nondiscrimination principles. The first step for the charge nurse is to address the behavior directly by informing the nurse that refusing to care for an HIV-positive client is not acceptable nursing practice. This immediate correction reinforces expectations, upholds patient rights, and signals that bias has no place in patient care. If the behavior continues, appropriate follow-up actions—such as documenting the rationale and following agency policy—can be taken, but addressing the improper stance right away is the crucial initial move.

A nurse must provide care to every patient regardless of infection status, and refusing care based on HIV status goes against professional standards and nondiscrimination principles. The first step for the charge nurse is to address the behavior directly by informing the nurse that refusing to care for an HIV-positive client is not acceptable nursing practice. This immediate correction reinforces expectations, upholds patient rights, and signals that bias has no place in patient care. If the behavior continues, appropriate follow-up actions—such as documenting the rationale and following agency policy—can be taken, but addressing the improper stance right away is the crucial initial move.

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