The nursing staff on the surgical unit complains to the manager that they do not have enough time to complete all wound care and dressing changes.What is the manager's most appropriate action to take?

A) Decrease the patient-to-nurse ratio within budget limits
B) Offer an in-service session on time-management strategies
C) Suggest a continuing quality improvement committee to assess the issue
D) Report the complaints to the director of nurses at the next management meeting

The most appropriate action by the nurse manager is to assess the issue through establishing some quality improvement/quality care activities.There may be a need to look at nurse-patient ratios and there may be a need to provide an in-service session on time management.However,these are not known until some assessment is completed and data are obtained.Totally Quality Management (TQM)or Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)projects assist in looking at all aspects of quality and safe care practices.Reporting the complaint to the director of nurses may be indicated,but this will not immediately address the concerns of the staff.