The nurse participates in a committee reviewing the hospital security plan regarding infant abduction. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make to the committee?
The nurse participates in a committee reviewing the hospital security plan regarding infant abduction. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make to the committee?
A. Rearrange rooms so that the crib is near the door.
[5%]
B. Carry infants in the hallway instead of using the bassinet.
[10%]
C. Issue staff identification badges without a photo.
[10%]
D. Take photographs of all visitors.
[74%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Maternal & Newborn Health
Lesson
Postpartum
Client Need
Test Plan
Safety & Infection Control
Related Topic
Security Plan
Item Type
Item Type
Knowledge/Comprehension
Explanation
Choice D is correct. Taking photographs of all visitors is a practical security measure to enhance infant safety. It provides a visual record of individuals entering the hospital, making it easier to identify and monitor visitors, especially in areas where infants are cared for. This creates a record of the visitor, and the photograph is helpful if an abduction should occur to help identify the individual.
Choice A is incorrect. Cribs should be located away from doors to prevent rapid abduction.
Choice B is incorrect. Infants should always be transported in the hallway with bassinets and not carried. Carrying an infant in the hallway should raise suspicion as this is not a standard mode of transport.
Choice C is incorrect. Staff identification badges should be unique, contain a recent photo of the employee, and have the ability to be deactivated if it is lost. Issuing staff identification badges without a photo could lead to challenges in quickly and visually verifying the identity of hospital personnel. Including photos on identification badges is a common practice for ensuring the accurate identification of staff members.
Additional Info
✓ Strategies to prevent infant abduction include -
- Annual staff training on prevention strategies
- Robust logging of visitors including photographs
- Staff identification badges that are unique and able to be deactivated if the badge is lost.
- A lockdown plan that is reviewed annually.
- Security cameras positioned in multiple areas.
- High presence of security.
✓ Collaborate closely with hospital security personnel and establish clear communication channels.
✓ According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), there are, on average, approximately 300 infant abductions reported in the United States each year. This statistic encompasses various settings, including hospitals.
