If you forget an item after you started dressing, what is an appropriate action?

• A. Call for nurse only.
• B. Stop dressing and leave resident undressed.
• C. Ignore missing item.
• D. Collect needed item.

Answer: (D)

During dressing, always aim to protect the resident’s privacy, safety, and dignity. If you realize you’ve forgotten a needed item after you’ve started, the best move is to stop briefly and retrieve that item before continuing. This ensures you can complete the task correctly with all required supplies, reduces the risk of exposing the resident or performing the procedure improperly, and keeps the resident covered and comfortable. Jumping ahead without the item or leaving the resident undressed would compromise safety and dignity, while simply calling for someone else isn’t necessary when you can fetch it yourself. Collecting the needed item is the appropriate action.