What should a nurse do if they find a frayed electrical cord on a feeding pump?

When a nurse discovers a frayed electrical cord on a feeding pump, the appropriate action is to notify the clinical engineer. This is crucial because the integrity of electrical equipment is vital for patient safety. A frayed electrical cord poses a risk of electrical shock or equipment malfunction, which can compromise patient care.

Notifying the clinical engineer ensures that a qualified professional can assess the situation, repair or replace the damaged equipment, and determine if there are any broader concerns regarding safety for that type of equipment. This action aligns with the principle of maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff, as well as adhering to protocols for equipment maintenance and safety reporting.

This response emphasizes the importance of collaboration and following established channels for addressing equipment issues, rather than attempting a potentially unsafe fix or continuing to use defective equipment. Proper documentation and incident reporting can occur afterward, but the immediate priority must be ensuring safety and notifying the right personnel who can effectively resolve the issue.