A head nurse of an intensive care unit wants to ensure that the staff are...

Ensuring that staff perform Basic Life Support (BLS) according to the latest American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines involves several strategies, but performing regular mock drills is the best approach.

Reviewing the BLS Policy Periodically: While this is important, it alone does not ensure that staff are up-to-date or proficient in BLS techniques.

Performing Regular Mocks on BLS in the Unit: Regular mock drills provide hands-on practice and allow staff to apply the latest guidelines in a simulated environment. This helps in retaining skills and identifying any gaps in knowledge or performance.

Sending Staff to Renew BLS Certification Every Three Years: Certification renewal is necessary, but practical skills can degrade over time if not regularly practiced.

Monitoring the Staff Performing BLS During the Actual Scene: This is reactive rather than proactive and does not provide an opportunity for practice and improvement without the pressure of a real-life situation.

References:

American Heart Association (AHA): Guidelines for CPR and ECC

National Institutes of Health (NIH): Effective Training Strategies in Healthcare