Only one nurse was scheduled to care for 12 postsurgical patients with a nursing assistant.The nurse is concerned for the safety of the patients and the nursing license.What is the most appropriate first step in this situation?

A) Contacting the nursing supervisor and documenting the action
B) Refusing to care for the patients without appropriate help and leaving
C) Contacting the State Board of Nursing and documenting the action
D) Contacting the hospital administrator on call to complain and documenting the action

If a nurse is assigned to care for more patients than is reasonable for safe care,he or she should notify the nursing supervisor.If the nurse is required to accept the assignment,he or she must document this information in writing and provide the document to nursing administrators.Although documentation does not relieve a nurse of responsibility if patients suffer harm because of inattention,it shows that the nurse attempted to act appropriately.Refusing to care for the patients without appropriate help and leaving could be regarded as abandonment.Complaining to the administrator is not the first step,nor is calling the Board of Nursing.