Which action should a charge nurse take when preparing for a surge of clients with Ebola virus disease (EVD)?

Implementing visitor restrictions is a critical action for a charge nurse preparing for a surge of clients with Ebola virus disease (EVD). This disease is highly infectious, and controlling access to the facility helps to minimize potential exposure to both the virus and the healthcare environment. By limiting visitors, the risk of transmission is reduced, protecting both patients and healthcare personnel. This approach ensures that only essential individuals are present to care for the patients, thus controlling the spread of infection and maintaining a safer environment for both staff and patients.

The other actions suggested are not suitable in this context. Reusable equipment would pose a risk due to the possibility of cross-contamination, unrestricted access for non-essential staff would increase exposure risk, and providing only basic personal protective equipment (PPE) would not be adequate given the nature of Ebola virus transmission, which requires comprehensive and specialized protective measures.