Before leaving a patient in the bathtub, what important safety measure should the nurse take?

Ensuring patient safety during bathing is critical, and showing the patient how to use the call signal is an essential precautionary step. By demonstrating the call signal's use, the nurse empowers the patient to summon assistance if needed, reducing the risk of accidents or mishaps while they are alone in the bathtub. This measure fosters a sense of security and independence for the patient, knowing they can call for help if they encounter any difficulties.

Other options may seem relevant, but they do not directly address the immediate safety of the patient while they are in the bathtub. For example, placing an "Occupied" sign on the door does not aid the patient directly and could potentially hinder others from providing assistance in an emergency. Checking the cleanliness of the room is important for infection control but does not specifically relate to the immediate safety of the bathing process. Similarly, while removing unneeded supplies could prevent clutter, it is not as critical as ensuring the patient has a means to call for help if necessary.