A charge nurse in a long-term care facility notices the smell of alcohol on a nurse's breath. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Document objective findings about the situation.
Assign clients to the remaining staff.
Call the supervisor to ask for another nurse.
Remove the nurse from the client care area.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Document objective findings about the situation is incorrect. While documentation is important, it should not be the first action when the charge nurse suspects a colleague is under the influence of alcohol. Patient safety takes precedence, and immediate action to remove the nurse from patient care is necessary to prevent potential harm.
Choice B Reason;
Assigning clients to the remaining staff is incorrect. Assigning clients to other staff members is an appropriate step but should come after the nurse under suspicion has been removed from patient care to ensure their safety. Patient safety is the primary concern.
Choice C Reason:
Calling the supervisor to ask for another nurse is incorrect. Contacting the supervisor is a reasonable action, but it should be done after the immediate safety concern has been addressed by removing the nurse from patient care. This allows the supervisor to be informed of the situation and take appropriate action.
Choice D Reason:
Removing the nurse from the client care area is correct.When a charge nurse detects the smell of alcohol on a nurse's breath, the first and most immediate action should be to remove the nurse from the client care area to ensure patient safety. Alcohol impairment can severely compromise a nurse's ability to provide safe and effective care. Once the nurse is removed from patient care, further actions, such as documenting objective findings and contacting the supervisor, can be taken to address the situation and ensure appropriate follow-up, including any necessary interventions or investigations. Patient safety should always be the top priority in such situations.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Reducing physical activity is not a recommended approach to avoid panic attacks. Regular physical activity and exercise can be beneficial in managing anxiety and panic.
Choice B Reason:
Expecting each panic attack to last about 45 minutes is not accurate. The duration of a panic attack can vary widely from individual to individual, and they typically do not last that long.
Choice C Reason:
Sitting with others in the activity room until the panic attack subsides might provide support, but it does not address the proactive coping strategy of using abdominal breathing to manage the panic attack's symptoms.
Choice D Reason:
"I will use abdominal breathing at the first sign of a panic attack." The statement "I will use abdominal breathing at the first sign of a panic attack" indicates an understanding of a coping strategy for managing panic attacks. Abdominal or deep breathing techniques can help individuals calm their physiological response during a panic attack.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Applying warm, moist packs to the surgical site may not be indicated as it can potentially increase swelling and disrupt the surgical site.
Choice B Reason:
Massaging the lower leg in smooth, long strokes is generally not recommended in the early postoperative period, as it can disturb the surgical site and potentially lead to complications.
Choice C Reason:
When planning care for a client who is postoperative following a knee arthroplasty, placing a pillow under the surgical knee can be beneficial. This helps maintain proper alignment, reduces pressure on the surgical site, and promotes comfort and circulation. Elevating the leg slightly with a pillow can also help reduce swelling and minimize the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Choice D Reason:
Using the continuous passive-motion (CPM) machine intermittently should be done as ordered by the healthcare provider and under their guidance.CPM is typically initiatedearly postoperatively, often within the first 24 hours after surgery.
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