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 A
Explanation
a. Apply pressure to the lacrimal punctum after administering the drops.
When administering eye drops to a child, the nurse should apply gentle pressure to the lacrimal punctum (the small opening in the inner corner of the eye) after administering the drops. This can help prevent the medication from draining into the tear duct and being absorbed into the bloodstream, which can reduce systemic side effects.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The client wanting to talk about the diagnosis with nursing staff indicates a desire for communication and support, which may be an expression of hope or a way to cope with the diagnosis.
Choice B Reason:
Requesting a second opinion suggests that the client is actively seeking more information and exploring potential treatment options, which is not indicative of hopelessness.
Choice C Reason:
Having a decreased energy level can be a common physical and emotional response to a terminal illness but does not directly indicate hopelessness on its own. It may reflect the physical and emotional toll of the diagnosis and its treatment.
Choice D Reason:
The client makes funeral arrangements is correct. Making funeral arrangements is often seen as an indication of hopelessness in the context of a recent terminal illness diagnosis. It suggests that the client has accepted the inevitability of their death and is preparing for it. While making arrangements can be a practical and important step, it may also indicate a sense of hopelessness or resignation.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today