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 C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is not a common adverse effect of atorvastatin.
Choice B Reason:
Daytime drowsiness is not a typical side effect of statin medications and is more commonly associated with other types of medications, such as sedatives or sleep aids.
Choice C Reason:
Muscle pain is correct. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor and report muscle pain (myalgia) to the healthcare provider when taking atorvastatin. Myalgia is a potential adverse effect of statin medications, and in rare cases, it can progress to a more serious condition called rhabdomyolysis, which involves muscle breakdown and can lead to kidney damage. Therefore, any new or unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness should be reported promptly to the healthcare provider for evaluation.
Choice D Reason:
Palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeats) are not commonly associated with atorvastatin use. If a client experiences palpitations, it may be related to other factors or conditions and should be evaluated separately.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Yellow patches in the mouth. Yellow patches in the mouth are indicative of a candida infection, specifically oral candidiasis, which is commonly known as thrush. Candida is a type of yeast that can overgrow in the mouth, leading to the development of creamy or yellowish-white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and other oral mucosal surfaces. These patches are often described as "cottage cheese-like" in appearance.
Choice B Reason:
Brittle nails are more commonly associated with conditions like fungal nail infections or nail trauma.
Choice C Reason:
Night sweats can occur for various reasons, including hormonal changes, infections, or underlying medical conditions, but they are not specific to candida infections.
Choice D Reason:
Hearing loss is not a typical symptom of candida infections but may be associated with ear infections or other ear-related conditions.
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