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
Explanation:
Sponge baths are recommended until the umbilical cord stump falls off, which typically occurs within the first two weeks of life. After that, the baby can be immersed in water for a regular bath.
Using talcum powder is not recommended as it can be harmful to the baby's respiratory system if inhaled. Mild, pH-balanced soap should be used instead of alkaline soap to avoid irritating the baby's delicate skin.
The bathwater temperature should be around 98 degrees Fahrenheit and not hoter than 100 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burns.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"Fidelity involves ensuring that we do no harm to the client.” This statement is more closely related to the ethical principle of nonmaleficence, which means "do no harm." Nonmaleficence focuses on avoiding harm and preventing any potential harm to the client.
Choice B Reason:
"Fidelity involves keeping promises made to clients." Fidelity is an ethical principle related to faithfulness, honesty, and keeping promises made to clients. It involves maintaining trust and being loyal to the client's best interests. This principle emphasizes the importance of nurses and healthcare providers honoring their commitments and obligations to clients, which helps build and maintain trust in the nurse-client relationship.
Choice C Reason:
"Fidelity involves making sure clients are able to make their own health care decisions. “This statement is more aligned with the ethical principle of autonomy, which emphasizes a person's right to make their own decisions about their healthcare. Autonomy relates to respecting a client's right to self-determination and informed consent.
Choice D Reason:
"Fidelity involves treating every client with the same level of respect." This statement is associated with the ethical principle of justice, which involves treating individuals fairly and equally and ensuring that they receive equitable care. It is about fairness and equality rather than the specific concept of keeping promises.
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