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
Albuterol is a bronchodilator medication that is commonly delivered through a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions. Proper inhaler technique is crucial for effective delivery of the medication to the lungs.
Option (a) is incorrect because the client should actually tilt their head back slightly and breathe out fully before inhaling the medication.
Option (b) is incorrect because the client should take a slow, deep breath in while depressing the canister once.
Option (d) is incorrect because the client should hold their breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication to allow it to reach the lungs.
Therefore, the correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching is to instruct the client to close their mouth around the mouthpiece of the inhaler to ensure that the medication is delivered directly to the lungs.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Supine is incorrect. The supine position (lying flat on the back) is not the best choice because it can increase the risk of airway obstruction and discomfort, especially if there is swelling or drainage from the surgical site.
Choice B Reason:
Left lateral is incorrect. The left lateral position (lying on the left side) is not typically used after a thyroidectomy because it does not provide the same advantages for airway management, swelling reduction, and comfort as the semi-Fowler's position.
Choice C Raeson:
Semi-Fowler's position is the most appropriate choice for a client who is postoperative following a subtotal thyroidectomy for several reasons:
Airway Management: Elevating the head of the bed in a semi-Fowler's position helps maintain airway patency and reduces the risk of airway obstruction or compression of the surgical site, which is important for respiratory comfort and function.
Swelling and Drainage: After thyroid surgery, there may be swelling and drainage from the surgical site. The semi-Fowler's position can assist in reducing swelling and facilitating proper drainage.
Comfort: This position generally provides greater comfort for the client, especially when there may be discomfort or soreness at the surgical site.
Choice D Reason:
Dorsal recumbent is incorrect. The dorsal recumbent position (lying on the back with knees flexed and feet flat on the bed) is also not the most appropriate choice for post-thyroidectomy care because it does not offer the same benefits as the semi-Fowler's position in terms of airway management, swelling reduction, and comfort.
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