A charge nurse observes that a staff nurse's behavior has changed over the past few weeks. Which of the following behaviors should the charge nurse identify as an indication that the staff nurse might be working while impaired?

Spends free time conversing with other staff at the nurses' station.

Frequent use of restroom.

Depends on other nurses to administer pain medication to their clients.

Delegates tasks to assistive personnel.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Answer is b. Frequent use of restroom.

a. Spends free time conversing with other staff at the nurses' station: Socializing with colleagues during free time at the nurses' station is a common and acceptable behavior in many healthcare settings. While excessive socializing could potentially interfere with productivity, it does not necessarily indicate impairment. Engaging in conversations with coworkers can serve as a stress-reliever and contribute to a supportive work environment, rather than being a sign of impairment.

b. Frequent use of restroom: Correct. Frequent restroom use can be a red flag for substance abuse or other health issues. Individuals who are working while impaired may frequently visit the restroom to use drugs, manage their effects, or experience side effects of substance use. This behavior may be a tactic to conceal substance abuse from coworkers or supervisors, as frequent restroom breaks could be perceived as a normal bodily function. Therefore, the charge nurse should pay close attention to staff members who exhibit a pattern of frequent restroom use, especially if there are other signs of impairment or behavior changes.

c. Depends on other nurses to administer pain medication to their clients: While relying on other nurses to administer pain medication to clients could potentially raise concerns about the staff nurse's competence or workload management, it does not necessarily indicate impairment. There could be various reasons for a nurse to delegate medication administration tasks, such as being assigned to other critical tasks, adhering to hospital policies, or seeking assistance during busy periods. Without further evidence or observation of impaired behavior, depending on others to administer medications cannot be solely attributed to working while impaired.

d. Delegates tasks to assistive personnel: Delegating tasks to assistive personnel is a standard nursing practice and does not inherently suggest impairment. Nurses often delegate tasks to other healthcare team members, including certified nursing assistants or patient care technicians, to ensure efficient and effective patient care delivery. Delegation is guided by nursing standards, patient acuity, and the scope of practice of assistive personnel. Therefore, observing a nurse delegating tasks alone is not sufficient evidence to suspect impairment.

In summary, the correct answer is b because frequent use of the restroom can be indicative of substance abuse or other health issues, especially when observed in conjunction with other signs of impairment or behavior changes. The charge nurse should carefully monitor and investigate any concerning behaviors displayed by staff nurses to ensure patient safety and provide appropriate support and intervention.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is b. Social services.

Choice A: Occupational therapy - This is incorrect because occupational therapy focuses on improving daily living and working skills, not providing wheelchairs.

Choice B: Social services - This is the correct answer. Discharge planning begins at admission and should prepare for the functional ability of the client. This includes whether they have caregivers at home, or if they’re in need of one. A referral for social services can be made as needed to address gaps in the clients support system or resources.

Choice C: Home health - This is incorrect because home health provides medical treatment, not equipment like wheelchairs.

Choice D: Physical therapy - This is incorrect because physical therapy helps improve mobility and strength, but does not provide wheelchairs.

A. Open the top flap of the sterile package towards the body. B. Maintain a 1.25 cm (0.5 in) border around the edges of the sterile field. C. Pick up the first sterile glove by grasping the folded cuff edge. D. Remove soiled dressings using sterile gloves.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is choice c. Pick up the first sterile glove by grasping the folded cuff edge.

Choice A rationale:

Opening the top flap of the sterile package towards the body is incorrect. The top flap should be opened away from the body to maintain sterility and prevent contamination.

Choice B rationale:

Maintaining a 1.25 cm (0.5 in) border around the edges of the sterile field is correct practice, but it is not the specific action being asked about in this scenario.

Choice C rationale:

Picking up the first sterile glove by grasping the folded cuff edge is correct. This technique ensures that the outside of the glove remains sterile while putting it on.

Choice D rationale:

Removing soiled dressings using sterile gloves is incorrect. Soiled dressings should be removed using clean gloves to avoid contaminating the sterile gloves needed for the new dressing application.

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A charge nurse observes that a staff nurse's behavior has changed over the past few weeks. Which of the following behaviors should the charge nurse identify as an indication that the staff nurse might be working while impaired?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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