A nurse has successfully completed a drug treatment program and is returning to work 3 months later. Which of the following best describes a program designed for a nurse returning to work after treatment?

Rationale:

A. Removing the PICC line should only be done if directed by a provider after further assessment.

B. The first action is to measure the circumference of both arms to assess for possible complications such as thrombosis or infiltration. This measurement will help determine the extent of the swelling and inform subsequent actions.

C. Notifying the provider is important but should be done after gathering relevant assessment data, such as the arm circumference.

D. Applying a cold pack may be appropriate for reducing swelling but is not the first step. Assessment should come first.

Rationale:

A. Reporting the incident to other RNs on the shift does not ensure that the appropriate actions will be taken to address the issue.

B. Agreeing not to report the incident in exchange for the coworker seeking treatment is unethical and does not follow the correct reporting protocol.

C. Reporting the incident to the appropriate person in the chain of communication, such as a supervisor or nurse manager, is the correct course of action. This ensures that the situation is handled according to hospital policy and legal requirements, protecting patient safety and addressing the coworker's substance use disorder.

D. Agreeing not to report the incident if the coworker promises to report themselves is also unethical and fails to meet professional responsibilities.