A nurse-manager discovered that a nurse was retrieving narcotics from sharps containers and has been abusing these medications for several months. When addressing this behavior and assisting the nurse, what factor should the manager prioritize?

The integrity of the unit

The nurse's personal growth

The safety of clients and families

The nurse's well-being

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   While maintaining the integrity of the unit is important, particularly concerning safety and professionalism, it should not be the primary focus in this scenario. Addressing the underlying issue of substance abuse is more crucial to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.
B.   Supporting the nurse's personal growth is important, especially in recovery. However, personal growth cannot be the primary concern when the nurse's behavior poses significant risks to patient safety. While this can be a component of the overall approach, it should not overshadow immediate safety concerns.
C.   The safety of clients and families must be the top priority in this situation. The nurse’s substance abuse poses a direct risk to patient safety, and addressing this risk is essential. Ensuring that clients and families are safe should guide the manager's actions in handling the nurse's behavior.
D.   The well-being of the nurse is certainly important and should be considered in the context of providing support and resources for recovery. However, in this case, the immediate risk to patients takes precedence.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. In many institutions, when a nurse administers a controlled substance and has leftover medication, it is standard practice to have another nurse witness the disposal of the excess. This is a safeguard against misuse and ensures accountability.
B. While a sharps container is appropriate for disposing of needles and other sharp objects, it is not suitable for liquid medications. Discarding liquid medications in a sharps container could lead to contamination and is not compliant with disposal protocols.
C. Medications, especially controlled substances, should never be saved for later use once they have been drawn up or prepared. This practice poses a significant risk for medication errors and misuse.
D. Generally, the waste amount is not sent to the pharmacy. Instead, it should be wasted according to the facility's policy, typically in the presence of another nurse. Sending it to the pharmacy is unnecessary and could create logistical complications.

A. The nurse is likely not liable because surgery is beyond the nurse's scope of practice. B. The nurse is not likely liable because the signature only specifies that the nurse witnessed the client signing the consent form. C. The nurse may be liable because cosigning the consent form makes the nurse an equal member of the surgical team. D. The nurse is liable because cosigning the consent form confirms that the client fully understood the risks of surgery

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. While it’s true that surgery itself is beyond the nurse's scope of practice, liability can still arise from the actions taken in relation to the consent process. The issue is not about the surgery itself but about the responsibility associated with witnessing the consent.
B. The nurse’s role in this context is to witness the client’s signature, not to guarantee the client’s understanding of the procedure or the risks involved. The witness signature generally indicates that the nurse observed the client signing the document but does not imply that the nurse ensured the client understood all aspects of the surgery.
C. Cosigning a consent form does not make the nurse an equal member of the surgical team in terms of decision-making or responsibilities. The nurse's role as a witness is limited to observing the signing process.
D. The nurse’s signature does not imply that they confirmed the client's understanding of the risks involved. The responsibility for explaining the risks and ensuring the client’s understanding typically falls to the physician or surgeon.

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A nurse-manager discovered that a nurse was retrieving narcotics from sharps containers and has been abusing these medications for several months. When addressing this behavior and assisting the nurse, what factor should the manager prioritize?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to administer morphine 4 mg IV bolus to a client who reports pain. Available is morphine 10 mg/mL. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The preoperative admitting nurse witnessed a client sign an operative consent form. The nurse then cosigned the same document as a witness. The client suffered an injury during surgery and names the nurse in the suit because the nurse witnessed the consent form. What is the most likely outcome?.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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