A nurse manager observes a licensed practical nurse who has a strong odor of alcohol on their breath. Which of the following actions should the nurse manager take?
Document an objective description of the situation
Schedule a formal meeting with the LPN within 48 hr
Interview clients about the nurse’s actions
Check the unit narcotic records for discrepancies
The Correct Answer is A
a. Document an objective description of the situation:
It is important to start by documenting the observed behavior objectively. This documentation can serve as a factual record of the incident.
b. Schedule a formal meeting with the LPN within 48 hours:
While addressing the issue promptly is important, scheduling a formal meeting should come after documenting the situation. The initial step is to gather information and document observations.
c. Interview clients about the nurse’s actions:
Interviewing clients may be necessary later in the investigation process, but the immediate action should be to document the observed behavior and then proceed with a more formal investigation if needed.
d. Check the unit narcotic records for discrepancies:
The issue at hand appears to be related to alcohol use rather than narcotics. While discrepancies in narcotic records might be a concern, it may not be the most relevant action based on the situation described.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
a. MS 10 mg IV every 4 prn for pain
This choice is incorrect because it lacks clarity and proper formatting. "MS" could be misunderstood as "morphine sulfate," but it's not specified. Additionally, "every 4 prn for pain" is not a standard way to write a prescription. It should indicate the frequency (e.g., every 4 hours) and the indication for administration (e.g., prn for pain).
b. Morphine sulfate 10 mg IV q 4 hr IV prn for pain
This choice is the correct transcription of the prescription. It clearly states the medication (morphine sulfate), the dosage (10 mg), the route (IV), the frequency (every 4 hours), and the indication for administration (prn for pain).
c. MSO4 10 mg IVP q 4 prn for pain
This choice is incorrect due to the use of abbreviations that may not be universally understood. While "MSO4" likely stands for morphine sulfate, it's preferable to write it out completely to avoid confusion. Additionally, "q 4" is not clear and should be written as "every 4 hours."
d. Morphine sulfate 10.0 mg every 4 hours IV prn for pain
This choice is incorrect because it specifies the dosage with unnecessary precision (10.0 mg instead of 10 mg). While this level of precision is not typically required in medication prescriptions, it doesn't make the prescription incorrect per se. However, it's not the most common or standard way to write medication orders.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a. Contact the case manager to discuss discharge options: This is an appropriate action. The case manager can assist in assessing the client's needs and coordinating appropriate discharge arrangements, such as arranging for home health services or exploring alternative care options.
b. Request another family member assist the client’s partner with care: This may be a helpful action if there is another family member who can provide support. However, it's important to consider the availability and willingness of other family members to take on caregiving responsibilities.
c. Recommend the partner place the client in a long-term care facility: This option may be considered if the partner is unable to continue providing care and there are no other feasible options available. However, it should be discussed with the client and their partner and explored as one of several potential solutions.
d. Ask the provider to delay the client’s discharge home for a few more days: This may be appropriate if there are concerns about the client's safety or if additional time is needed to arrange for alternative care options. However, it's important to address the underlying issues contributing to the partner's inability to provide care and to explore long-term solutions.
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