A staff nurse reports an observation of a coworker injecting themselves with a syringe in the bathroom. The coworker admits to stealing narcotics from the medication room. The staff nurse should take which of the following courses of action?
Report the incident to the appropriate person in the chain of command right away.
Agree to not report the incident if the coworker seeks treatment.
Report the incident to the other RNs on the shift.
Agree to not report the incident if the coworker promises to report themselves to the supervisor.
The Correct Answer is A
A. When a nurse observes illegal or unethical behavior, such as stealing narcotics, it is their ethical and legal responsibility to report the incident promptly to the appropriate authorities.
B. While it's important to encourage the coworker to seek treatment for their substance abuse issue, withholding reporting of the incident compromises patient safety and violates organizational policies and legal obligations. It's essential to report the incident regardless of the coworker's actions afterward.
C. Reporting the incident to other RNs on the shift may not be sufficient action to address the seriousness of the situation. While it's important for colleagues to be aware of potential risks to patient safety, the primary responsibility lies with reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities within the organization.
D. Agreeing not to report the incident in exchange for the coworker promising to report themselves to the supervisor is not an appropriate course of action. It's essential to follow established reporting protocols and ensure that the incident is documented and addressed through the appropriate channels to protect patient safety and uphold professional standards.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a side effect of long-term use of first-generation antipsychotic medications, such as those commonly used to treat schizophrenia. It is characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, lips, and other parts of the body.
A. Impaired ability to regulate body temperature is more commonly associated with conditions such as heatstroke or certain neurological disorders affecting the hypothalamus, and it typically presents with symptoms such as fever or hypothermia.
B. Extrapyramidal symptoms encompass a range of movement disorders caused by dysfunction of the extrapyramidal system, which includes the basal ganglia.
C. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening side effect of antipsychotic medications, characterized by fever, altered mental status, muscle rigidity, and autonomic dysfunction.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Agranulocytosis is a serious side effect associated with clozapine, an antipsychotic medication. Agranulocytosis is characterized by a severe reduction in the number of white blood cells (specifically granulocytes) in the bloodstream, leading to an increased risk of infection. The client should be educated to monitor for signs and symptoms of agranulocytosis, including sore throat, fever, chills, and muscle aches, as these may indicate an underlying infection due to neutropenia.
A. Severe restlessness may be a side effect of some antipsychotic medications, but it is not specifically associated with agranulocytosis.
B. Respiratory depression and a comatose state are not typical manifestations of agranulocytosis.
D. Increased anxiety and suicidal ideations may be symptoms of certain mental health conditions or adverse effects of psychiatric medications, but they are not characteristic of agranulocytosis.
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