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 C
Explanation
A. Late-onset schizophrenia typically presents with symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and social withdrawal. However, this does not differentiate it from typical schizophrenia.
B. Substance use, including cannabis use, is a known risk factor for the development of schizophrenia, particularly in individuals who are genetically predisposed to the disorder. However, cannabis use as a teenager alone does not necessarily indicate late-onset schizophrenia.
C. Paraphrenia or late onset schizophrenia generally occurs later in life and symptoms persist and intensify as the client ages. Schizophrenia is rarely diagnosed after the age of 40 and is considered late onset if diagnosed after the age of 40.
D. Family history of psychosis or schizophrenia is a significant risk factor for developing schizophrenia, including late-onset schizophrenia. However, having a family member who mirrors the client's behaviors of psychosis is not a specific finding indicative of late-onset schizophrenia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Dementia related to a traumatic brain injury can result in a variety of cognitive and physical impairments. A shuffling gait, characterized by short steps with feet barely leaving the ground, is often associated with Parkinsonian symptoms, which can occur in advanced stages of dementia or as the condition progresses. Therefore, a shuffling gait would indicate worsening of the client's condition.
A. While visual disturbance can occur in individuals with dementia, visual field cuts alone may not necessarily indicate worsening of the condition unless they are accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
B. CD4 counts are a measure of immune system function, particularly in relation to HIV/AIDS. Decreased CD4 counts are not typically associated with dementia related to traumatic brain injury and would not be a relevant finding in this context.
D. Chorea is not a common feature of dementia related to traumatic brain injury. The presence of chorea may indicate a different underlying neurological condition or complication
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