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 B
Explanation
B In Alzheimer's disease, cortical thinning typically begins in the temporal and parietal lobes of the brain, areas associated with memory, language, and higher cognitive functions. As the disease progresses, cortical thinning may extend to other regions of the brain, contributing to the worsening cognitive decline seen in affected individuals.
A. HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) can result in various structural and functional changes in the brain, including cortical atrophy, but cortical thinning is not a specific hallmark of HIV infection-related dementia.
C. Prion diseases can lead to spongiform changes and neuronal loss in the brain, but cortical thinning is not typically described as a characteristic feature.
D. Chronic substance abuse, particularly alcohol and certain drugs, can lead to structural and functional changes in the brain, including cortical atrophy. However, cortical thinning is not specific to substance use disorder-related dementia and can occur in various other neurological conditions as well.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Reinforcing teaching with vulnerable clients about strategies to prevent illness and promote health is the most immediate and direct action the nurse can take. Education empowers
individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, potentially preventing illness and reducing the need for healthcare services.
A. This action focuses on improving access to care but may not directly address the immediate health needs of vulnerable clients.
B. Protecting the rights and well-being of clients without housing is important, but it may take time to implement legislative changes and see the effects.
D. While advocating for policy change and advising elected officials on the needs of vulnerable populations is important for systemic change, it may not directly address the immediate health needs of vulnerable clients
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