A charge nurse in a long-term care facility notices the smell of alcohol on a nurse's breath. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Call the supervisor to ask for another nurse.
Assign clients to the remaining staff.
Document objective findings about the situation.
Remove the nurse from the client care area.
The Correct Answer is D
The presence of alcohol on a nurse's breath raises concerns regarding impairment and the potential for compromised patient safety. It is crucial to prioritize patient safety and prevent any potential harm. Removing the nurse from the client care area ensures that immediate patient safety is addressed and minimizes the risk of any adverse events.
Call the supervisor to ask for another nurse: While involving the supervisor is important, it should not be the first action taken in this situation. The immediate priority is to address patient safety by removing the nurse from the client care area.
Assign clients to the remaining staff: Assigning clients to the remaining staff should not be the first action taken because it may compromise patient safety if the nurse in question is impaired. It is important to ensure that the nurse is removed from the client care area before reassigning the clients to other staff members.
Document objective findings about the situation: Documenting the objective findings about the situation is important for accurate record-keeping and reporting. However, it should not be the first action taken when immediate patient safety is at stake. Removing the nurse from the client care area is the priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Delegating tasks involves assigning appropriate responsibilities to assistive personnel based on their level of training, competency, and scope of practice. Performing indwelling urinary catheter care is a task that can be safely delegated to an AP who has received proper training and demonstrated competency in this skill. The nurse should ensure that the AP is familiar with the facility's policies and procedures regarding catheter care and can perform the task safely and effectively.
Demonstrating how to use an incentive spirometer requires specialized knowledge and the ability to provide clear instructions. It is typically within the scope of practice of licensed healthcare professionals, such as nurses or respiratory therapists, who have the necessary expertise to properly educate and guide patients in using an incentive spirometer. This task should not be delegated to an AP.
Measuring and assessing the depth of a pressure injury requires clinical judgment and accurate evaluation, which falls within the scope of practice of a licensed nurse. It involves understanding wound assessment, proper technique for measuring depth, and interpreting the findings. This task should be performed by the nurse rather than an AP.
Changing the appliance on a new colostomy involves skills such as assessing the stoma, selecting the appropriate appliance, and ensuring proper application. This task requires specialized knowledge and training in stoma care, and it should be performed by a licensed nurse who has the expertise in managing ostomies. It should not be delegated to an AP.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The first action the nurse should plan to perform is to check the client's ability to use the call light. This is essential to ensure that the client can easily communicate with the healthcare team if they need assistance or experience a fall risk situation. By confirming the client's ability to use the call light, the nurse can address any potential communication barriers and ensure that the client has a means to request help promptly.
Explanation for the other options:
b) Document the client's risk in the medical record: While documenting the client's risk in the medical record is important, it is not the first action to be taken. Ensuring the client's immediate safety and ability to request assistance is the priority.
c) Request a referral for physical therapy: Referring the client for physical therapy may be a necessary step to address their impaired mobility and reduce fall risk, but it is not the first action to be performed. Assessing their ability to use the call light takes precedence in order to address immediate safety concerns.
d) Place a gait belt in the client's room: Providing a gait belt is a measure to assist with mobility and falls prevention. However, it should not be the first action. Checking the client's ability to use the call light is more critical to ensure their immediate safety and ability to request help.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
