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?
Document objective findings about the situation.
Assign clients to the remaining staff.
Call the supervisor to ask for another nurse.
Remove the nurse from the client care area.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Document objective findings about the situation is incorrect. While documentation is important, it should not be the first action when the charge nurse suspects a colleague is under the influence of alcohol. Patient safety takes precedence, and immediate action to remove the nurse from patient care is necessary to prevent potential harm.
Choice B Reason;
Assigning clients to the remaining staff is incorrect. Assigning clients to other staff members is an appropriate step but should come after the nurse under suspicion has been removed from patient care to ensure their safety. Patient safety is the primary concern.
Choice C Reason:
Calling the supervisor to ask for another nurse is incorrect. Contacting the supervisor is a reasonable action, but it should be done after the immediate safety concern has been addressed by removing the nurse from patient care. This allows the supervisor to be informed of the situation and take appropriate action.
Choice D Reason:
Removing the nurse from the client care area is correct.When a charge nurse detects the smell of alcohol on a nurse's breath, the first and most immediate action should be to remove the nurse from the client care area to ensure patient safety. Alcohol impairment can severely compromise a nurse's ability to provide safe and effective care. Once the nurse is removed from patient care, further actions, such as documenting objective findings and contacting the supervisor, can be taken to address the situation and ensure appropriate follow-up, including any necessary interventions or investigations. Patient safety should always be the top priority in such situations.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Attaching a pacifier to the newborn's clothing with a string can be dangerous, as it poses a risk of strangulation. Pacifiers should be used, but they should be the type with a handle designed for infant use.
Choice B Reason:
Placing the newborn face up on a pillow when sleeping is not recommended. The baby should be placed on their back on a firm and flat sleep surface, such as a crib mattress, without pillows, blankets, or other soft bedding items. This helps reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Choice C Reason:
Placing the newborn's crib near a heat vent during cold weather can lead to overheating, which is a risk factor for SIDS. It's important to maintain a comfortable room temperature for the baby and use appropriate sleep clothing to keep them warm without the need for additional heating devices near the crib.
Choice D Reason:
"I will make sure that I can fit one finger between the mattress and the side of my newborn's crib." This statement indicates an understanding of safe sleep practices for newborns. Ensuring that there is a small gap (about one finger's width) between the mattress and the side of the crib helps prevent the risk of suffocation or entrapment. It allows for proper airflow and reduces the risk of the baby getting stuck between the mattress and the crib.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Wiping from the outer to the inner canthus is not necessary and may cause contamination.
Choice B Reason:
Apply pressure to the lacrimal punctum after administering the drops. After administering eye drops to a child, it is important to gently apply pressure to the lacrimal punctum (located in the inner corner of the eye) for about 1-2 minutes. This helps prevent systemic absorption of the medication and reduces the risk of it going into the nasopharynx and digestive system. The other options are not recommended:
Choice C Reason:
Positioning the child side-lying is not typically required for administering eye drops.
Choice D Reason:
Rinsing the eye with normal saline before administering the drops is not a standard practice and is not recommended unless there is a specific reason to do so, such as eye irritation or foreign body removal.
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.