A charge nurse observes that a staff nurse's behavior has changed over the past few weeks. Which of the following behaviors should the charge nurse identify as an indication that the staff nurse might be working while impaired?
Spends free time conversing with other staff at the nurses' station.
Frequent use of restroom.
Depends on other nurses to administer pain medication to their clients.
Delegates tasks to assistive personnel.
The Correct Answer is B
Answer is b. Frequent use of restroom.
a. Spends free time conversing with other staff at the nurses' station: Socializing with colleagues during free time at the nurses' station is a common and acceptable behavior in many healthcare settings. While excessive socializing could potentially interfere with productivity, it does not necessarily indicate impairment. Engaging in conversations with coworkers can serve as a stress-reliever and contribute to a supportive work environment, rather than being a sign of impairment.
b. Frequent use of restroom: Correct. Frequent restroom use can be a red flag for substance abuse or other health issues. Individuals who are working while impaired may frequently visit the restroom to use drugs, manage their effects, or experience side effects of substance use. This behavior may be a tactic to conceal substance abuse from coworkers or supervisors, as frequent restroom breaks could be perceived as a normal bodily function. Therefore, the charge nurse should pay close attention to staff members who exhibit a pattern of frequent restroom use, especially if there are other signs of impairment or behavior changes.
c. Depends on other nurses to administer pain medication to their clients: While relying on other nurses to administer pain medication to clients could potentially raise concerns about the staff nurse's competence or workload management, it does not necessarily indicate impairment. There could be various reasons for a nurse to delegate medication administration tasks, such as being assigned to other critical tasks, adhering to hospital policies, or seeking assistance during busy periods. Without further evidence or observation of impaired behavior, depending on others to administer medications cannot be solely attributed to working while impaired.
d. Delegates tasks to assistive personnel: Delegating tasks to assistive personnel is a standard nursing practice and does not inherently suggest impairment. Nurses often delegate tasks to other healthcare team members, including certified nursing assistants or patient care technicians, to ensure efficient and effective patient care delivery. Delegation is guided by nursing standards, patient acuity, and the scope of practice of assistive personnel. Therefore, observing a nurse delegating tasks alone is not sufficient evidence to suspect impairment.
In summary, the correct answer is b because frequent use of the restroom can be indicative of substance abuse or other health issues, especially when observed in conjunction with other signs of impairment or behavior changes. The charge nurse should carefully monitor and investigate any concerning behaviors displayed by staff nurses to ensure patient safety and provide appropriate support and intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Providing the client with information about advance directives is an appropriate intervention. Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals to communicate their preferences for medical treatment in the event they become unable to make decisions for themselves. Educating the client about the importance and benefits of advance directives empowers them to make informed decisions about their care.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging the client to contact an attorney to create advance directives is not the primary responsibility of the hospice nurse. While legal assistance might be helpful, the nurse should first ensure that the client understands the concept of advance directives and their significance before suggesting legal involvement.
Choice C rationale:
Informing the client that they will need a relative to witness their advance directives is not accurate. While witnesses are often required when signing legal documents, the specific requirements for advance directives can vary by jurisdiction. It's important for the nurse to provide accurate information and not make assumptions about legal processes.
Choice D rationale:
Telling the client that The Joint Commission requires clients to have advance directives is not accurate. While The Joint Commission emphasizes the importance of patient rights and informed decision-making, it does not mandate that all clients must have advance directives. The decision to create advance directives is a personal choice and should be based on the individual's values and preferences.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D: Explore alternative solutions to address unit workflow with the nurses.
Choice A rationale:
Scheduling the nurses to work on alternating shifts (Choice A) might alleviate the immediate conflict, but it doesn't address the root cause of the issue, which is their perceived unequal workload. This approach could also disrupt the unit's continuity of care and potentially lead to further conflicts.
Choice B rationale:
Organizing a task force to evaluate the situation (Choice B) could be beneficial in the long run for identifying systemic issues contributing to the conflict. However, this approach might take time to yield results. In the meantime, the conflict could continue to negatively impact the unit's functioning.
Choice C rationale:
Telling the nurses that it's their responsibility to cooperate with coworkers (Choice C) is oversimplifying the situation. While cooperation is important, conflicts often arise from deeper issues that need to be addressed constructively. This choice doesn't provide a clear plan for resolving the workload disparity.
Choice D rationale:
Exploring alternative solutions to address unit workflow with the nurses (Choice D) is the most effective approach. By engaging the nurses in problem-solving discussions, the charge nurse can identify the reasons behind their perception of unfair workload distribution and collaboratively develop strategies to ensure a more equitable division of tasks. This approach promotes communication, collaboration, and shared accountability.
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