A nurse is functioning as a member of an interprofessional team.
To be an effective member, the nurse should be knowledgeable of which of the following?

Choice A rationale

Directly asking a colleague if they are impaired is not the most appropriate initial action as it can lead to defensiveness or denial and may not effectively address the safety concerns. The priority is patient safety, which requires reporting to a higher authority who can intervene objectively and professionally.

Choice B rationale

Notifying the nurse manager is the most appropriate action. The nurse manager has the responsibility and authority to address concerns about a chemically impaired colleague. They can initiate the proper procedures, including investigation, intervention, and referral to employee assistance programs, ensuring patient safety and colleague support.

Choice C rationale

Contacting risk management is not the immediate first step. While risk management might become involved later, the direct supervisor or nurse manager is the initial point of contact for personnel issues that pose a potential risk to patient safety. The manager can then involve other departments as needed.

Choice D rationale

Confronting the colleague directly about the suspicion is generally not advisable. This approach can be confrontational, potentially escalating the situation without resolving the underlying issue. It may also violate professional boundaries and lacks the formal authority needed for effective intervention.

Choice A rationale

Maintaining client privacy during nursing care demonstrates human dignity by respecting the individual's personal space and autonomy. This aligns with ethical principles emphasizing the inherent worth of each person, ensuring that sensitive information and bodily exposure are handled with discretion. It prevents emotional distress and fosters trust in the nurse-client relationship.

Choice B rationale

Prioritization of client needs is a crucial aspect of efficient care delivery, but it primarily reflects professional responsibility and clinical judgment rather than directly embodying human dignity. While effective prioritization benefits the client, the act itself is a managerial skill rather than a direct affirmation of the client's intrinsic worth.

Choice C rationale

Participating in continuing education to improve skills reflects a commitment to professional development and competence. This benefits clients through enhanced care quality, but it is more closely related to the ethical principle of beneficence and professional accountability rather than the core concept of human dignity.

Choice D rationale

Adhering to facility policies and procedures ensures consistency and safety in care, reflecting professional compliance and accountability. While indirectly contributing to a safe environment for clients, it does not directly express or promote the fundamental concept of human dignity, which focuses on the individual's intrinsic worth and respect.