A nurse on the unit suspects that a colleague is extracting a small quantity of morphine from the syringe prior to administering it to the patient.
What should the nurse do in this situation?
Inform the charge nurse about her suspicion.
Report the incident to the hospital’s security department.
Request the assistive personnel (AP) to monitor the other nurse’s actions.
Confront the other nurse to discuss her suspicions.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
It is crucial for the nurse to prioritize patient safety and adhere to professional guidelines when encountering a potential diversion of controlled substances. Informing the charge nurse is the most appropriate initial action for several reasons:
Chain of Command: The charge nurse holds a supervisory position and is responsible for addressing issues within the unit, including concerns about medication diversion. Reporting suspicions to the charge nurse ensures adherence to the established chain of command and facilitates a prompt, organized response.
Confidentiality and Objectivity: The charge nurse is trained to handle sensitive situations discreetly and objectively. They can initiate a thorough investigation while maintaining confidentiality and protecting the rights of all involved parties.
Access to Resources: The charge nurse has access to resources and authority to take immediate action, such as securing medications, initiating patient assessments, and notifying appropriate personnel within the healthcare facility.
Collaboration and Support: The charge nurse can provide guidance and support to the reporting nurse, ensuring their concerns are addressed appropriately and that they feel safe in coming forward with their suspicions.
Rationale for other choices:
B. Reporting the incident directly to the hospital’s security department might be premature without first informing the charge nurse. The charge nurse can assess the situation, gather more information, and determine the most appropriate course of action, which may or may not involve security at this initial stage.
C. Requesting assistive personnel (AP) to monitor the other nurse’s actions is inappropriate. It places a burden on APs who are not trained or authorized to investigate such matters. It could also compromise the integrity of the investigation and potentially jeopardize patient safety.
D. Confronting the other nurse directly is not recommended. It could escalate the situation, create a hostile work environment, and potentially compromise the investigation. It is essential to follow established protocols and involve appropriate personnel to ensure a fair and thorough investigation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice A.
Choice A rationale: Encouraging increased fluid intake helps maintain blood volume and reduces viscosity, promoting circulation and lowering the risk of venous stasis and clot formation postoperatively.
Choice B rationale: Keeping the affected knee flexed impairs venous return and increases stasis, elevating the risk of thrombosis. Proper positioning with extension promotes circulation and reduces clot risk.
Choice C rationale: Prolonged bed rest contributes to immobility-induced venous stasis, a major risk factor for DVT. Early ambulation and leg exercises are essential to prevent thromboembolic events.
Choice D rationale: Massaging the calf of a postoperative patient is contraindicated due to the risk of dislodging a thrombus, potentially leading to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While explaining the importance and rationale of the new policy can be helpful, it may not address the underlying reasons for the nurse's resistance.
If the nurse does not understand or agree with the rationale, they may still be resistant to change.
Additionally, simply providing information may not create an open and trusting environment where the nurse feels comfortable expressing their concerns.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging the nurse to verbalize their concerns allows the nurse manager to understand the specific reasons for the resistance.
This can help to identify any misconceptions or concerns that can be addressed directly.
It also gives the nurse an opportunity to feel heard and understood, which can help to build trust and rapport. When nurses feel that their concerns are being taken seriously, they are more likely to be open to change.
Choice C rationale:
Threatening disciplinary action is likely to create resentment and further resistance. It may also damage the relationship between the nurse manager and the nurse.
This approach should only be used as a last resort, after other attempts to address the resistance have failed.
Choice D rationale:
Ignoring the resistance is not an effective strategy.
It is likely to lead to continued noncompliance with the new policy,
It may also send the message that the nurse manager does not care about the nurse's concerns.
Peer pressure can sometimes be helpful in facilitating change, but it should not be relied upon as the sole strategy.
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