A nurse suspects another nurse is experiencing chemical impairment during their shift. Which of the following is an appropriate action for the nurse to take?
Report to the nurse manager.
Set up a time to meet with the nurse.
Assume care of the nurse's assigned clients.
Ask another staff nurse to confirm the suspicion.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Report to the nurse manager: Reporting suspected chemical impairment to the nurse manager is the appropriate action because it ensures the concern is addressed through proper channels and in accordance with facility policy. This protects client safety, supports the impaired nurse, and allows for formal investigation and intervention.
B. Set up a time to meet with the nurse: Confronting the nurse directly may be unsafe, delay necessary intervention, and place clients at risk. Addressing the issue through the manager ensures immediate attention while maintaining professional and legal standards.
C. Assume care of the nurse's assigned clients: While client safety is critical, simply taking over assignments does not address the underlying concern or ensure the impaired nurse receives evaluation and support. Reporting is still required.
D. Ask another staff nurse to confirm the suspicion: Seeking confirmation from peers can lead to gossip or breaches of confidentiality and does not follow established protocols. Concerns should be reported through formal channels to protect clients and staff.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Dermatitis: Dermatitis affects the skin and is not associated with an increased risk of pneumonia. While skin integrity issues can lead to infections, they do not directly predispose a client to respiratory infections like pneumonia.
B. Type II diabetes mellitus: Diabetes mellitus impairs immune function and increases susceptibility to infections, including pneumonia. Hyperglycemia can impair neutrophil function, reducing the body’s ability to fight bacterial respiratory infections.
C. Smoking history: Smoking damages the respiratory epithelium and impairs mucociliary clearance, increasing the risk of bacterial colonization and infection in the lungs. A long-term smoking history is a well-established risk factor for pneumonia.
D. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism can slow metabolism and affect multiple organ systems but is not a direct risk factor for pneumonia. While severe hypothyroidism may influence respiratory function, it is not considered a primary predisposing condition.
E. COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease leads to compromised lung function, impaired clearance of secretions, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. COPD is a significant risk factor for developing pneumonia, particularly in the lower lobes.
F. Hypertension: Hypertension affects cardiovascular health but does not directly impair immune function or pulmonary defenses. It is not considered a risk factor for pneumonia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Metoprolol: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used for hypertension or cardiac conditions. While it may affect blood pressure during the procedure, it is generally safe to continue and does not pose an immediate risk for colonoscopy.
B. Clopidogrel: Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that increases the risk of bleeding. Because colonoscopy may involve biopsies or polypectomy, taking clopidogrel prior to the procedure significantly raises the risk of hemorrhage, making it the priority to report to the provider.
C. Metformin: Metformin is used to manage diabetes. It may require temporary discontinuation around procedures requiring contrast dye due to risk of lactic acidosis, but for a standard colonoscopy without contrast, it is less urgent than clopidogrel.
D. Digoxin: Digoxin is used for heart failure or arrhythmias. While monitoring for cardiac effects is important, digoxin does not pose an immediate risk for bleeding during colonoscopy and is not the priority to report.
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