At change of shift, the off going nurse notices a distinct odor of alcohol on the breath of the nurse who is receiving report. Which action is most appropriate?

A. Poor time management: This option is the correct answer. Poor time management occurs when a nurse fails to allocate sufficient time to complete essential nursing tasks, such as assessments and medication administration, due to excessive focus on non-priority activities, such as providing emotional and spiritual support. In this scenario, Nurse Z's inability to plan and allocate adequate time for essential nursing duties indicates poor time management skills.

B. Neglect: Neglect involves the failure to provide necessary care or attention to a client's needs, resulting in harm or potential harm. While Nurse Z's excessive focus on emotional and spiritual support may lead to neglect of other essential nursing responsibilities, the primary issue in this scenario is poor time management rather than deliberate neglect.

C. Fraud: Fraud involves intentional deception or misrepresentation for personal gain. There is no indication in the scenario that Nurse Z's actions involve deceit or manipulation for personal benefit, so fraud is not applicable in this context.

D. Intentional tort: Intentional torts involve deliberate actions that result in harm to another person. Nurse Z's failure to plan enough time for assessments and medication administration appears to stem from poor time management rather than intentional harm, so an intentional tort is not applicable in this scenario.

A. Be available to the client: This is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take. The client's question reflects existential distress and a search for meaning in the face of suffering. Being available to listen to the client's concerns, offering emotional support, and providing a safe space for the client to express their feelings can be comforting and therapeutic. The nurse should demonstrate empathy, validate the client's emotions, and encourage open communication without imposing personal beliefs or judgments.

B. Call the physician for an antianxiety medication: While the client may be experiencing anxiety or distress, immediately resorting to medication is not the most appropriate response to the client's existential question. Antianxiety medication may provide temporary relief of symptoms but does not address the underlying spiritual or existential distress. It is essential for the nurse to explore the client's concerns and provide holistic support rather than solely relying on pharmacological interventions.

C. Advise the client to pray for answers: This response imposes the nurse's religious or spiritual beliefs onto the client and may not be appropriate for individuals who do not share the same beliefs. It is essential for the nurse to respect the client's autonomy and beliefs while providing support and guidance. Instead of advising the client to pray, the nurse should focus on active listening, empathy, and providing nonjudgmental support.

D. Share personal religious beliefs with the client: Sharing personal religious beliefs with the client is not appropriate in this situation. Doing so may impose the nurse's beliefs onto the client, which can be perceived as intrusive or insensitive. It is essential for the nurse to maintain professional boundaries and respect the client's autonomy, beliefs, and preferences. The focus should be on providing empathetic support and addressing the client's emotional and existential concerns.