What are some potential indicators of substance abuse among nursing professionals? (Select All that Apply.)
Deterioration in relationships with colleagues
Changes in physical appearance, such as unkempt appearance
Consistent improvement in work performance and productivity
Increased incidents of medication errors
Frequent unexplained absences from work
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
A. Deterioration in relationships with colleagues is correct. Substance abuse can impact a nurse's behavior, leading to mood swings, irritability, and interpersonal conflicts with colleagues. This can result in a breakdown in relationships and teamwork.
B. Changes in physical appearance, such as unkempt appearance is correct. Nurses struggling with substance abuse may exhibit poor hygiene, an unkempt appearance, and weight changes due to neglect of personal care. These changes are often visible signs of the physical and emotional toll of substance abuse.
C. Consistent improvement in work performance and productivity is incorrect. Substance abuse typically leads to decreased work performance and increased errors due to impairment in concentration, judgment, and decision-making. Improved performance is not a common indicator of substance abuse.
D. Increased incidents of medication errors is correct. Substance abuse can lead to impaired judgment and inattention to detail, which can contribute to an increase in medication errors. Nurses under the influence may struggle to follow protocols and maintain focus on patient safety.
E. Frequent unexplained absences from work is correct. Frequent absences, arriving late, or leaving early can be signs of substance abuse, as the individual may be seeking time to recover from the effects of substance use or to obtain substances.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Has an increasing life expectancy is incorrect. In recent years, the U.S. has seen a stagnation or even decline in life expectancy, partly due to chronic disease prevalence, the opioid crisis, and disparities in care.
B. Provides less acute myocardial infarction care is incorrect. The U.S. generally provides high-quality acute care, including treatment for heart attacks, and often performs well in this area compared to other countries.
C. Has lower maternal and neonatal mortality rates is incorrect. The U.S. actually has higher maternal and infant mortality rates compared to other high-income nations, often due to systemic disparities and fragmented care.
D. Spends more per capita on health care is correct. The U.S. consistently spends the most per person on healthcare among high-income countries, yet often does not achieve better overall outcomes, highlighting inefficiencies in the system.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Elevated body temperature and profuse sweating is correct. Thyroid storm (also known as thyrotoxicosis) is a severe, life-threatening exacerbation of hyperthyroidism. Common signs include elevated body temperature (fever), profuse sweating, tachycardia, hypertension, and agitation, all of which are indicative of this condition.
B. Weight gain and cold intolerance is incorrect. These are signs of hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism or thyroid storm. In hyperthyroidism, weight loss and heat intolerance are more typical.
C. Muscle weakness and fatigue is incorrect. While muscle weakness and fatigue can occur in hyperthyroidism, they are more commonly seen in chronic hyperthyroidism rather than in the acute setting of thyroid storm, where more extreme symptoms such as fever and tachycardia are prominent.
D. Bradycardia and low blood pressure is incorrect. Bradycardia and low blood pressure are signs of hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism or thyroid storm, where you would expect tachycardia and elevated blood pressure.
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