At the start of a shift, a nurse notices that a colleague has slurred speech, an unsteady gait, and the odor of alcohol on the breath while preparing client medications. Which action should the nurse take first?
- ANotify the nursing supervisor immediately about the observed signs.
- BAsk a second nurse to observe the colleague and confirm the findings before reporting.
- CReport the colleague to the board of nursing before taking any other action.
- DSuggest that the colleague go home sick, and offer to cover the assignment.
Show answer and explanations
Answer
A
A: The supervisor can remove the impaired colleague from client care at once, which is the first priority for client safety. B: Seeking confirmation delays removing a possibly impaired nurse from client care; the observed signs are enough to report to the supervisor now. C: Immediate removal from unsafe care precedes longer reporting processes. D: An informal departure without appropriate handoff and reporting does not ensure safety.
A
The supervisor can remove the impaired colleague from client care at once, which is the first priority for client safety.
B
Seeking confirmation delays removing a possibly impaired nurse from client care; the observed signs are enough to report to the supervisor now.
C
Immediate removal from unsafe care precedes longer reporting processes.
D
An informal departure without appropriate handoff and reporting does not ensure safety.