A nurse notices that a colleague has an odor of alcohol while on duty. What is the most appropriate action?
- A. Speak to the colleague in private.
- B. Report the behavior to the nurse manager immediately.
- C. Confront the colleague directly on the floor.
- D. Do nothing and document the situation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reporting the behavior to the nurse manager immediately is the most appropriate action when a nurse suspects a colleague of being impaired while on duty. This is crucial to ensure patient safety and maintain a professional and safe work environment. Speaking to the colleague in private may not address the issue effectively and could potentially put patients at risk if the colleague is indeed impaired. Confronting the colleague directly on the floor may lead to a confrontation and is not the most professional way to handle the situation. Doing nothing and documenting the situation without taking immediate action can jeopardize patient safety and is not an appropriate response when substance use is suspected.
You may also like to solve these questions
A healthcare provider prescribes a higher-than-usual dose of medication. What is the nurse's first action?
- A. Administer the medication and monitor closely.
- B. Hold the medication and consult the pharmacist.
- C. Ask another nurse to verify the dose.
- D. Call the provider for clarification.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to call the provider for clarification. When faced with a higher-than-usual dose of medication, the nurse's first action should be to contact the prescribing healthcare provider to confirm the dosage. Administering the medication without clarifying the dose with the provider can pose serious risks to the patient's safety. Holding the medication and consulting the pharmacist may be appropriate after contacting the provider for clarification. Asking another nurse to verify the dose is not the most appropriate action when dealing with an unusual prescription; direct communication with the provider is essential in such situations.
The surgical mask the perioperative nurse is wearing becomes moist. Which action will the perioperative nurse take next?
- A. Do not change the mask if the nurse is comfortable.
- B. Change the mask when relieved by the next shift.
- C. Apply a new mask.
- D. Reapply the mask after it air-dries.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a surgical mask becomes moist, it loses its effectiveness as a barrier against microorganisms. Therefore, the perioperative nurse should apply a new mask. Choice A is incorrect because a moist mask should not be continued to be worn even if the nurse is comfortable. Choice B is not the best course of action as the mask should be changed immediately when it becomes moist. Choice D is also incorrect as waiting for the mask to air-dry is not recommended due to the loss of barrier effectiveness.
A client expresses concern about hair loss during chemotherapy. What should the nurse suggest?
- A. Encourage the client to cut their hair short before chemotherapy begins.
- B. Offer resources for wigs and head coverings.
- C. Assure the client that hair loss will be minimal.
- D. Ignore the client's concerns about hair loss.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During chemotherapy, hair loss is a common side effect. Offering resources for wigs and head coverings can help the client cope with this change in appearance, maintain self-esteem, and feel more comfortable during the process. Encouraging the client to cut their hair short does not address the emotional impact of hair loss and may not be the client's preference. Assuring the client that hair loss will be minimal may provide false hope as significant hair loss is a common occurrence. Ignoring the client's concerns is not appropriate and goes against the principles of providing holistic and compassionate care.
A healthcare professional is assessing a patient's fluid balance. What is the most reliable indicator of fluid status?
- A. Monitor the patient's vital signs.
- B. Check the patient's weight daily.
- C. Measure the patient's intake and output.
- D. Monitor the patient's urine color.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Checking the patient's weight daily is the most reliable indicator of fluid status because weight changes can directly reflect fluid retention or loss. Monitoring vital signs (Choice A) can provide some information but is not as specific as weight changes. Measuring intake and output (Choice C) is crucial but may not always accurately reflect fluid balance. Monitoring urine color (Choice D) can give some insights into hydration levels, but it is not as reliable as daily weight checks for assessing overall fluid status.
A client with a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order has requested resuscitation during a family visit. How should the nurse respond?
- A. Follow the client's wishes and start resuscitation.
- B. Explain that the DNR must be honored.
- C. Ignore the client's request.
- D. Consult with the family regarding the decision.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Nurses have a legal and ethical obligation to honor a client's do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order, regardless of any request for resuscitation during a family visit. It is crucial for the nurse to explain to the client that the DNR order must be respected. Choice A is incorrect because starting resuscitation against the client's documented wishes goes against the principle of autonomy. Choice C is inappropriate as it disregards the client's autonomy and legal directives. Choice D is not the best option as the nurse should prioritize honoring the client's decision as per the DNR order.