Nokea
A nurse worked at a hospital for several months, resigned, and then took a position at another hospital. In the new position, the nurse often volunteers to be the medication nurse. After several serious medication errors, an investigation reveals that the nurse was diverting patient narcotics for self-use. What early indicator of the nurse’s drug use was evident?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Seeking to be assigned as the medication nurse. This behavior is an early indicator of drug use because it provides the nurse with easier access to narcotics, which they may be seeking for self-use. By actively seeking out this responsibility, the nurse may have ulterior motives related to drug diversion.
Choice A is incorrect because accepting responsibility for medication errors is a common behavior among healthcare professionals and does not necessarily indicate drug use. Choice C, frequent complaints of physical pain, is also incorrect as it could be related to various health issues and not specifically drug use. Choice D, high sociability with peers, is not a direct indicator of drug use and does not provide any evidence of potential drug diversion.