The nurse suspects that a coworker is impaired at work. What is this n

QUESTION

The nurse suspects that a coworker is impaired at work. What is this nurse’s priority action?

1. Closely observe the coworker to gain evidence of impairment.
2. Plan to work with the person as a team to provide care.
3. Report the suspicion to the appropriate supervisor.
4. Confront the coworker with the suspicion.

ANSWER:

Correct Answer: 3

In this case, the priority is to report the suspicion to the supervisor so that appropriate action can be taken. Confronting the coworker is the responsibility of the supervisor, not the nurse. Just observing the coworker or planning to provide care as a team may allow injury to a client or involve the nurse in unsafe actions.