A charge nurse in a long-term care facility notices the smell of alcohol on a nurse's breath.Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A rationale:Calling the supervisor to ask for another nurse is not the first action the charge nurse should take when noticing the smell of alcohol on a nurse's breath. While it's important to involve the supervisor, immediate action to ensure patient safety is required.Choice B rationale:Documenting objective findings about the situation is a valid step in the process, but it should not be the first action. The charge nurse's primary responsibility is to address the immediate safety concerns.Choice C rationale:Removing the nurse from the client care area is the first action the charge nurse should take when smelling alcohol on a nurse's breath. This action ensures patient safety and prevents potential harm caused by impaired nursing care.Choice D rationale:Assigning clients to the remaining staff is not the first action to take when there is suspicion of alcohol impairment in a nurse. Patient safety and addressing the situation involving the impaired nurse take precedence.