An assistive personnel (AP) contacts a nurse manager and reports that on the last shift a nurse seemed distracted and that a client reported that the nurse smelled of alcohol. The AP alleges that the nurse was drinking alcohol during the shift. Which of the following actions should the nurse manager take first?

Rationale: A. Developing a disciplinary plan is premature because the situation has not yet been verified. Disciplinary action should only follow a thorough investigation that confirms the facts and establishes the nurse’s accountability. Acting without verification could be unfair and legally problematic. B. Referral to a diversion program may be appropriate if impairment is confirmed, but this step comes after an investigation has verified the concern. Immediate referral without fact-finding is inappropriate. C. This is the correct first action. The nurse manager must gather accurate information, review reports, and interview witnesses to determine if the nurse’s behavior indicates impairment. Conducting a thorough, objective investigation ensures fairness, protects client safety, and provides a factual basis for any subsequent actions. D. Confronting the nurse before collecting facts can lead to defensiveness, denial, or incomplete information. While the nurse may eventually need to be interviewed, this confrontation should be part of a structured investigation rather than the initial step.