The nurse is observing a staff member who appears to be under the influence of an impairing substance. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

1. Ask another staff member to observe the individual to confirm the suspicion.
2. Confront the staff member about the concern and offer emotional support.
3. Speak with the nursing supervisor in private about the concern.
4. Report the situation to the appropriate regulatory agency.



Answer :

Final answer:

The nurse should confirm suspicions with another staff member, inform the nursing supervisor privately, and report to the regulatory agency if needed when observing a staff member under the influence of an impairing substance.


Explanation:

The nurse should take the following action when observing a staff member under the influence of an impairing substance:

  1. Ask another staff member to observe the individual to confirm the suspicion: This helps validate the nurse's observation and ensures a fair assessment of the situation.
  2. Speak with the nursing supervisor in private about the concern: Bringing the issue to a higher authority can lead to appropriate steps being taken to address the situation.
  3. Report the situation to the appropriate regulatory agency: If the staff member is indeed impaired, notifying the regulatory agency is crucial for ensuring patient safety and upholding professional standards.

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