A nurse who is assigned to care for a patient who has been admitted with an opiate overdose tells the nursing supervisor, "This is a waste of my time. The patient will be back on the needle right after being discharged." The most appropriate response by the nursing supervisor is

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To provide nonjudgmental care for substance-abusing patients, nurses must examine their own values and feelings. This statement validates the nurse's feelings but recognizes the need to care for the patient in a nonjudgmental way. The response beginning, "Your lack of professionalism" is critical of the nurse and is unlikely to lead to a change in the nurse's attitude. The response beginning, "You know we are obligated to provide appropriate care" is accurate but does not encourage the nurse to examine his or her own values. The response beginning, "Since you feel so strongly" would solve the immediate problem but would not encourage self-examination.

A Nurse Who Is Assigned to Care for a Patient