The charge nurse observes that a fellow charge nurse on the unit seems impaired and unable to perform client care. Which action by the charge nurse is most appropriate in this situation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)Discussing the situation with the nursing supervisor is the appropriate decision because the supervisor is the next highest link in the chain of command. As such, the supervisor is responsible for making the appropriate decision about how to deal with the potentially impaired charge nurse. Confronting the other nurse would not be appropriate given that the nurse seems impaired. Although the nurse manager will need to be notified, the charge nurse must first notify the nursing supervisor so he or she can determine how to proceed. Security may need to be notified eventually, but again, that decision would be made by the nursing supervisor.
B)Discussing the situation with the nursing supervisor is the appropriate decision because the supervisor is the next highest link in the chain of command. As such, the supervisor is responsible for making the appropriate decision about how to deal with the potentially impaired charge nurse. Confronting the other nurse would not be appropriate given that the nurse seems impaired. Although the nurse manager will need to be notified, the charge nurse must first notify the nursing supervisor so he or she can determine how to proceed. Security may need to be notified eventually, but again, that decision would be made by the nursing supervisor.
C)Discussing the situation with the nursing supervisor is the appropriate decision because the supervisor is the next highest link in the chain of command. As such, the supervisor is responsible for making the appropriate decision about how to deal with the potentially impaired charge nurse. Confronting the other nurse would not be appropriate given that the nurse seems impaired. Although the nurse manager will need to be notified, the charge nurse must first notify the nursing supervisor so he or she can determine how to proceed. Security may need to be notified eventually, but again, that decision would be made by the nursing supervisor.
D)Discussing the situation with the nursing supervisor is the appropriate decision because the supervisor is the next highest link in the chain of command. As such, the supervisor is responsible for making the appropriate decision about how to deal with the potentially impaired charge nurse. Confronting the other nurse would not be appropriate given that the nurse seems impaired. Although the nurse manager will need to be notified, the charge nurse must first notify the nursing supervisor so he or she can determine how to proceed. Security may need to be notified eventually, but again, that decision would be made by the nursing supervisor.

The Charge Nurse Observes That a Fellow Charge Nurse on the Unit