While completing a medication pass at a long-term care facility, a practical nurse (PN) observes another nurse who appears drowsy, is slurring their words, and is about to administer an oral medication to a client. In what order should the PN take the following actions? Arrange the steps from first to last.
- 1Intervene immediately to prevent the coworker from administering the medication.
- 2Assess the client to ensure their safety and determine if any medication was already given.
- 3Notify the nursing supervisor or charge nurse immediately regarding the coworker's condition.
- 4Document objective, factual observations about the incident in a facility incident report.
Answer
The correct order of actions prioritizes immediate client safety, followed by client assessment, reporting to management, and finally, objective documentation.
According to the NCLEX-PN framework for safe and effective care, the first priority is always immediate client safety, which requires stopping the administration of medication by an impaired nurse. Next, the nurse must assess the client to ensure no harm has already occurred. Following the establishment of client safety, the nurse must follow the chain of command by notifying the supervisor to remove the impaired nurse from duty. Finally, objective documentation of the event is completed in a facility incident report, separate from the client's medical record.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Priority Action for Impaired Coworker