NCLEX-RNManagement of CareHard
A nurse notices that a coworker has slurred speech, unsteady gait, and the smell of alcohol on their breath before starting a shift. What is the nurse's priority action?
- AReport the observation immediately to the nurse manager or supervisor
- BWait until after the shift to see if the coworker's condition improves
- CSay nothing and monitor the coworker's client care throughout the shift
- DConfront the coworker privately and tell them to go home
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Report the observation immediately to the nurse manager or supervisor
The nurse has a legal and ethical duty to protect client safety, which requires immediately reporting suspected impairment to a supervisor so the situation can be addressed through proper channels, such as removing the coworker from patient care duties. Confronting alone, ignoring, or waiting places clients at risk of harm.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Waiting until after the shift allows continued unsafe patient care.
- C. Ignoring the observation places clients at serious risk of harm.
- D. Handling it alone without reporting fails to protect client safety and follow policy.
Duty to Report Impaired Colleague
Nurses have an ethical and legal obligation to report suspected impairment (e.g., alcohol, drugs) in a colleague to a supervisor immediately to protect client safety.
- Client safety is the priority, not workplace loyalty
- Reporting must go through proper channels (supervisor, manager)
- State boards often have peer assistance/diversion programs for impaired nurses
Memory trick: See it, report it—don't cover it