One of Z.H.'s colleagues calls on the phone to ask how she is. You convey that you cannot
talk about Z.H. with her; however, she goes on to tell you that she thought something was
wrong with Z.H.
because her behavior had been so erratic, but "I had no idea it was drugs. I
didn't think Z.H. would ever do anything like that!" What are the visible signs of a chemically
impaired nurse?
The signs of a chemically impaired nurse can be very subtle and easy to overlook. They include the
following:
• Mood changes or confusion
• Difficulty making judgments, impaired memory, and forgetfulness
• Red eyes with flushed face
• Unsteady gait
• Tremors or impaired hand-eye coordination
• Irritability or hyperactivity
• Elaborate excuses for behavior
• Nervousness or suspiciousness
• Wearing long sleeves or a sweater constantly, even in hot weather
• Incorrect drug counts
• Accidents, spillages, or drugs frequently being wasted
• Frequently found in the bathroom, in the nurses' lounge, or off the unit
• Recurrent unfinished assignments or client care mistakes
• Eating alone and avoiding social gatherings
• Volunteering to change out sharps containers or waste narcotics
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A pharmacotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is
A) heparin. B) plasma transfusion. C) warfarin. D) protamine sulfate.
How does the International Association for the Study of Pain define the sensation of pain?
a. Unpleasant sensory and emotional expe-rience b. Whatever the person experiencing it says it is c. Psychogenic response to tissue injury d. Physical and psychogenic response to the need for drugs
The family of an older client asks the nurse if the client qualifies for Medicaid to help with hospital bills. What information should the nurse provide to the family?
1. Eligibility for Medicaid is based upon annual income level. 2. Medicaid is available to individuals once they have the ability to retire. 3. Medicaid is intended to assist low-income individuals over the age of 65. 4. Eligibility for Medicaid begins when entering a long-term care facility.
The nurse is caring for a client who has a decreased serum iron level. Which intervention does the nurse prioritize for this client?
a. Dietary consult b. Family assessment c. Cardiac assessment d. Administration of vitamin K