The charge nurse observes that a fellow charge nurse on the unit who seems impaired and unable to perform client care. Which action by the charge nurse is the most appropriate in this situation?
A) Notify security.
B) Call the nurse manager of the unit.
C) Discuss the situation with the nursing supervisor.
D) Confront the nurse directly.
Answer: C
Discussing the situation with the nursing supervisor is the appropriate decision. Because the charge nurse has witnessed the behavior it is important to follow the appropriate chain of command, allowing the nursing supervisor to make the appropriate decision about the next move. Confronting the impaired nurse would not be appropriate given that the nurse seems impaired. The nurse manager will need to be notified, but the charge nurse must notify the nursing supervisor in terms of how to proceed. Security may need to be notified eventually, but that decision would be made by the nursing supervisor, who would delegate that authority to the charge nurse.
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