The nurse is working on a surgical unit, and overhears another nurse say, "That client is asking for pain medication again. He is constantly on the call bell, always reporting how severe his pain is, and I think he's just drug-seeking
I'm going to make him wait the full 4 hours before I give this medication again." Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate in this situation?
1. Ignoring the situation because the client in question is not this nurse's responsibility
2. Entering the nurses' station, reprimanding the nurse, and completing an incident or variance report
3. Pulling the second nurse aside and providing a reminder that the sensation of pain is subjective, and that professionals have a duty to believe clients' reports of their symptoms
4. Informing the charge nurse of what was overheard
Correct Answer: 3
It is every nurse's responsibility to speak up and advocate for the client when situations arise that place the client at risk of incorrect treatment. However, the nurse would address the situation privately, and not in front of others at the nurses' station. Informing the charge nurse would only be necessary if the nurse who was overheard did not respond constructively to the nurse's correction.
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