Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam

What should a nurse do if they suspect a colleague of practicing while impaired by substances?

1. Confront the colleague directly and demand they leave

2. Ignore the behavior to avoid conflict

3. Report the behavior to the appropriate supervisory personnel

4. Wait for the colleague to make a public mistake before addressing it

The correct answer is: Confront the colleague directly and demand they leave

Reporting the behavior to the appropriate supervisory personnel is the correct course of action when a nurse suspects a colleague of practicing while impaired by substances. This approach ensures that the situation is handled appropriately and safely. Reporting allows the supervisory personnel to assess the situation and take necessary action to protect patient safety and support the colleague. Confronting the colleague directly could create an unsafe situation and put the nurse at risk, as it may escalate tensions or lead to denial of the issue by the colleague. Ignoring the behavior is detrimental, as it poses a risk to patient care and safety, failing to address a serious concern. Waiting for a public mistake to occur before addressing it is not only irresponsible but also puts patients at risk and does not facilitate timely intervention for the colleague’s potential impairment.