Author Question: The nurse is concerned that a colleague is experiencing depression from substance abuse. What does ... (Read 118 times)

Lobcity · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse is concerned that a colleague is experiencing depression from substance abuse. What does the nurse observe to make this assumption?

1. The colleague leaves the unit and cannot be located for long periods of time.
2. The colleague uses the visitor bathroom instead of employee bathroom.
3. The colleague often eats lunch away from the hospital.
4. The colleague complains of frequent headaches at work.

Question 2

The nurse manager is concerned that one staff nurse is demonstrating signs of substance abuse. Which behaviors did the manager observe in the staff nurse?

Select all that apply.
1. calling for days off or illness before scheduled days off
2. using the bathroom frequently
3. excessive use of mouthwash
4. volunteering to transfer a patient to the intensive care unit
5. following up with nursing assistants on patient care needs

skipfourms123 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1

Leaving the unit and not being located for long periods of time are indicative of depression associated with substance abuse. Using the visitor bathroom instead of employee bathroom, eating lunch away from the hospital, and complaining of headaches at work are not indicative of the colleague experiencing depression because of substance abuse.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3

Nurses experience many pressures in the workplace and have easy access to drugs, a temptation that may result in greater vulnerability for substance abuse and dependence. There are many observable warning signs of potential abuse, including calling for days off before scheduled days off, frequently using the bathroom, and excessive use of mouthwash. Volunteering to transfer a patient to the intensive care unit or following up with nursing assistants on patient care needs are not indications of substance abuse.