Author Question: A nurse consistently arrives to work wearing a long-sleeved blouse despite the temperature being in ... (Read 91 times)

penza · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A nurse consistently arrives to work wearing a long-sleeved blouse despite the temperature being in the 90s and the air humid. When colleagues mention her attire, the nurse becomes defensive and isolates herself from others.

What does the nurse's behavior suggest?

1. substance abuse
2. a long-standing illness
3. introverted behavior
4. low self-esteem

Question 2

A nurse is concerned about potential substance abuse by a coworker. What behavior warrants further investigation?

1. The coworker frequently wastes medications.
2. The coworker frequently requests the largest patient care assignment for the shift.
3. The coworker prefers not to be the medication nurse on the shift.
4. The coworker declines to take scheduled breaks.

kjo;oj · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1

Signs of drug use include wearing long sleeves in hot weather to cover up arms defensive behavior, and isolation. There is not enough information to support idea that the nurse has a long-standing illness, routinely engages in introverted behavior, or has low self-esteem.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1

Excessive medication wasting could be a sign that a nurse is using or diverting drugs. Requesting a large patient care assignment would not be a characteristic of a nurse who is abusing substances. The nurse who is unable or unwilling to manage a patient care assignment could be a substance abuser. Requesting not to be the medication nurse would reduce access to potentially abusive substances. Taking frequent or lengthy breaks might signal substance abuse. Declining scheduled breaks is not characteristic of a substance abuser.