Author Question: A nurse preceptor on the progressive care unit is orienting a newly licensed nurse. Which action ... (Read 116 times)

schs14 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A nurse preceptor on the progressive care unit is orienting a newly licensed nurse. Which action taken by the newly licensed nurse requires immediate intervention by the nurse preceptor?

A) The nurse preceptor observes the newly licensed nurse recapping a needle using the scoop method.
B) The nurse preceptor observes the newly licensed nurse recapping the needle with the use of forceps.
C) The nurse preceptor observes the newly licensed nurse picking up contaminated broken glass.
D) The nurse preceptor observes the newly licensed nurse disposing of a needle in the sharps container.

Question 2

While preparing a pain medication for a client, the nurse notes that there is a discrepancy with the last removal and reports the incident. Which is an expected consequence of the nurse's action?

A) Being sued by the nurse who made the error
B) Being ostracized by the staff
C) Being protected by the law
D) Being summoned to testify

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

Answer to Question 1

Answer: C

When working with used or contaminated sharps, nurses will employ extra precautions so as to avoid unnecessary injuries. Needles that have been used will be disposed of in an appropriate sharps container. If sharps do need to be recapped this should be done with the use of another device (such as forceps or tongs), or with the scoop method. Nurses should never hold the cap in one hand while trying to guide the tip of the needle into the cap with the otherthis method substantially increases the risk of a sharp-related injury. According to OSHA, if contaminated glass is broken it should never be picked up by hand; a broom and dustpan or forceps should be used instead. Therefore if the nurse preceptor observes the newly licensed nurse picking up the contaminated broken glass she needs to immediately intervene.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: C

The nurse will be protected by a law known as the whistleblower act because misuse of narcotics is against the law. The staff should not know that the incident was reported. The nurse will probably not have to testify because the management team will gather the evidence. The nurse will not be sued because the nurse reports the incident but does not necessarily identify the individual responsible for it.