The LPN/LVN notices that another nurse has made errors in ...

[chandani]

The LPN/LVN notices that another nurse has made errors in practice and judgment over the past few weeks. In addition, the nurse's personality has undergone changes, such as irritability and unpredictability when responding to others.
 
  A patient mentioned to the LPN/LVN that when the nurse administered medication for pain relief, it didn't work as well as it had earlier in the day. Based on this information the LPN/LVN should
 
  a. notify the state board of nursing.
  b. confront the nurse with the observations.
  c. call Employee Health and discuss the matter.
  d. report these findings to the nurse in charge.

Question 2

The nurse who works in the ICU leaves the room of a patient and bursts into tears. She tells a co-worker, I have to touch the patient to provide care, but when I was turning her, a big piece of skin just sloughed off her back.
 
  How can I justify giving care when it seems to do more harm than good? The nurse is most likely experiencing
 
  a. burnout.
  b. detachment.
  c. negative outcomes.
  d. secondary traumatic stress.

[JCABRERA33]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The observations suggest signs of chemical dependency but are not entirely diagnostic. The LPN/LVN must work within the structure of the agency. This would require involving the individual who is the direct supervisor of the staff member, who will pursue the problem according to agency policy. The LPN/LVN has a duty to report suspected use or abuse of alcohol or other drugs.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Secondary traumatic stress occurs from exposure to horrors associated with a patient's condition or care the nurse must provide. The nurse experiencing burnout usually becomes angry and cynical about patients. The nurse is not displaying detachment in this situation.