While working on a pediatric-oncology unit, a nurse notices the nursing assistant is slurring her words and smells of alcohol. After confronting the nursing assistant, she promises to never do it again and asks the nurse to keep it a secret. What should the nurse do next?

Explanation

•The nurse should report the nursing assistant to the supervisor immediately. An intoxicated employee can be a danger to both the patients and the staff.

•The nursing assistant is not in critical condition and does not need to be treated for alcohol overdose.

•Although sending the nursing assistant home is appropriate, lying about the situation is inappropriate and dangerous.

•Intoxicated staff members should not remain at work, even doing non-patient care.

Visit our website for other NCLEX topics now!