A nurse on a medical-surgical unit notices that a colleague has slurred speech, unsteady gait, and smells of alcohol while preparing to administer intravenous medications. Which action should the nurse take first?
1Ask the colleague if they have been drinking alcohol.
2Document the colleague's behavior in the medical record.
3Confront the colleague in the medication room.
4Notify the charge nurse immediately.✓ Correct answer
Explanation
The nurse's priority is to protect clients from potential harm. The first action is to remove the impaired colleague from direct patient care by notifying the charge nurse or supervisor, who can then take appropriate steps according to facility policy. Asking the colleague about drinking or confronting them publicly could lead to denial or conflict and does not immediately ensure patient safety. Documenting observations is important but should occur after ensuring the colleague is removed from care and through proper channels, not in the patient's medical record.