Question

A nurse working on an acute care medical surgical unit is aware that his or her first duty is to the patient's health, safety, and well-being. Given this knowledge, which of the following is most necessary for the nurse to report?

1) Unethical behavior of other staff members
2) A worker who arrives late
3) Favoritism shown by nursing administration
4) Arguments among the staff

Answer 1

The nurse should report unethical behavior of other staff members as it directly endangers patient health and safety, and is a clear violation of medical and ethical standards. The correct option is 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse working on an acute care medical surgical unit must prioritize the patient's health, safety, and well-being. Among the options provided, the most necessary situation for a nurse to report is unethical behavior of other staff members.

Examples of such unethical behavior can range from the diversion of medication, as in a case where a healthcare worker was caught stealing syringes of painkillers, to mistreatment of patients or failure to adhere to standard medical procedures. These actions directly endanger patient safety and violate the core values of nursing care. Reporting such incidents is critical to ensure that all patients receive the care they need in a safe and ethical environment.

The concerns of work overload, dealing with patient concerns like death and medical issues, and interpersonal problems among the medical staff may also impact patient care and should be monitored, but they are secondary to direct ethical violations.