Final answer:
When witnessing nurse-to-patient abuse, the nurse's first action should be to stop the abuse immediately, then document the incident in detail, and finally report it to a supervisor and the appropriate regulatory body.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse observes another nurse abusing a patient, the first action they should take is to stop the colleague's behaviour immediately to ensure the patient's safety. Once the immediate risk to the patient is addressed, the incident should be documented in detail. After documentation, it is imperative to report the matter to the appropriate supervisor and follow the facility's protocols, which may include contacting the College of Nurses (CNO) or equivalent regulatory body.
Intervening directly to stop abuse is crucial in upholding the nursing code of ethics, which prioritizes patient safety and well-being. Subsequent steps are taken to ensure that the incident is addressed through proper channels and does not reoccur.