Question

After a team training system is implemented in an operating room (OR), a junior circulating nurse notices that a particular anesthesiologist goes missing from the OR at odd times, often seems sluggish, and occasionally slurs her words. Concerned that the physician might be impaired due to medication abuse, the nurse ponders what to do next.

What would be the MOST appropriate way for the nurse to respond?

(A) Call the physician at home and warn her to stop abusing prescription medication
(B) Refuse to work with that physician in the future
(C) Start logging the suspicious occurrences as he sees them, so that he can bring a list to the medical director
(D) Talk to the medical director now, in confidence
(E) Warn colleagues about working with that physician

Answer 1

The MOST appropriate way for the nurse to respond would be to talk to the medical director in confidence (Option D). By reporting to the medical director, the nurse is allowing the proper authority to investigate and take appropriate action as necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

The MOST appropriate way for the nurse to respond would be to talk to the medical director now, in confidence (Option D).

Concerns about a physician's potential impairment due to medication abuse should be addressed by reporting to the appropriate authority, which in this case is the medical director. The nurse should have a confidential conversation with the medical director to discuss the observations and concerns.

By reporting to the medical director, the nurse is allowing the proper authority to investigate and take appropriate action as necessary. This ensures that patient safety and the well-being of the physician are protected.