Question

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 response to a concern about a physician's potential medication abuse is for the nurse to discuss the matter with the medical director in confidence. Recognizing withdrawal symptoms and understanding the use of methadone in heroin addiction are also crucial aspects of dealing with substance abuse in healthcare settings.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a nurse is concerned that a physician might be impaired due to medication abuse, the most appropriate way for the nurse to respond is to talk to the medical director now, in confidence (Option D). This is a professional approach that protects patient safety and follows the appropriate channels to address the situation while respecting the confidentiality of the physician in question.

It is also essential to recognize symptoms of withdrawal, which may include anxiety, sweating, vomiting, and shaking, among others. A person with a heroin addiction might be prescribed methadone to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and cravings, as methadone is a long-acting opioid that can be used as a substitute therapy to wean individuals off heroin.