Final answer:
Consequences for UL Nursing Students with a positive drug/alcohol screen can include disciplinary action or restrictions, in light of alcohol's negative effects such as impaired judgment and memory loss, which are incompatible with healthcare standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
The potential consequences of a positive drug/alcohol screen for UL Nursing Students can be serious. Generally, such consequences may include disciplinary action, such as suspension or expulsion from the nursing program, or restricted participation in certain activities, which might include clinical placements essential for their education and career. Given the detrimental effects of alcohol abuse, such as interference with judgement and the potential for developing disorders like cirrhosis, nursing schools uphold strict standards against substance misuse to ensure patient safety and professional behavior. Moreover, excessive alcohol use can result in memory loss and a reduction in reaction time, which are incompatible with the responsibilities of a healthcare professional. Using drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) or fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), putting a severe ethical burden on nursing students to maintain sober habits.