Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

If a colleague confides about a personal addiction and refuses to report it, what is the best action for the nurse?

1. Confidentially report the conversation

2. Disregard the conversation

3. Remove prescription pads from her access

4. Speak with the nursing supervisor

The correct answer is: Speak with the nursing supervisor

In situations involving a colleague who confides about a personal addiction, the optimal course of action involves speaking with the nursing supervisor. This approach is crucial for several reasons. First, nurses have a responsibility to ensure a safe environment for both patients and staff. Addiction can impair a nurse's ability to perform essential duties, potentially putting patients at risk. By bringing the matter to the attention of a supervisor, you ensure that the issue is handled through appropriate channels within the healthcare facility. Supervisors typically have protocols and resources in place to deal with substance abuse issues confidentially and effectively while still adhering to necessary legal and ethical obligations. Additionally, addressing the situation at this level allows for a more structured intervention that may include evaluating the colleague’s fitness for duty, directing them to support services, or facilitating access to treatment programs. This path not only prioritizes patient safety but also offers the colleague help and support in managing their addiction. The other options, while they may seem reasonable in different contexts, do not provide the same comprehensive support and risk management as communicating with a supervisor. For instance, reporting the conversation confidentially could lead to unnecessary complications and might not be ethically appropriate without the supervisor's guidance. Ignoring the situation disregards both the colleague’s wellbeing and the safety