In the case of suspected undue harm by a nurse, how should you prioritize your actions?

When faced with a situation involving suspected undue harm by a nurse, prioritizing actions is crucial for patient safety and ethical practice. Ensuring the patient is safe first is paramount because patient welfare should always be the primary concern in healthcare settings. This involves assessing the situation, providing immediate support or intervention if necessary, and removing any threats to patient safety.

Once the patient's safety is secured, reporting the incident to a supervisor is essential. This step ensures that the concern is escalated to someone who has the authority to address the situation properly, potentially involving further investigation or intervention. Supervisors are equipped to handle such incidents in accordance with institutional policies and procedures, helping to mitigate risk not only for the affected patient but also for other patients.

This approach emphasizes the importance of a structured response to potential harm, highlighting the ethical responsibilities of healthcare practitioners to act promptly and report concerns rather than managing the situation informally or confronting colleagues.