A nurse detects a foul odor in a bathroom and suspects a client is smoking marijuana. What should the nurse do next?

A nurse detects a foul odor in a bathroom and suspects a client is smoking marijuana. What should the nurse do next?

• A. Document the incident in the chart.
• B. Notify the physician and security immediately.
• C. Notify the patient’s family.
• D. Administer oxygen.

Answer: (B)

When there is suspicion of illicit substance use based on a foul odor, the immediate priority is safety and clinical assessment. The nurse should promptly notify the physician so the patient can be evaluated for intoxication or withdrawal and receive appropriate monitoring or treatment, and also alert security to manage potential safety risks and to address any policy or security concerns. Administering oxygen isn’t indicated by odor alone unless there are signs of hypoxia. Notifying the patient’s family would violate privacy and isn’t appropriate in this scenario. Documentation should follow the immediate safety and medical response, aligning with facility policies.

When there is suspicion of illicit substance use based on a foul odor, the immediate priority is safety and clinical assessment. The nurse should promptly notify the physician so the patient can be evaluated for intoxication or withdrawal and receive appropriate monitoring or treatment, and also alert security to manage potential safety risks and to address any policy or security concerns. Administering oxygen isn’t indicated by odor alone unless there are signs of hypoxia. Notifying the patient’s family would violate privacy and isn’t appropriate in this scenario. Documentation should follow the immediate safety and medical response, aligning with facility policies.