Pain Management Nursing Practice Exam 2025 – The Complete All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The first action a newly hired nurse should take if she is uncomfortable administering a placebo is to check the hospital policy regarding the use of a placebo. This is crucial because it provides guidelines on the ethical, legal, and clinical standards set by the institution regarding medication administration and the use of placebos in treatment. Understanding the policy will help the nurse clarify her responsibilities and the rationale behind the practice within that specific healthcare setting.

By consulting the hospital's policy, the nurse can gain insight into how placebos are used in patient care, the professional expectations surrounding their administration, and any ethical considerations that may need to be addressed. This step ensures that the nurse is informed about the legal implications and institutional protocols before making any further decisions on the matter. This knowledge empowers the nurse to make an informed choice about her role within the context of practice, potentially influencing her subsequent actions, whether it be engaging in a conversation with other healthcare providers, aligning her decision with institutional policies, or expressing her concerns through appropriate channels.