Question

You are an FY2 doctor on a medical ward and notice a senior registrar reviewing patients after lunch smelling strongly of alcohol with slurred speech. He is about to prescribe intravenous opioids for a patient in severe pain. What is the most appropriate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Remove the drug chart if possible and urgently escalate your concerns to the consultant or duty manager

Answer

Confront him loudly on the ward in front of staff and patients

Answer

Quietly document your concerns but take no immediate action

Answer

Immediately report him to the police

Answer

Ignore the situation because he is senior and may be stressed

Practice question

You are an FY2 doctor on a medical ward and notice a senior registrar reviewing patients after lunch smelling strongly of alcohol with slurred speech. He is about to prescribe intravenous opioids for a patient in severe pain. What is the most appropriate initial action?