What should a team leader do when addressing a nurse arriving at work after consuming alcohol?

When addressing the situation of a nurse arriving at work after consuming alcohol, notifying the nurse manager is the appropriate action. The team leader has a responsibility to ensure patient safety and maintain a professional working environment. Such an incident poses a significant risk, both for patient care and the nurse's well-being.

By informing the nurse manager, the team leader ensures that the situation is handled according to organizational protocols and policies. This allows for a proper assessment and appropriate disciplinary measures to be taken, which may include further evaluation of the nurse's condition and access to support services.

Handling the situation this way also showcases the importance of maintaining a chain of command in healthcare settings, ensuring that trained personnel are involved in addressing potentially serious issues like substance use. This approach fosters a culture of accountability and safety, crucial in a healthcare environment.

Addressing the problem directly, ignoring it, or sending the nurse home without proper documentation and protocol would not provide a comprehensive solution and could compromise safety and accountability.