What action should the charge nurse implement regarding the use of a placebo that was administered to the patient?

• A. Request that a social worker meet with the client to arrange drug abuse counseling.
• B. Discuss the implications of placebo use with the nurse who administered the saline and initiate an incident report.
• C. Notify the surgeon that this technique has reduced the client's need for morphine.
• D. Encourage the nurse to continue the placebo use, alternating with the morphine.

Answer: (B)

Placebos in patient care raise ethical and safety concerns because they involve deception and affect patient autonomy. The charge nurse should address this by discussing the situation with the nurse who administered the placebo to understand what happened, why it was used, and whether proper consent and policy were followed. At the same time, initiating an incident report documents the event, prompts a review of analgesia practices, and helps prevent recurrence. This approach protects patient safety, supports accountability, and aligns with both ethical practice and institutional policy. Referring the patient to social work, telling the surgeon the technique reduced morphine need, or continuing placebo use without addressing consent and policy would not be appropriate steps.