What should the nurse manager do upon auditing pain medication records and noticing discrepancies during the evening shift?

The most appropriate action for the nurse manager upon discovering discrepancies in pain medication records during the evening shift is to conduct a closer examination of the staff nurse's medication distribution. This response is correct because it involves directly investigating the specific issue at hand. Discrepancies in medication records can indicate potential medication errors, compliance issues, or even instances of diversion, and examining the staff nurse's distribution practices allows the nurse manager to gather more information on the situation.

By focusing on the individual nurse's actions and the documentation related to medication administration, the nurse manager can identify the root cause of the discrepancies, evaluate whether they are isolated incidents or part of a larger pattern, and provide appropriate feedback or corrective actions. This approach also ensures that any potential issues are addressed directly and can lead to improved practices, education, and oversight tailored to that specific situation.

Discussing the findings with the entire nursing staff may create an unnecessary atmosphere of suspicion or tension without properly addressing the underlying problem. Filing a formal complaint against the nurse is a more drastic measure and should only be considered after a thorough investigation has determined wrongdoing or serious misconduct. Increasing oversight for the evening shift in general does not target the specific discrepancies and may not resolve the issue either, possibly leading to mismanagement of resources and