You are caring for a driver who struck a light pole. She admits to drinking alcohol but orders you not to tell anyone. You should report the information to which entity?

• A. The receiving nurse or doctor
• B. Law enforcement personnel
• C. Your medical director
• D. The state motor vehicle department

Answer: (A)

In this situation, the important point is that information about substances that can affect a patient’s care should be shared with the treating team so they can evaluate and manage the patient safely. When the driver admits to drinking, that detail goes into the patient’s medical history for the hospital staff to consider during assessment, monitoring, and treatment. The receiving nurse or doctor is the appropriate person to document this information and to coordinate care, including any required tests or observations for intoxication and safety.

Law enforcement involvement isn’t necessary as the immediate care recipient, unless there’s a separate legal obligation or mandate in your area. The medical director isn’t the place where you relay this direct clinical information, and reporting to the state motor vehicle department isn’t part of the standard patient-care workflow. So, sharing the information with the receiving nurse or doctor ensures the patient gets informed, appropriate care and that the information is appropriately documented in the medical record.