What should the nurse do when a housekeeping employee requests acetaminophen for a headache?

When a housekeeping employee requests acetaminophen for a headache, the most appropriate action is to refer the employee to employee health for assessment. This approach aligns with safe medication administration practices and the protocols typically established in healthcare settings.

Employee health services are equipped to assess an individual's health status and determine the appropriate treatment or interventions for non-emergency issues such as headaches. They can provide a comprehensive assessment and ensure that any underlying conditions that may require further attention are identifiable.

This action also maintains the integrity of the nursing role and adheres to legal and organizational policies. Nurses must not provide medications to individuals outside of their care responsibilities or personal supply without an established protocol, as this could lead to liability or misuse of medication. Additionally, administering medication from personal supplies or hospital stock directly to non-patients without appropriate authority could contravene hospital policies and safety protocols.

Overall, referring the employee to the appropriate health services ensures that their needs are addressed safely and in compliance with healthcare standards.