WILKES-BARRE, Pa. » Authorities say a registered nurse has acknowledged drinking four or five beers in the hours before assisting in an emergency operation at a northeastern Pennsylvania veterans hospital.

Richard Pieri is charged with recklessly endangering another person, driving under the influence and public drunkenness.

A police affidavit says the 59-year-old Drums resident stumbled into the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center on Feb. 4 before the surgery. They say his responsibilities included preparing the patient and monitoring vital signs.

Prosecutors say Pieri told investigators he had forgotten he was on call that night.

The affidavit doesn’t say what procedure the patient underwent but notes the patient was readmitted for stomach pains.

No attorney is listed for Pieri in court documents. A message left on his phone today hasn’t been returned.