A 79-year-old patient reports a pain level of 3 out of 10 and states, “Don’t worry, this is just part of getting old.” What is the best response?

Choice A rationale:

While explaining the importance and rationale of the new policy may be helpful in some cases, it may not be sufficient for nurses who are resistant to change. This approach assumes that the nurse's resistance is due to a lack of understanding, which may not be the case. It's possible that the nurse understands the rationale but has other concerns or objections.

Focusing solely on explaining the rationale can make the nurse feel they are not being listened to or that their concerns are not being valued. This can further contribute to resistance.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the nurse to verbalize their reasons for resistance allows the nurse manager to understand the root cause of the resistance. This could include:

Concerns about the effectiveness of the new policy

Belief that the new policy will create more work or make their job more difficult

Feeling that they were not adequately consulted or involved in the decision-making process Personal factors such as fear of change or a preference for established routines

Once the nurse manager understands the nurse's concerns, they can work together to address them and find ways to facilitate acceptance of the new policy. This approach fosters open communication, collaboration, and shared decision-making, which are essential for successful change management.

Choice C rationale:

Indicating disciplinary consequences may be necessary in some cases, but it should be a last resort. It can create a negative and hostile work environment, further alienate the nurse, and potentially lead to resentment and decreased morale among other staff members.

It's important to prioritize understanding and addressing the underlying reasons for resistance before resorting to disciplinary measures.

Choice D rationale:

Ignoring the resistance and relying on peer pressure is a passive and ineffective approach. It does not address the nurse's concerns and may even exacerbate the situation. This can lead to conflict among staff members, create a divide between those who support the change and those who resist it, and potentially compromise patient care.

The correct answer is choice d. Auscultate lung fields.

Choice A rationale:

Cupping hands and tapping on the patient’s chest is part of the chest percussion technique, which helps to loosen mucus. However, it is not the first step. Before performing any physical intervention, the nurse must assess the patient’s current respiratory status.

Choice B rationale:

Positioning the patient so that the lung area to be drained is above the trachea is part of postural drainage. This step is crucial but should be done after assessing the patient’s lung fields to determine the areas that need drainage.

Choice C rationale:

Providing mouth care is important for overall hygiene and to prevent infection, especially in patients with respiratory conditions. However, it is not directly related to the immediate assessment and intervention for chest physiotherapy.

Choice D rationale:

Auscultating lung fields is the first step because it allows the nurse to assess the patient’s respiratory status and identify areas with abnormal breath sounds, which will guide the subsequent interventions like chest percussion, vibration, and postural drainage. This assessment ensures that the interventions are targeted and effective.