A caregiver is caring for a client who is uncooperative, verbally abusive, and disrespectful towards the nurse. The nurse responds defensively and threatens to withhold the client’s meal tray if they do not cooperate. Which of the following intentional torts has the nurse demonstrated?

Choice A Reason

In this scenario, the nurse is assuming the role of a manager. By referring the family to the hospital social worker, the nurse is coordinating care and ensuring that the family receives the necessary support and resources. This action demonstrates the nurse’s ability to manage the overall care plan, delegate tasks, and utilize the expertise of other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. The managerial role involves overseeing patient care, making decisions, and facilitating communication among the healthcare team.

Choice B Reason

While the nurse’s action could also be seen as demonstrating leadership qualities, the primary role in this context is managerial. Leadership involves guiding and inspiring others, which can be part of the nurse’s responsibilities. However, the specific action of referring the family to the social worker is more aligned with managing and coordinating care rather than leading a team or initiative.

Choice C Reason

The laissez-faire leadership style is characterized by a hands-off approach, where leaders provide minimal direction and allow team members to make decisions independently. This style is not applicable in this scenario, as the nurse is actively involved in coordinating care and ensuring that the family receives appropriate support. The nurse’s proactive approach does not align with the laissez-faire style.

Choice D Reason

The role of a follower involves taking direction from others and supporting the implementation of decisions made by leaders. In this scenario, the nurse is not merely following instructions but is actively managing the situation by referring the family to the social worker. This action demonstrates initiative and responsibility, which are characteristics of a managerial role rather than a follower role.

Choice A Reason:

Activate the fire alarm. The nurse’s top priority in this situation should be to activate the fire alarm. This action ensures that the entire facility is alerted to the fire, allowing for a coordinated and timely response. Activating the fire alarm initiates the emergency protocols, including evacuation procedures and the arrival of the fire department. This step is crucial because it addresses the safety of all individuals in the facility, not just those in the immediate vicinity of the fire. By activating the fire alarm, the nurse ensures that everyone is aware of the danger and can take appropriate action to protect themselves.

Choice B Reason:

Move any clients in the immediate vicinity. While moving clients in the immediate vicinity is important, it is not the top priority. This action addresses the safety of those closest to the fire but does not alert the rest of the facility to the danger. Without activating the fire alarm first, other staff members and clients may remain unaware of the fire, potentially putting more people at risk. Therefore, while moving clients is a necessary step, it should follow the activation of the fire alarm to ensure a comprehensive response to the emergency.

Choice C Reason:

Use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. Using a fire extinguisher to put out the fire is a valid action, but it should not be the nurse’s top priority. Attempting to extinguish the fire without first alerting others can be dangerous, especially if the fire spreads quickly or if the nurse is unable to control it. Activating the fire alarm ensures that help is on the way and that evacuation procedures are initiated. Once the fire alarm is activated, the nurse can then attempt to use a fire extinguisher if it is safe to do so.

Choice D Reason:

Close the fire doors on the unit. Closing the fire doors is an important step in containing the fire and preventing it from spreading. However, this action should come after the fire alarm has been activated. Closing the fire doors without alerting others to the fire may delay the overall response and evacuation efforts. By activating the fire alarm first, the nurse ensures that everyone is aware of the fire and can take appropriate actions, including closing fire doors as part of the containment strategy.