A newly licensed nurse accepts a position on a medical-surgical unit.
Which of the following is an example of the nurse displaying confidence?

Choice A rationale

Clarifying performance expectations would be a subsequent step if the nurse's behavior continues to be problematic after initial intervention. The immediate priority is to address the suspected impairment, which directly impacts client safety and professional conduct, before focusing solely on performance metrics.

Choice B rationale

Reporting to the state board of nursing is a serious action typically taken after internal measures have been exhausted or if the impairment poses an immediate and grave risk that cannot be managed internally. The initial step focuses on a more direct, supportive, yet firm approach.

Choice C rationale

Discussing concerns with the nurse privately is the appropriate first action. This allows the manager to directly address the observed behavioral changes, express concern, and assess the situation without immediately escalating to more punitive measures. It provides an opportunity for the nurse to seek help while maintaining privacy.

Choice D rationale

Immediately terminating the nurse's employment is a premature and potentially unjust action without proper investigation and adherence to organizational policies. Due process and opportunities for intervention or rehabilitation should typically be explored before resorting to termination, unless an immediate, severe threat to safety exists.

Choice A rationale

Battery involves intentional physical contact with another person without their consent. While applying restraints involves physical contact, the primary legal issue here is the deprivation of liberty, not necessarily harmful or offensive touching in the context of assault and battery.

Choice B rationale

Negligence involves a failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in a similar situation, resulting in harm. Applying restraints to prevent a client from leaving against medical advice, while potentially problematic, falls under intentional torts rather than unintentional negligence.

Choice C rationale

False imprisonment is the unlawful restraint of a person against their will. When a nurse applies physical restraints to prevent a client from leaving an acute care setting against medical advice, and the client is competent to make decisions, this action constitutes false imprisonment as it restricts their freedom of movement without legal justification.

Choice D rationale

Assault is an intentional act that causes another person to apprehend immediate harmful or offensive contact. While the threat of restraint might precede it, the actual application of restraints to prevent leaving is primarily a deprivation of liberty, which falls under false imprisonment, not assault.