A nurse is assigned to work as a member of an interprofessional team.
Which of the following are necessary to develop an effective team? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A rationale

Advocating for the client is a fundamental ethical responsibility of nurses, as outlined in the ANA Code of Ethics. In this scenario, reporting abuse to social services demonstrates the nurse's commitment to protecting the client's rights, well-being, and safety, especially for vulnerable individuals who may not be able to advocate for themselves.

Choice B rationale

Committing to quality client care is a broad ethical principle that encompasses many aspects of nursing practice, including providing competent care. While reporting abuse contributes to quality care by ensuring safety, "advocating for the client" more specifically describes the nurse's direct action in protecting a vulnerable individual from harm.

Choice C rationale

Honoring the client's human dignity involves treating clients with respect and preserving their inherent worth. While reporting abuse helps to restore dignity by stopping mistreatment, the direct action of intervening on behalf of the client in a protective manner is best described as advocacy.

Choice D rationale

Promoting research to advance nursing practice involves contributing to the development of new knowledge and evidence-based interventions. While important for professional growth, it is not the primary ethical provision that describes the direct act of reporting client abuse. The immediate action is focused on client protection.

Choice A rationale

Criticizing a colleague's professional judgment, such as pain management, exemplifies lateral violence. This behavior undermines professional competence and can create a hostile work environment, leading to increased stress and decreased team cohesion. Such actions violate principles of collegiality and respect, potentially impacting patient care indirectly due to a breakdown in communication and trust among healthcare providers.

Choice B rationale

A provider raising her voice to the charge nurse demonstrates an abuse of power and constitutes lateral violence. This aggressive communication style disrupts the professional environment, intimidates staff, and can lead to a sense of disrespect and powerlessness among nurses. Such behavior inhibits open communication and collaboration, essential for effective patient care delivery and a healthy work culture.

Choice C rationale

Complaining about a colleague at the nurses' station is a form of passive-aggressive lateral violence, often termed "gossiping.”. This behavior erodes trust, fosters a negative work environment, and can isolate the targeted individual, diminishing morale and professional relationships. It creates an atmosphere of distrust and hinders effective teamwork and communication among nursing staff.

Choice D rationale

Attending an in-service regarding lateral violence is an educational and proactive measure to address and prevent such behaviors. It is not an example of lateral violence itself. Instead, it represents a positive step towards fostering a healthier work environment by increasing awareness and providing strategies for identifying and mitigating disruptive behaviors within the healthcare team.

Choice E rationale

Deliberately avoiding a newly hired nurse to make them feel isolated is a clear instance of lateral violence. This ostracizing behavior aims to exclude and disempower the new individual, hindering their integration into the team and potentially impacting their confidence and performance. Such actions create an unwelcoming and hostile environment, undermining team cohesion and support systems.

Choice F rationale

Teaching a nurse about proper procedure after a medication error is a constructive, supportive, and educational response. This action promotes learning and professional development, aiming to improve practice and prevent future errors. It is an example of a supportive peer interaction focused on patient safety and professional growth, not lateral violence, which is disruptive and harmful.