A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who has preeclampsia and is to receive magnesium sulfate via continuous IV infusion.
Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan?

Choice A rationale:

Expressing concern about another shift's holiday hours does not necessarily involve interpersonal conflict. It may reflect dissatisfaction but doesn't involve direct conflict between individuals.

Choice B rationale:

A personal difficulty with caring for clients who have HIV could be a challenge for the nurse, but it's not an example of interpersonal conflict. It represents a personal struggle rather than a conflict with another individual.

Choice C rationale:

Insulting comments directed at a nurse by another nurse represent interpersonal conflict. Such behavior involves a direct clash of personalities and can create a hostile work environment, affecting the nurse's well-being and job performance. Addressing this type of conflict is crucial for maintaining a positive work atmosphere.

Choice D rationale:

Submitting a complaint about another department's handoff reporting might indicate dissatisfaction or concerns about workflow, but it's not necessarily an interpersonal conflict. It could be a communication issue or a difference in professional opinion rather than a direct clash between individuals.

The correct answer is D.

Choice A reason: “A. Using this machine increases my risk of overdose.” This statement is incorrect because PCA pumps are designed with safety mechanisms to prevent overdose. The pump is programmed to deliver a specific dose of medication at set intervals, and it will not dispense more medication than what is prescribed by the healthcare provider.

Choice B reason: “B. I can get pain medication any time as long as I press the button.” While it is true that the patient can self-administer medication, PCA pumps have a lockout interval that prevents the machine from delivering another dose until a certain amount of time has passed, ensuring that the patient cannot receive medication too frequently.

Choice C reason: “C. My partner can press my pain medication button for me if I am sleeping.” This statement is incorrect. Only the patient should press the button on the PCA pump to ensure that the medication is administered safely and according to the patient’s current level of pain. Allowing someone else to press the button could lead to unsafe dosing.

Choice D reason: “D. I will receive a limited amount of pain medication when I press the button.” This is the correct statement. The PCA pump allows the patient to administer a controlled amount of pain medication within safe limits set by the healthcare provider. The pump is programmed to deliver a specific dose of medication, and there is a limit to the number of doses that can be administered per hour.