A nurse is functioning as a member of an interprofessional team.
To be an effective member, the nurse should be knowledgeable of which of the following?

Choice A rationale

Lack of progress toward goals is a clinical indicator of the client's condition or the effectiveness of the care plan, not necessarily a sign of blurred professional boundaries due to over-involvement by the nurse. It suggests a need for care plan revision or reassessment.

Choice B rationale

Increased requests for assistance can be a normal part of a client's hospitalization, especially in prolonged stays, indicating evolving needs or dependency. It does not inherently suggest blurred professional boundaries but rather a need for careful assessment of the client's actual requirements.

Choice C rationale

Expressed feelings of isolation are a common emotional response to prolonged hospitalization. This indicates a need for psychosocial support and interventions to enhance social interaction, rather than being a direct sign of blurred professional boundaries initiated by the nurse's over-involvement.

Choice D rationale

The client starting to bring the nurse gifts and treats is a clear indication that professional boundaries have been blurred due to over-involvement by the nurse. This behavior often suggests a personal rather than professional relationship, potentially compromising objectivity and professional distance.

Choice A rationale

Orienting a new nurse to the nursing unit involves familiarizing them with the physical layout, equipment, common workflows, and specific patient population. This initial exposure is crucial for building foundational competence and reducing anxiety. A preceptor's role is to facilitate this integration, ensuring the new nurse can safely and effectively navigate the clinical environment and understand unit-specific protocols.

Choice B rationale

Confronting a new nurse about deficiencies can create a defensive environment, hindering learning and open communication. A preceptor's role is to provide constructive feedback, identify areas for improvement through observation, and then offer guidance and opportunities for skill development in a supportive manner. This approach fosters growth rather than punitive action.

Choice C rationale

While encouraging participation in professional organizations like state nursing associations is beneficial for professional development and networking, it is not the primary or immediate responsibility of a preceptor. The core role centers on clinical skill development, unit orientation, and direct patient care competencies within the specific practice setting.

Choice D rationale

Immediately reporting all mistakes to the nurse manager undermines the preceptor's role as a supportive educator. A preceptor should identify mistakes as learning opportunities, provide immediate feedback, guide corrective actions, and document progress. Only persistent, significant, or safety-critical issues warrant escalation to the nurse manager, after attempts at remediation.