A nurse is working with a colleague who frequently interrupts and dominates during patient care discussions. The nurse wants to address this behavior assertively to ensure effective teamwork.

Which response by the nurse demonstrates assertive behavior?

Choice A rationale
Performing an opening move is an initial step in the negotiation process where each party presents their initial demands or offers. This is not the step the nurse manager is using in this scenario.
Choice B rationale
Continuing the negotiation involves ongoing discussions and adjustments to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. This is not the step the nurse manager is using in this scenario.
Choice C rationale
Clarifying the problem involves understanding and defining the issues at hand. While this is an important step in the negotiation process, it is not the step the nurse manager is using in this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Setting ground rules involves establishing the guidelines for how the negotiation will be conducted. In this scenario, the nurse manager is setting ground rules by inviting the staff to each take a turn speaking and requesting that everyone listen respectfully and refrain from making personal or professional comments about one another.

Choice A rationale
While the application of anti-embolism stockings can be beneficial in preventing deep vein thrombosis in postoperative patients, it is not the most prioritized nursing intervention in the immediate postoperative period for a patient who has undergone a left pneumonectomy. The immediate postoperative period after a pneumonectomy is critical for monitoring and managing potential complications such as respiratory distress, hemorrhage, and bronchopleural fistula.
Choice B rationale
The use of the incentive spirometer is an important nursing intervention for postoperative patients to promote lung expansion and prevent atelectasis. However, in the immediate postoperative period following a pneumonectomy, the priority is to monitor for complications and ensure the stability of the patient.
Choice C rationale
Assessment of the chest tube and pleur-evac is the most prioritized nursing intervention in the immediate postoperative period for a patient who has undergone a left pneumonectomy. After a pneumonectomy, a chest tube is placed to drain air, blood, and fluid from the pleural space to allow the remaining lung to re-expand. It is crucial to monitor the chest tube system for proper functioning and to assess for complications such as excessive bleeding, infection, or pneumothorax.
Choice D rationale
Repositioning the patient in bed is a standard nursing intervention in postoperative care to enhance comfort, promote lung expansion, and prevent complications such as pressure ulcers and deep vein thrombosis. However, it is not the most prioritized intervention in the immediate postoperative period following a pneumonectomy, where monitoring for respiratory complications and ensuring the stability of the patient are paramount.