A nurse manager is planning to assist with resolving conflict within a group of nurses. Which of the following actions should the nurse manager take?

Choice A reason: A single light fixture along the sidewalk provides limited illumination, insufficient for comprehensive safety. Multiple, evenly spaced lights are needed to prevent falls, especially for older adults. Inadequate lighting increases risks of trips or assaults, indicating the client’s understanding of outdoor safety is incomplete and does not fully address home safety needs.
Choice B reason: Changing smoke alarm batteries annually ensures functional alarms, reducing fire-related mortality by 50%. Regular maintenance supports early smoke detection, enabling timely evacuation or response. This action reflects a strong understanding of fire safety, a critical home safety component, making it the best indicator of the client’s safety awareness.
Choice C reason: A small area rug at the front door poses a tripping hazard, particularly for those with mobility issues. Loose rugs can lead to falls, causing injuries like fractures. This finding suggests the client does not fully understand fall prevention, a key aspect of home safety, making it an incorrect indicator of safety awareness.
Choice D reason: Securing electrical cords under furniture risks fire hazards if cords are damaged or pinched, potentially causing electrical shorts. Cords should be secured along walls or with covers to prevent tripping without compromising safety. This indicates a misunderstanding of electrical safety, increasing fire or injury risks, and is not a correct safety measure.

Choice A reason: A 10-year budget is impractical for cost containment, as healthcare costs fluctuate due to economic and technological changes. Long-term budgets lack flexibility for staffing or equipment needs, making them ineffective for ensuring cost-effective care delivery in dynamic healthcare environments.
Choice B reason: Hiring travel nurses increases costs due to high salaries and agency fees compared to permanent staff. While addressing short-term shortages, it does not promote long-term savings, as temporary labor is expensive, contrasting with strategies like workforce planning for cost containment.
Choice C reason: Reducing training programs may lower short-term costs but risks errors and lawsuits, increasing long-term expenses. Well-trained staff improve efficiency and outcomes, reducing readmissions. Training is critical for cost containment, as it enhances care quality in healthcare settings.
Choice D reason: Electronic health records (EHRs) reduce long-term costs by streamlining documentation and improving care coordination. EHRs enhance billing accuracy and reduce errors, offsetting initial costs with decreased administrative burdens and better patient outcomes, aligning with evidence-based cost containment strategies in healthcare.