A nurse manager mediates an argument between two staff members. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first to resolve the conflict?

Choice A Reason:

Unplug the cord by grasping the plug. This is a crucial safety measure to prevent damage to the cord and reduce the risk of electrical shock. Pulling on the cord itself can cause wear and tear, potentially exposing wires and creating a hazardous situation. By grasping the plug, the nurse ensures that the cord remains intact and safe to use.

Choice B Reason:

Ensure the plug has three prongs. A three-pronged plug includes a grounding prong, which is essential for safety. The grounding prong helps prevent electrical shock by providing a path for electrical current to return to the ground in case of a fault. Ensuring that the plug has three prongs is a basic but vital step in maintaining electrical safety.

Choice C Reason:

Avoid rolling equipment over cords. Rolling equipment over cords can damage the insulation and expose wires, increasing the risk of electrical shock or fire. This practice can also lead to tripping hazards. By avoiding this action, the nurse helps maintain the integrity of the cords and ensures a safer environment.

Choice D Reason:

Plug in the pump away from the sink. While this seems like a reasonable precaution, it is not always necessary if the outlet is properly grounded and equipped with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). GFCIs are designed to shut off electrical power in the event of a ground fault, providing protection against electrical shock. Therefore, this choice is less critical compared to the others.

Choice E Reason:

Do not run additional cords under carpeting. Running cords under carpeting can cause them to overheat and potentially start a fire. It also makes it difficult to inspect the cords for damage. By avoiding this practice, the nurse helps prevent potential fire hazards and ensures that cords remain in good condition.

Choice A Reason:

A workload rating is a method used to assess the amount of work required in a particular setting. While it is an important tool for understanding staffing needs and workload distribution, it does not describe a prototype evaluation system. A prototype evaluation system typically involves testing new methods or technologies to improve processes, such as scheduling or patient care.

Choice B Reason:

An experimental computer-based scheduling system that organizes staffing based on programmed rules and algorithms fits the description of a prototype evaluation system. This type of system is designed to test new approaches to scheduling and staffing, using advanced algorithms to optimize resource allocation. By experimenting with different rules and algorithms, the system aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in staffing decisions.

Choice C Reason:

A formula-driven approach that calculates nursing productivity is a method used to measure the efficiency and output of nursing staff. While this approach is valuable for evaluating performance and productivity, it does not align with the concept of a prototype evaluation system. Prototype evaluation systems are more focused on testing new technologies or methods rather than solely calculating productivity.

Choice D Reason:

A patient classification system that gives each patient a score is used to categorize patients based on their care needs. This system helps in determining the appropriate level of care and resources required for each patient. However, it does not describe a prototype evaluation system. Prototype evaluation systems are typically experimental and involve testing new processes or technologies.

Choice E Reason:

A system that sorts patients into general groups to estimate their care requirements is a patient classification system. While this system is useful for planning and resource allocation, it does not fit the description of a prototype evaluation system. Prototype evaluation systems are experimental and focus on testing new approaches to improve existing processes.