A nurse observes that a colleague becomes defensive and withdrawn after receiving constructive criticism from a team member. Using emotional intelligence principles, what is the most appropriate nursing action to support the colleague?

Rationale:

A. AP1 - Quickly pulls fire alarm, then proceeds to remove the client from room is correct for immediate follow-up because it demonstrates incorrect adherence to the RACE sequence. The correct sequence is Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish/Evacuate. Pulling the alarm before removing clients from immediate danger can delay rescue and compromise safety during a fire emergency.

B. AP7 - While disinfecting portable vital sign monitor wore gloves and washed hand prior to leaving room is incorrect because this demonstrates proper infection control practices. The AP followed appropriate glove use and hand hygiene, which meets competency standards.

C. AP6 - During simulation, which included assisting client into bed, there was no observed handwashing is correct for immediate follow-up because failure to perform hand hygiene after patient contact is a serious infection control violation that increases risk of healthcare-associated infections.

D. AP3 - Raised bedrails of the bed for client who was reported not alert or oriented, and was sleeping is correct for immediate follow-up because raising bedrails for an unoriented patient can increase the risk of entrapment or injury, violating fall safety precautions. Bedrails should be used according to patient safety policies, especially for high-risk clients.

E. AP2 - Verifies with nurse the order in which protective equipment should be removed is incorrect because seeking clarification demonstrates safe practice and appropriate adherence to infection control guidelines.

F. AP5 - Following simulation, was unable to identify the locations of alarms on medical surgical unit is incorrect as immediate follow-up is important, but this is less urgent than behaviors that directly endanger patient safety (like fire response, hand hygiene, or fall risk). This would require follow-up but is not as critical as A, C, or D.

G. AP4 - Successfully completed skills of simulation including emptying the client's trash can is incorrect because the AP demonstrated competency in routine tasks with no safety concerns.

Rationale:

A. "Malpractice insurance helps cover legal expenses and damages in case of a lawsuit" is correct because malpractice insurance provides financial protection for nurses if they are sued for negligence, errors, or omissions in patient care. It typically covers legal defense costs, settlements, or judgments, allowing nurses to defend themselves without bearing the full financial burden.

B. "It is not necessary for nurses to have malpractice insurance" is incorrect because nurses can be held personally liable for negligence or errors in practice. Having malpractice insurance protects the nurse in case of a lawsuit, regardless of employment status.

C. "Malpractice insurance is provided by the employer for all nurses" is incorrect because not all employers provide coverage, and even when they do, it may not fully protect the nurse personally or cover actions outside the scope of employment. Nurses are often encouraged to carry individual malpractice insurance.

D. "Malpractice insurance only covers nurses in certain specialties" is incorrect because malpractice insurance is available to all nurses across specialties. Coverage depends on the policy, not the specialty.