As a nurse receiving a bomb threat call, which of the following actions should you take to ensure safety and assist authorities? (Select all that apply)

Rationale:

A. "I feel as though I met the standard of care. Would you tell me more about your concerns?" is correct because it demonstrates assertiveness. The nurse acknowledges her perspective while inviting constructive dialogue, maintains professionalism, and focuses on the issue rather than attacking the other person. This approach promotes effective communication, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem-solving.

B. "You shouldn't make accusations. Your nursing care doesn't always set a good example." is incorrect because it is aggressive. It attacks the other nurse personally, criticizes their professional abilities, and shifts the focus away from the issue at hand. This type of response escalates conflict, damages professional relationships, and can create a hostile work environment.

C. "What do you have against me? It must be something, or you wouldn't be criticizing my care." is incorrect because it is defensive and confrontational. It personalizes the criticism and implies an assumption of malicious intent, rather than addressing the care concern objectively. This response can provoke further conflict and does not foster collaborative problem-solving.

D. "I am at a loss for words. I always do my best to give good care to my clients." is incorrect because it is passive. It avoids addressing the concern and does not invite discussion or clarification. While it may prevent immediate conflict, it fails to resolve the issue, leaves the other nurse’s concern unaddressed, and does not promote professional communication.

Rationale:

A. Utility is incorrect because the principle of utility focuses on maximizing overall benefit or the greatest good for the greatest number of people. While utility considers outcomes for many, the nurse’s action here is focused on protecting an individual’s privacy, not on weighing benefits for a group.

B. Justice is incorrect because justice refers to fairness, equity, and impartial treatment in healthcare, including allocation of resources or services. Maintaining the surgeon’s confidentiality is not an issue of equitable distribution or fairness, but rather an ethical responsibility to the individual.

C. Paternalism is incorrect because paternalism involves making decisions for someone else, potentially overriding their autonomy, because you believe it is in their best interest. In this case, the nurse is not making a decision for the surgeon; rather, the nurse is honoring the surgeon’s right to privacy and autonomy regarding personal medical information.

D. Nonmaleficence is correct because nonmaleficence embodies the ethical principle of “do no harm.” By refusing to disclose the surgeon’s medical diagnosis, the nurse is preventing potential harm, which could include professional consequences, discrimination, stigma, or emotional distress. Protecting confidential information is a key way that nurses uphold nonmaleficence, ensuring that their actions do not inflict harm on patients or colleagues.