In a performance evaluation, Nurse Manager Francis mentions that Raymond struggles with mentoring students on the unit. Raymond counters that it is not his job. When responding to Raymond, Francis must take into account:

Choice A Reason:

“The patient must consent because the procedure is necessary for survival.” This statement is incorrect because it implies that the necessity of the procedure overrides the patient’s autonomy. Informed consent is a fundamental ethical and legal requirement in healthcare. Patients have the right to make their own decisions about their treatment, even if refusing treatment may result in harm or death. Forcing consent undermines patient autonomy and can lead to legal and ethical issues.

Choice B Reason:

“Consent should not be forced.” This statement is correct and aligns with the principles of patient autonomy and informed consent. Forcing a patient to consent to a procedure violates their rights and can lead to ethical and legal complications. Healthcare providers must respect the patient’s decision, provide all necessary information, and support them in making an informed choice.

Choice C Reason:

“If the surgery is life-saving, we can proceed regardless of what the patient says.” This statement is incorrect. Even in life-saving situations, patients have the right to refuse treatment. There are very few exceptions to this rule, such as when a patient is deemed legally incompetent to make decisions. In such cases, a legal guardian or power of attorney may be involved. However, competent patients retain the right to refuse any medical intervention.

Choice D Reason:

“Sometimes patients refuse because they are anxious. Give them a sedative, then ask again.” This statement is inappropriate and unethical. Administering a sedative to obtain consent can be seen as coercive and does not respect the patient’s autonomy. It is important to address the patient’s concerns and anxiety through communication and support, rather than using medication to influence their decision.

Choice E Reason:

“The patient has every right to refuse.” This statement is correct and reflects the ethical principle of respect for patient autonomy. Patients have the right to make their own healthcare decisions, including the right to refuse treatment. Healthcare providers should ensure that patients are fully informed about their options and the potential consequences of their decisions, but ultimately, the decision rests with the patient.

Choice A Reason:

A charge nurse being rude to their nurse manager when speaking can be considered unprofessional and disrespectful behavior, but it does not necessarily constitute lateral violence. Lateral violence typically involves repeated, harmful actions between colleagues of similar status. This scenario might be an isolated incident of incivility rather than a pattern of lateral violence.

Choice B Reason:

A nursing supervisor refusing to help a charge nurse with staffing could be seen as a lack of support or poor teamwork. While this behavior is problematic, it does not fit the definition of lateral violence, which involves hostile and aggressive actions between peers. This scenario reflects a failure in collaboration rather than lateral violence.

Choice C Reason:

A charge nurse speaking to an assistive personnel (AP) with a demeaning tone is an example of lateral violence. This behavior demonstrates a lack of respect and can create a hostile work environment. Lateral violence includes verbal abuse, belittling, and other forms of non-physical aggression between colleagues. This scenario fits the definition of lateral violence as it involves harmful behavior directed at a colleague.

Choice D Reason:

A nurse rolling their eyes at another nurse after providing a report is a subtle form of lateral violence. Non-verbal gestures like eye-rolling can be dismissive and disrespectful, contributing to a toxic work environment. Lateral violence can include both overt and covert actions that undermine colleagues. This scenario illustrates a non-verbal form of lateral violence.

Choice E Reason:

Bullying is a clear example of lateral violence. It involves repeated, harmful behavior intended to intimidate or demean a colleague. Bullying can take many forms, including verbal abuse, exclusion, and sabotage. This scenario is the most direct and comprehensive example of lateral violence, encompassing various harmful behaviors.