The guardian of a child who has a terminally illness tells a nurse that they want to take their child home. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. "If you accept this assignment today, I will let you choose your assignment tomorrow.": This statement exemplifies smoothing as a conflict resolution strategy. By offering a compromise or incentive, the charge nurse is attempting to reduce tension and create a more favorable situation for the staff nurse, thereby smoothing over the disagreement about the assignment.

B. "Let's just focus on giving out client medications on time.": This statement diverts attention from the conflict but does not actively seek to resolve it. It may minimize the issue temporarily but does not address the underlying disagreement or concern regarding the assignment.

C. "If you don't agree with the assignment, I will have to report your decision to the nursing supervisor.": This statement is confrontational and may escalate the conflict rather than resolve it. It places pressure on the staff nurse and does not foster a collaborative atmosphere for finding a solution.

D. "You have a lot of experience, so I'm sure you're capable of these tasks.": While this statement acknowledges the staff nurse's experience, it may not effectively address the conflict regarding the assignment. It could come across as dismissive of the nurse's concerns rather than facilitating a resolution to the disagreement.

A. "Your provider will be here later today." Informing the guardian about the provider’s availability does not directly address their request or provide immediate support. While the provider plays a role in discharge planning, the nurse should offer guidance and resources to help the guardian understand the process of taking the child home.

B. "I can give you information on what that would involve." Acknowledging the guardian’s request and offering relevant information demonstrates support and facilitates informed decision-making. Providing education on home care, hospice options, and necessary resources ensures that the guardian is prepared for the transition while maintaining open communication.

C. "I understand how you feel. I felt the same way when my sibling was terminally ill." Sharing personal experiences shifts the focus away from the guardian’s concerns and may not be appropriate in a professional setting. While empathy is essential, the response should remain patient-centered and focused on providing relevant information and support.

D. "I think you should speak with social services about your request." Referring the guardian to social services may be part of the process, but immediately redirecting the conversation does not acknowledge their concerns. The nurse should first provide direct information and reassurance before involving additional support services as needed.