Two nurses approach their manager with a patient assignment conflict, speaking loudly and simultaneously. What should the manager do to exhibit effective negotiation skills?
The manager advises the nurses to work out the problem between them.
The manager sends both nurses away, emphasizing that they cease their complaints.
The manager requests each nurse, individually, to state their position.
The manager cautions the nurses that if the issue isn’t resolved, disciplinary actions may be necessary.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason
Advising the nurses to work out the problem between them can be a useful strategy in some situations, as it encourages direct communication and problem-solving. However, in this scenario, the nurses are already speaking loudly and simultaneously, indicating a high level of conflict and emotional intensity. Without managerial intervention, the situation may escalate further. Therefore, this approach may not be effective in resolving the immediate conflict.
Choice B Reason
Sending both nurses away and emphasizing that they cease their complaints is not an effective negotiation strategy. This approach dismisses the concerns of the nurses and does not address the underlying issue. It can lead to feelings of frustration and resentment, potentially worsening the conflict. Effective negotiation requires active listening and addressing the concerns of all parties involved.
Choice C Reason
Requesting each nurse, individually, to state their position is an effective negotiation strategy. This approach allows the manager to understand each nurse’s perspective and the specifics of the conflict. By listening to each nurse separately, the manager can gather all relevant information, reduce the emotional intensity, and facilitate a more structured and productive discussion. This method promotes fairness and ensures that both parties feel heard and respected.
Choice D Reason
Cautioning the nurses that disciplinary actions may be necessary if the issue isn’t resolved is a punitive approach that can escalate the conflict. This strategy may create a hostile environment and discourage open communication. Effective negotiation focuses on finding mutually acceptable solutions rather than threatening consequences. It is important to address the conflict constructively and collaboratively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Ms. P’s lunch tray is expected to be ready in 30 minutes. Before delivering her meal, please review with her the instructions provided by the diabetes educator earlier this morning and assist her in understanding how to manage her carbohydrate intake. Once you’ve completed this, please report back to me. This scenario involves patient education, which is beyond the scope of practice for unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), tasks that require specialized knowledge, judgment, and skills should not be delegated to UAP. Therefore, this scenario does not demonstrate appropriate delegation.
Choice B Reason:
Mr. O requires aid to use the restroom. I recognize that you’re new and might feel uneasy about this task, but the most effective way to learn is by giving it a try independently. After you’ve completed the task, please inform me of the outcome. While assisting a patient to use the restroom is within the scope of practice for UAP, the RN’s approach in this scenario lacks proper supervision and support. Effective delegation involves providing clear instructions, ensuring the delegatee is competent, and offering necessary supervision. This scenario does not fully meet these criteria.
Choice C Reason:
Mr. P has just called, reporting dizziness. Please attend to him promptly, assess his pulse, and if you suspect hypoglycemia, provide apple juice and then check his blood sugar. Afterward, please report your findings to me. This scenario involves assessment and clinical judgment, which are responsibilities of licensed nurses. UAP should not be tasked with assessing patients or making clinical decisions, as these require professional nursing knowledge and skills. Therefore, this scenario does not demonstrate appropriate delegation.
Choice D Reason:
Ms. O in Room 17 has completed her shower and requires assistance to return to bed. Please assist her promptly and ensure you bring her cane before you help her walk. After you’ve aided her back to bed, please inform me so I can evaluate her condition. This scenario is the best example of appropriate delegation. Assisting a patient with mobility and ensuring their safety by providing a cane are tasks within the scope of practice for UAP. The RN provides clear instructions and follows up to evaluate the patient’s condition, demonstrating effective delegation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Introducing substitute staff with fresh perspectives can harm the unit’s culture. While introducing substitute staff can bring fresh perspectives, it can also disrupt the established team dynamics and culture. Frequent changes in staff can lead to inconsistencies in patient care and communication issues among team members. However, this is not the primary consequence of absenteeism.
Choice B Reason:
Unacceptable patient care may result. The most significant consequence of absenteeism in a nursing unit is the potential for unacceptable patient care. When nurses are absent, the remaining staff may be overworked, leading to fatigue and burnout. This can result in errors, missed care, and overall lower quality of patient care. Ensuring adequate staffing levels is crucial to maintaining high standards of care and patient safety.
Choice C Reason:
Lower personnel numbers lead to reduced salary expenses, creating a positive variance. While it is true that fewer staff members can reduce salary expenses, this is not a positive outcome in the context of healthcare. Reduced staffing can compromise patient care quality and increase the workload for the remaining staff, leading to burnout and higher turnover rates. Therefore, this is not a desirable consequence of absenteeism.
Choice D Reason:
It may encourage other team members to engage in absenteeism. Absenteeism can indeed create a negative work environment where other team members may feel justified in also being absent. This can lead to a cycle of absenteeism, further exacerbating staffing issues and negatively impacting patient care. However, this is a secondary consequence compared to the direct impact on patient care quality.
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