Which of the following situations is an example of lateral violence? (Select all that apply.)
A nurse criticizes another nurse for not managing a client's pain appropriately.
A provider raises her voice to the charge nurse to show dissatisfaction with a decision.
A nurse is complaining at the nurses' station about another nurse on the unit.
A group of nurses is attending an in-service regarding lateral violence.
A nurse avoiding a newly hired nurse in order to make him feel isolated.
A nurse discovers a medication error and teaches the nurse who made the error about proper procedure.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
Choice A rationale
Criticizing a colleague's professional judgment, such as pain management, exemplifies lateral violence. This behavior undermines professional competence and can create a hostile work environment, leading to increased stress and decreased team cohesion. Such actions violate principles of collegiality and respect, potentially impacting patient care indirectly due to a breakdown in communication and trust among healthcare providers.
Choice B rationale
A provider raising her voice to the charge nurse demonstrates an abuse of power and constitutes lateral violence. This aggressive communication style disrupts the professional environment, intimidates staff, and can lead to a sense of disrespect and powerlessness among nurses. Such behavior inhibits open communication and collaboration, essential for effective patient care delivery and a healthy work culture.
Choice C rationale
Complaining about a colleague at the nurses' station is a form of passive-aggressive lateral violence, often termed "gossiping.”. This behavior erodes trust, fosters a negative work environment, and can isolate the targeted individual, diminishing morale and professional relationships. It creates an atmosphere of distrust and hinders effective teamwork and communication among nursing staff.
Choice D rationale
Attending an in-service regarding lateral violence is an educational and proactive measure to address and prevent such behaviors. It is not an example of lateral violence itself. Instead, it represents a positive step towards fostering a healthier work environment by increasing awareness and providing strategies for identifying and mitigating disruptive behaviors within the healthcare team.
Choice E rationale
Deliberately avoiding a newly hired nurse to make them feel isolated is a clear instance of lateral violence. This ostracizing behavior aims to exclude and disempower the new individual, hindering their integration into the team and potentially impacting their confidence and performance. Such actions create an unwelcoming and hostile environment, undermining team cohesion and support systems.
Choice F rationale
Teaching a nurse about proper procedure after a medication error is a constructive, supportive, and educational response. This action promotes learning and professional development, aiming to improve practice and prevent future errors. It is an example of a supportive peer interaction focused on patient safety and professional growth, not lateral violence, which is disruptive and harmful.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Veracity is the ethical principle of telling the truth and being honest. In a healthcare context, this means that healthcare providers have an obligation to provide accurate and complete information to clients, including disclosing errors that may have occurred during their care, which builds trust and promotes client autonomy.
Choice B rationale
Confidentiality is the ethical principle of protecting private client information and not disclosing it to unauthorized individuals. While important, it does not directly address the nurse's obligation to inform the client of an error.
Choice C rationale
Justice is the ethical principle that focuses on fair and equitable treatment for all individuals, ensuring resources are distributed justly and that all clients receive the same standard of care. This principle is not directly related to disclosing an individual medication error.
Choice D rationale
Assessment is a step in the nursing process involving data collection about a client's health status. While crucial for safe nursing practice, it is a clinical skill and not an ethical principle guiding the disclosure of an error.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Delaying documentation until approved by a charge nurse suggests a lack of confidence in one's own clinical judgment and assessment skills. Confident nurses document findings accurately and promptly based on their independent assessments, taking accountability for their observations and interventions within their scope of practice.
Choice B rationale
Gathering supplies before entering a client's room to insert an indwelling urinary catheter demonstrates preparedness, efficiency, and confidence. This action reflects proactive planning and a clear understanding of the procedure, minimizing interruptions and ensuring a smooth, competent execution of the task, thereby exhibiting self-assurance in one's abilities.
Choice C rationale
Redirecting the conversation when a client asks about the dying process indicates discomfort or a lack of confidence in addressing sensitive topics. A confident nurse would engage in open, empathetic communication, providing accurate information and emotional support, even when discussing difficult subjects, demonstrating professional composure and compassion.
Choice D rationale
Asking a colleague to perform a skill the nurse is unfamiliar with is a responsible and ethical action, reflecting an awareness of one's limitations, but it does not demonstrate confidence in performing the skill itself. Confidence is shown in the willingness to learn and seek guidance, but directly performing the unfamiliar skill is not implied.
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