A charge nurse is observing a conflict between two nurses who both insist that the charge nurse favors the other when making assignments.
Which of the following conflict-resolution strategies should the charge nurse use?
Encourage collaboration between the two nurses when making the assignments.
Tell the nurses that the assignments will be more equitable in the future.
Ask each nurse to take turns making the assignments.
Arrange for the nurses to have as few shifts together as possible.
The Correct Answer is A
This is because collaboration is one of the most effective conflict-resolution strategies in nursing, as it involves finding a mutually beneficial solution that satisfies both parties and improves the quality of care. Collaboration can also foster trust, respect, and teamwork among nurses, which can boost morale and efficiency.
Choice B is wrong because telling the nurses that the assignments will be more equitable in the future does not address the root cause of the conflict or involve the nurses in the decision-making process.
It also implies that the charge nurse admits to being unfair, which can damage their credibility and authority.
Choice C is wrong because asking each nurse to take turns making the assignments does not resolve the conflict, but rather avoids it. Avoidance is one of the least effective conflict management strategies in nursing, as it results in not addressing the issue or finding common ground.
Avoidance can also lead to resentment, frustration, and poor communication among nurses.
Choice D is wrong because arranging for the nurses to have as few shifts together as possible also does not resolve the conflict, but rather accommodates it. Accommodation is another ineffective conflict management strategy in nursing, as it involves giving in to one party’s demands or preferences at the expense of another’s.
Accommodation can also create a sense of inequality, injustice, and dissatisfaction among nurses.
Normal ranges for conflict-resolution strategies in nursing are not applicable, as different situations may require different approaches. However, some general guidelines are to use collaboration when both parties have important goals or interests, compromise when both parties have some common ground or willingness to give up something, competition when one party has a clear advantage or authority, avoidance when the conflict is trivial or temporary, and accommodation when one party values harmony or relationships more than their own goals or interests.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation

Banana slices are soft, easy to chew, and can be picked up by the toddler’s fingers, which promotes independence in eating. According to the CDC, foods that toddlers should avoid include:
- Added sugars and no-calorie sweeteners, such as sugar-sweetened and diet drinks
- High-salt foods, such as canned foods, processed meats, frozen dinners, fast food, and junk food
- Unpasteurized juice, milk, yogurt, or cheese
- Foods that may cause choking, such as hard or crunchy foods, sticky foods, stringy cheese, and foods that are not cut up into small pieces
Choice A is wrong because popcorn is a choking hazard for toddlers.
It is hard, crunchy, and can get stuck in the airway. The NHS advises not to give whole nuts and peanuts to children under 5 years old.
Choice B is wrong because grapes are also a choking hazard for toddlers.
They are round, slippery, and can block the airway. The NHS recommends cutting grapes into quarters before giving them to young children.
Choice D is wrong because hot dogs are high in salt and can cause choking if not cut up into small pieces. The Extension warns against giving hot dogs to young toddlers.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is:
Choice C: Determine the medical needs of incoming clients through the emergency department.
Here's a breakdown of the rationale for each choice:
Choice A rationale: While calling in additional staff might be helpful in the long run, during the initial surge of patients in a mass casualty event, the Emergency Department (ED) will be the primary area receiving and triaging patients. The medical-surgical unit will likely receive overflow patients after initial stabilization in the ED.
Choice B rationale: This is not a primary responsibility for a nurse on a medical-surgical unit during a mass casualty event. Communication with the media is usually handled by designated public relations personnel.
Choice C rationale: This is the most crucial action for a nurse in this situation. Triaging patients based on the severity of their injuries and prioritizing care is essential in a mass casualty scenario. Nurses will be instrumental in assessing incoming patients relayed from the ED to determine their medical needs and allocate resources accordingly.
Choice D rationale: Discharging patients is not a priority during the initial influx of casualties. The focus is on receiving, stabilizing, and treating the most critically injured patients. Discharges would likely happen after the initial surge subsides.
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