A nurse is caring for a client who has an endotracheal tube (ET) and is on mechanical ventilation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take for a ventilator alarm due to an increase in peak airway pressure? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Encouraging open communication fosters dialogue, allowing nurses to resolve conflicts directly. This reduces tension and improves teamwork by addressing interpersonal issues, aligning with psychological principles of conflict resolution. Effective communication mitigates misunderstandings, enhancing collaboration in high-stress healthcare environments.
Choice B reason: Assigning an external mediator may help but is premature without trying internal resolution. Encouraging team dialogue leverages existing relationships, fostering cohesion. External mediators may not address unit-specific dynamics, making internal communication a more effective first step in resolving nurse conflicts.
Choice C reason: Mandatory team-building exercises may improve morale but do not directly resolve specific conflicts. Forcing participation can increase resentment if issues persist. Communication-based strategies target root causes, making them more effective for conflict resolution in healthcare teams compared to generic team-building.
Choice D reason: Reassigning nurses to different shifts avoids conflict but disrupts workflow and patient care continuity. It fails to address underlying issues, allowing tensions to persist. Communication-focused approaches promote resolution, maintaining team integrity and collaboration in healthcare settings, unlike reassignment.

Choice A reason: Placing the client in semi-Fowler’s position for postoperative assessment is appropriate, promoting lung expansion and reducing aspiration risk. This aligns with standard care, supporting respiratory function and comfort, requiring no further instruction as it reflects safe, evidence-based practice.
Choice B reason: Auscultating lungs without lifting the gown may reduce clarity but is not unsafe. It preserves modesty and is acceptable if effective. While lifting the gown is preferred, this action poses minimal risk, requiring less instruction compared to errors with immediate safety implications.
Choice C reason: Administering an enema without checking for contraindications, like bowel obstruction, risks complications such as perforation. This reflects poor assessment, necessitating instruction to ensure the nurse verifies patient safety and chart details before invasive procedures to prevent harm.
Choice D reason: Checking vital signs before cardiac medication is correct, ensuring safety (e.g., withholding beta-blockers for low heart rate). This follows pharmacological protocols, requiring no instruction, as it demonstrates competence in safe medication administration practices on a medical-surgical unit.