A nurse is working with a colleague who frequently interrupts and takes over during client care discussions. The nurse wants to assertively address this behavior to ensure effective teamwork. Which response by the nurse demonstrates assertive behavior?

A. Repositioning in bed: While repositioning the client is important for comfort and preventing complications such as pressure ulcers, it is not the top priority immediately after a pneumonectomy. Proper positioning can help improve respiratory function, but ensuring the stability and function of chest drainage systems takes precedence in the immediate postoperative period.
B. Use of the incentive spirometer: Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer is crucial for promoting lung expansion and preventing atelectasis. However, it is essential first to ensure that the client’s chest tube is functioning properly and that there are no complications from the surgery. While this intervention is important, it follows the need to assess the chest tube.
C. Application of antiembolism stockings: While applying antiembolism stockings is a good practice to prevent venous thromboembolism, it is not the highest priority in the immediate postoperative period. Other assessments and interventions, such as monitoring respiratory status and chest tube function, are more critical in this early stage after surgery.
D. Chest tube and pleura-vac assessment: This is the priority nursing intervention in the immediate postoperative period. After a pneumonectomy, monitoring the chest tube's placement, drainage output, and function is vital for ensuring that the pleural space is adequately drained and that there are no complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. This assessment is crucial for maintaining respiratory function and overall stability in the postoperative client.

A. When asked about your strengths and weaknesses, focus primarily on your strengths. While highlighting strengths is important, interviewers also value self-awareness and the ability to recognize areas for improvement. Providing a well-balanced answer that includes a genuine weakness and how you are working to improve it demonstrates professionalism and a growth mindset.
B. Ask questions about the salary. While salary is an important consideration, bringing it up too early in the interview may give the impression that financial compensation is the primary concern. It is generally best to wait until the employer brings up salary or discuss it once a job offer has been extended.
C. Place your portfolio containing your resume on the interviewer's desk. Offering a resume or portfolio when asked is appropriate, but placing it on the interviewer’s desk without being invited to do so may come across as overly assertive. A more professional approach is to hand over documents when requested or when relevant to the discussion.
D. Ask questions about the position and the facility. Asking thoughtful questions about the role, work environment, team structure, and opportunities for growth shows genuine interest in the position. It also helps the candidate assess whether the job aligns with their professional goals. Engaging in meaningful dialogue makes a positive impression on the interviewer.