A nurse tells another nurse that she thinks he did not provide adequate care for a client who underwent hip arthroplasty. Which of the following responses by the nurse demonstrates assertiveness?

A. Waiting to empty a colostomy bag until it is completely full can lead to complications such as leakage, skin irritation, or infection. This practice does not effectively save resources and could potentially increase overall costs due to additional care needs and complications.
B. Encouraging clients to receive an annual flu immunization is an appropriate and effective method to reduce costs. Vaccinations help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, which can reduce the incidence of illness and the associated costs of treatment and hospitalizations.
C. Re-using personal protective equipment (PPE) is not safe or recommended. PPE is designed for single- use to prevent the spread of infections and ensure the safety of both healthcare workers and patients. Re-using PPE, even if it is not visibly soiled, compromises infection control standards and can lead to increased costs and health risks if infections occur. This approach is neither cost-effective nor safe.
D. Head-to-toe assessments are critical for patient evaluation and require the expertise and judgment of a licensed nurse. Delegating this responsibility to assistive personnel (AP) is inappropriate and could jeopardize patient safety. While delegating tasks to APs can help manage workload, it is important to assign tasks within the scope of their training and responsibilities.

A. Leadership does not begin solely with formal recognition or a title. While being formally recognized or promoted can give you authority, true leadership is about influence, actions, and the ability to inspire and guide others.
B. Effective leadership involves continuous learning and development. As a nurse manager, you need to stay updated with evolving practices, enhance your skills, and adapt to changes within the healthcare environment.
C. While some people may have natural leadership traits, leadership skills can be taught and developed. Leadership involves a range of skills, including communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence, which can be learned and refined through training, experience, and education.
D. Leadership is indeed a lifelong process. It involves ongoing personal and professional growth, learning from experiences, adapting to changes, and continuously improving one’s skills. Effective leaders engage in self-assessment, seek feedback, and invest in their development throughout their careers.