A staff nurse has been tardy for morning shift assignments for the past three days and provides no explanation for arriving late. Which approach is best for the nurse manager to use when addressing this staff member's tardiness?
Caution the nurse that one more tardiness will result in probational employment.
Offer to switch the nurse's shift assignments to afternoons or evenings.
Stress the expectation that the nurse will arrive on time for all scheduled shifts.
Have the nurse sign a copy of the hospital employee attendance policy.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason: Cautioning the nurse that one more tardiness will result in probational employment is not the best approach because it is too punitive and does not address the underlying cause of the tardiness. The nurse manager should first try to understand why the nurse is late and offer support or guidance if needed.
Choice B Reason: Offering to switch the nurse's shift assignments to afternoons or evenings is not the best approach because it may not solve the problem of tardiness and may create resentment among other staff members who have to adjust their schedules. The nurse manager should respect the nurse's preferences and availability but also hold the nurse accountable for fulfilling their responsibilities.
Choice C Reason: This is the best approach because it communicates clearly and respectfully what is expected of the nurse and why it is important for them to be punctual. The nurse manager should also provide feedback and recognition when the nurse improves their attendance.
Choice D reason: Having the nurse sign a copy of the hospital employee attendance policy is not the best approach because it may imply that the nurse is unaware or indifferent to the policy. The nurse manager should assume that the nurse knows and agrees with the policy, but may need some assistance or motivation to follow it.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is not the first priority because it is not a life-threatening condition. The male adolescent may have gastroenteritis or food poisoning, which can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. The nurse should monitor his vital signs and fluid intake, but he can wait for further assessment.
Choice B Reason: This is the first priority because it is a potential surgical emergency. The female client may have appendicitis, which can cause peritonitis and sepsis if left untreated. The nurse should assess her pain level, vital signs, and abdominal signs, and prepare her for diagnostic tests and possible surgery.
Choice C Reason: This is not the first priority because it is a chronic condition that does not require immediate intervention. The elderly client may have intermittent claudication, which is a symptom of peripheral arterial disease. The nurse should educate him on leg care and exercise, but he can wait for further assessment.
Choice D Reason: This is not the first priority because it is a common condition that can be treated with antibiotics. The child may have a bacterial infection, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, which can cause productive cough and fever. The nurse should auscultate his lungs and check his temperature, but he can wait for further assessment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This intervention is the most appropriate and effective for the nurse-manager to employ, as it provides clear and objective feedback to the staff nurse based on professional criteria, and encourages a positive and constructive approach to enhance the nurse's performance and development.
Choice B Reason: This intervention is not advisable, as it may create a false impression of the staff nurse's performance and fail to address the underlying issues or problems. Documenting the nurse's negative behaviors is important for accountability and improvement purposes, and avoiding it may expose the nurse manager to legal or ethical risks.
Choice C Reason: This intervention is not optimal, as it may demoralize or discourage the staff nurse and create a negative or hostile work environment. Focusing only on the areas of weakness may overlook the strengths and potential of the staff nurse, and may not foster a supportive and collaborative relationship between the nurse- manager and the staff nurse.
Choice D Reason: This intervention is not relevant, as it may divert the attention from the staff nurse's performance and shift the blame to external factors. Discussing how the inconsistency in the staff nurse's performance disrupts the routine of all of the staff members on the unit may not help the staff nurse identify and address their own areas of improvement, and may cause resentment or conflict among the team.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.