During a meeting to address staffing issues and tardiness on a unit, the nurse manager invites the staff to each take a turn speaking and requests that everyone listen respectfully and refrain from making personal or professional comments about one another.

Which step in the negotiation process is the nurse manager using?

Choice A rationale
The nurse’s actions are an example of Quality Improvement. Quality Improvement involves systematic actions that lead to measurable improvement in health care services and the health status of targeted patient groups. In this case, the nurse identified a problem (increase in pressure injuries), collected data (documented findings), and implemented a change (new policy for consistent use of a pressure injury risk assessment scale) to improve patient outcomes.
Choice B rationale
While collaboration was part of the process (the nurse collaborated with the manager), the overall actions taken represent a Quality Improvement process.
Choice C rationale
Case Management typically involves coordinating the care and services of select patient populations, such as those with chronic illnesses or complex health needs. It does not directly apply to this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Advocacy involves supporting or promoting the interests of others, such as patients or colleagues. Although the nurse’s actions could be seen as advocating for the patients’ well- being, the term that best characterizes these actions is Quality Improvement.

Choice A rationale
While it’s possible for a virus to reactivate in the body, this is not typically the case with the common cold. The common cold is a viral infection primarily in the nose, with most people recovering in seven to ten days.
Choice B rationale
While it’s true that cold season tends to end as the weather warms up, this doesn’t address the patient’s concern about their repeated colds. It’s important to note that colds are caused by viruses, which can be spread year-round, although they are more common in the colder months.
Choice C rationale
This is the correct answer. The common cold is indeed a virus that can be spread by a person two days before they experience any symptoms. This means that people can spread the virus before they know they’re sick, which can make it difficult to avoid catching a cold.
Choice D rationale
While wearing a mask can help prevent the spread of viruses, it’s not typically necessary for someone who is simply sensitive to colds. Masks are more commonly recommended for people who are already sick to prevent them from spreading the virus, or for people who are at high risk of serious complications from the cold.