In evaluating a staff nurse who demonstrates inconsistent performance, which intervention should the nurse- manager employ?
Evaluate the nurse's performance using standards of practice, citing both strengths and weaknesses with emphasis on ways to improve practice.
Focus on the strengths of the staff nurse; discuss any weaknesses verbally but avoid documenting the nurse's negative behaviors.
Emphasize the nurse's areas of weakness in light of the inconsistent performance observed and discuss how to improve in each of these areas.
Focus on a discussion of how the inconsistency in the staff nurse's performance disrupts the routine of all of the staff members on the unit.
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This client has a very high BNP level, which indicates severe heart failure and fluid overload. The nurse should follow up with this client first, as they may need urgent interventions such as oxygen therapy, diuretics, and vasodilators.
Choice B Reason: This client has an INR within the therapeutic range for warfarin therapy, which is usually between 2 and 3. The nurse should monitor this client for signs of bleeding or clotting, but they do not require immediate follow-up.
Choice C Reason: This client has a mildly elevated glucose level, which may be caused by the corticosteroids that
increase blood sugar. The nurse should check the client's blood glucose regularly and administer insulin as ordered, but they do not require immediate follow-up.
Choice D Reason: This client has a normal potassium level, which is within the reference range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. The nurse should ensure that the client is ready for dialysis and avoid foods high in potassium, but they do not require immediate follow-up.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Demonstrating how to complete an adverse occurrence or variance report is important, but not the most important objective. This report is a tool for quality improvement and risk management, but it does not prevent litigation by itself. The nurse should also communicate effectively with the client and/or their family, and document the incident and the actions taken.
Choice B Reason: Discussing how to handle complaints from clients and/or their families is the most important objective, as it can help prevent or resolve conflicts, and avoid escalation to legal action. The nurse should listen empathetically, acknowledge the client's feelings and concerns, apologize if appropriate, explain the situation and the plan of care, and involve the supervisor or other resources if needed.
Choice C Reason: Describing how to obtain legal services if needed is relevant, but not the most important objective.
This objective implies that litigation is inevitable or expected, which may create a negative or defensive attitude in the staff nurses. The nurse should focus on preventing litigation by providing safe and quality care and building trust and rapport with the clients and/or their families.
Choice D Reason: Maintaining personal malpractice insurance is advisable, but not the most important objective. This objective may protect the nurse's personal assets in case of a lawsuit, but it does not prevent litigation from occurring. The nurse should follow the standards of practice and the policies and procedures of the organization, and document accurately and thoroughly.
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