Question

A staff nurse learns before reporting to work that a close family member has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The nurse is receiving the shift report and finds the family member has been assigned as a client. The nurse reporting off duty states that the client is very demanding and complains a lot. Which action by the staff nurse who is assigned care for the oncoming shift is appropriate?

A) Discuss the situation with the charge nurse.

B) Resolve to refrain from reacting negatively to the client.

C) Tell the client to change the behavior.

D) Ask the healthcare provider to help control the client.

Answer 1

The most appropriate action for a staff nurse who is assigned a close family member with terminal cancer as a client is to discuss the situation with the charge nurse to address the potential conflict of interest and ensure both the nurse's and patient's well-being.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a staff nurse learns that a close family member has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and is assigned to that family member during the shift, the most appropriate action to take would be A) Discuss the situation with the charge nurse. This action ensures direct communication about the potential conflict of interest or emotional difficulty that could affect the nurse's ability to provide professional care. The nurse can express concerns, seek support, and allow for alternative arrangements to be made if necessary. This also adheres to ethical practice and ensures the well-being of both the nurse and the patient is prioritized. Option B, resolving to refrain from reacting negatively, emphasizes personal resolve but does not address the overarching concern of being in a compromised position emotionally. Telling the client to change their behavior or asking the healthcare provider to control the client does not address the nurse's own conflict in treating a close family member and could impair the delivery of compassionate care.