Question

The student nurse, shadowing on a medical-surgical unit, observes the charge nurse. Which action would the student identify as a leadership quality in the nurse's actions?

1) Making patient care assignments distributed equally to staff
2) Sitting with a confused combative patient
3) Calling the nursing office for extra staff when an RN calls in sick
4) Assisting in a code

Answer 1

The leadership quality displayed by the charge nurse is the action of procuring extra staff when an RN is absent, showcasing proactive management and dedication to patient care. The correct option is 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question revolves around the identification of a leadership quality displayed by a charge nurse in a medical-surgical unit. Among the actions listed by the student nurse, the most indicative of a leadership quality is calling the nursing office for extra staff when an RN calls in sick.

This action reflects the charge nurse's responsibility for ensuring adequate staffing, which is crucial for quality patient care and the smooth operation of the unit. Furthermore, the ability to make timely decisions and seek resources to address staffing shortages demonstrates the charge nurse's proactive approach, competency in managing the team, and dedication to patient care. Hence, 3 is the correct option.