Question

The nurse-manager overhears a nurse tell a client, "If I were you, I'd ask the doctor for something for pain; you shouldn't have to suffer during labor." How should the nurse-manager respond to the nurse's comment?

1. Don't respond because the nurse's statement is correct.




2. Confront the nurse in the client's room and remind her that it's inappropriate to administer pain medications to clients in labor.




3. Inform the nurse that she'd like to speak with her, then discuss the inappropriateness of her comment in a private location.




4. Notify the physician of the client's pain and request that he prescribe pain medication for the client.

Answer 1

The nurse-manager should address the nurse's inappropriate comment in private to maintain professionalism and teach proper communication regarding pain management.

Step-by-step explanation:

Regarding the scenario where the nurse-manager overhears a comment from a nurse advising a client to ask for pain medication during labor, the appropriate response would be option 3: Inform the nurse that she'd like to speak with her, then discuss the inappropriateness of her comment in a private location. This approach allows the nurse-manager to address the issue directly with the nurse without causing any embarrassment in front of the client, maintaining a professional environment, and respecting the nurse's dignity. It also provides an opportunity for a teachable moment about how to communicate with clients regarding pain management and properly delegate requests for medical interventions to the attending physician.