Final answer:
The appropriate action when observing a nurse performing a procedure differently is to discuss the difference and seek to understand the rationale behind it. Research indicates that individuals often follow authority, but in healthcare, patient safety and care quality are paramount and should guide actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a nurse observes another nurse performing a procedure differently than how they were taught, the most appropriate action would be B) Discuss the difference in approaches and seek understanding. Medicine and nursing are fields that continually evolve, with new procedures and techniques emerging over time. It is crucial to understand why there is a discrepancy in approaches; the other nurse may have updated information or a valid rationale for their technique.
Studies by Martin and Bull (2008), Burger (2009), and Doliński et al. (2017) shed light on the psychology of obedience among healthcare professionals. These studies indicate that often, individuals will follow orders from authority figures even if they conflict with personal or professional beliefs. This behavior is not unique to any one culture, as shown by the cross-cultural consistency in these research findings, echoing Milgram's research on obedience. In practice, however, it's important to balance respect for authority with the obligation to deliver the best patient care. If the difference in technique is potentially harmful or incorrect, it should be addressed through professional communication and proper channels.