Question

Which of the following actions could occur in an environment of horizontal hostility leading to the compromise of client safety and quality of care?

a. Failing to clarify an unreadable order because of fear of the physician
b. Leaving a patient with dementia unattended for long periods of time
c. Using an unfamiliar piece of equipment without asking for instructions first
d. Basing nursing care a routine rather than best practice
e. Carrying out orders that the nurse did not believe were correct
f. Lifting or ambulating heavy or debilitated clients without assistance rather than asking for help

Answer 1

In environments marred by horizontal hostility, numerous actions can endanger client safety, including failing to clarify unclear orders, neglecting patients with special needs, using equipment without proper training, relying on routines over best practices, following orders without agreement, and not seeking needed assistance for patient handling.

Step-by-step explanation:

In an environment of horizontal hostility, several actions could jeopardize client safety and quality of care. Among these are:

• Failing to clarify unreadable orders due to fear of confrontation with the prescriber, often a physician.
• Leaving patients with dementia unattended for extended periods, possibly because the caregiver is overwhelmed or avoiding interaction due to interpersonal issues.
• Using equipment without proper training or guidance, likely stemming from a reluctance to seek help in a hostile work environment.
• Adhering to a routine-based care instead of best practice, often as a result of overwork, burnout, or lack of motivation to pursue continual learning.
• Executing orders without conviction of their appropriateness, which could stem from a power imbalance or fear of reprisal for questioning authority.
• Endangering oneself and patients by not seeking assistance for lifting or moving heavy patients because of pride or issues of poor collaboration with co-workers.