Question

The nurse observes the nursing assistant speaking harshly to an elderly client. Which action is most appropriate? A. Ask the nursing assistant to speak in a lower tone because he is disturbing the other clients B. Report the nursing assistant to the charge nurse C. Reassign the nursing assistant to a younger client D. Call the nursing assistant aside to discuss the observation

Short answer

Answer: Option D (Call the nursing assistant aside to discuss the observation)

Step-by-step solution

Option A: Ask the nursing assistant to speak in a lower tone because he is disturbing the other clients

This option only addresses the noise disturbance and doesn't address the main issue of the nursing assistant speaking harshly to the elderly client. Even if the nursing assistant speaks in a lower tone, the harsh treatment of the elderly client continues.

Option B: Report the nursing assistant to the charge nurse

This option involves escalating the situation to the charge nurse who is responsible for the overall nursing care provided and can take appropriate action to rectify the behavior of the nursing assistant. This option can lead to improved patient well-being and potentially prevent this behavior in the future.

Option C: Reassign the nursing assistant to a younger client

This option doesn't solve the problem and only shifts it to another client. The nursing assistant's inappropriate behavior might continue with the younger client, and the problem remains unaddressed.

Option D: Call the nursing assistant aside to discuss the observation

This option involves directly confronting the nursing assistant and discussing the inappropriate behavior. It can lead to an immediate improvement in their behavior and provides an opportunity for the nursing assistant to learn from the incident and reflect on their actions. From the analysis of the options, the most appropriate action in this situation is:

Correct Answer: Option D

Calling the nursing assistant aside to discuss the observed harsh treatment to the elderly client not only helps in immediately addressing the issue but also provides an opportunity for the nursing assistant to learn from their mistake and improve their behavior in future interactions with clients.

Key concepts

Elderly Client Care

Providing high-quality care to elderly clients is an essential aspect of nursing that requires both sensitivity and respect. Elderly clients often face various physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges that necessitate a compassionate approach.
Nurses and nursing assistants should always aim to:

• Promote dignity and autonomy, allowing elderly clients the opportunity to make choices about their care.
• Understand the specific needs that accompany aging, such as mobility limitations or sensory deficits.
• Maintain a safe and comfortable environment to prevent accidents and enhance well-being.

Given that elderly clients might be more vulnerable to emotional distress, interactions should always be calm and supportive, prioritizing their psychological health.
It’s important for healthcare professionals to be vigilant in observing any discomfort or mistreatment and take proactive steps to address such situations promptly. Hence, discussing inappropriate behavior, as the exercise suggests, can directly benefit elderly client care.

Nursing Assistant Responsibilities

Nursing assistants play a crucial role in supporting the healthcare team and ensuring that clients receive compassionate and effective care. They are responsible for performing a variety of tasks that directly impact patient well-being.
Key responsibilities include:

• Providing personal care such as bathing, dressing, and grooming clients.
• Assisting with mobility and ensuring the client’s comfort and safety.
• Observing changes in a client’s condition and reporting these to the nursing staff.

Additionally, nursing assistants are expected to maintain professionalism in all interactions. This involves treating clients with kindness and respect, regardless of their condition or behavior.
In the context of the exercise, taking the nursing assistant aside to discuss the incident is a way to reinforce these responsibilities. It helps ensure they understand the importance of their role in maintaining a supportive and respectful environment.

Communication in Nursing

Effective communication in nursing is a cornerstone of providing quality healthcare. It involves not only what is said but also how it is said. This skill is essential for building trust and understanding between healthcare professionals and clients.
Good communication practices include:

• Listening actively to clients to accurately identify their needs and concerns.
• Speaking clearly and respectfully, providing explanations about procedures and care plans.
• Utilizing non-verbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions, to convey empathy and assurance.

In situations where a nursing assistant speaks harshly to a client, it disrupts the therapeutic relationship that nurses strive to uphold. Addressing such behavior, as suggested in the exercise, is crucial to ensuring that all communication promotes a healing environment.
Effective communication not only improves client satisfaction but also enhances teamwork and reduces the risk of errors in patient care.