Agree to cover the shift and reschedule personal commitments.

Demonstrating professionalism in this situation involves prioritizing patient care and teamwork. By agreeing to cover the shift and rescheduling personal commitments, the nurse shows a commitment to the nursing profession and the well-being of patients. It also promotes a collaborative and supportive work environment.

• Option a (declining the request and prioritizing personal commitments) may be seen as unprofessional and may negatively impact patient care and the team.

• Option c (informing the colleague without explanation) lacks open communication and may strain professional relationships.

• Option d (discussing with the supervisor) can be done in addition to agreeing to cover the shift, but it should not be the only action taken to demonstrate professionalism in this situation.

Return the medical records immediately and report the incident to the appropriate authority.

Maintaining patient confidentiality and upholding professionalism require respecting the privacy of patient information. In this situation, the nurse should return the medical records immediately to the appropriate authority (e.g., the medical records department) and report the incident. This ensures that the patient's confidentiality is protected and demonstrates accountability for the mistake.

• Option a (reading the medical records) violates patient confidentiality and is inappropriate without proper authorization.

• Option b (sharing the information with colleagues) further compromises patient confidentiality and does not uphold professionalism.

• Option d (keeping the medical records) is unacceptable and can lead to serious legal and ethical consequences.

Refuse to perform the procedure and inform the charge nurse.

Demonstrating professionalism involves recognizing one's limits and providing safe and competent care. If a nurse is asked to perform a procedure without proper training, it is essential to refuse and communicate this to the charge nurse. Patient safety is paramount, and performing a procedure without proper training can put patients at risk.

• Option b (proceeding with the procedure while observing) is unsafe and unprofessional. It does not address the lack of proper training and can compromise patient safety.

• Option c (seeking guidance and training) is a crucial step in demonstrating professionalism. However, it should be done before attempting the procedure, not during the procedure itself.

• Option d (documenting the procedure as completed without performing it) is unethical, unprofessional, and illegal. It can result in serious consequences and jeopardize patient safety.

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice A rationale:Ignoring the coworker’s remarks and focusing on personal tasks is not the best course of action. This approach may allow the coworker to continue making inappropriate comments, which can create a hostile work environment and negatively impact patient care. It is important for healthcare professionals to uphold a respectful and inclusive environment for all patients and staff members. Ignoring such behavior can be seen as passive acceptance, which can perpetuate the issue.

Choice B rationale:Reporting the incident to the supervisor or appropriate authority is the correct action. This approach ensures that the issue is addressed at an organizational level and that appropriate measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future. It is the responsibility of all staff members to report any form of discrimination or harassment. By reporting the incident, the nurse is upholding professional standards and promoting a respectful work environment.

Choice C rationale:Confronting the coworker directly about their inappropriate behavior can be a risky approach. While it is important to address the issue, confronting the coworker without involving a supervisor or appropriate authority may escalate the situation or lead to further conflict. It is generally more effective to report the incident to a supervisor or appropriate authority who can address the issue in a formal and structured manner.

Choice D rationale:Laughing along with the coworker’s remarks to avoid confrontation is not an appropriate response. This behavior can be seen as endorsing or encouraging the coworker’s inappropriate comments. It is important for healthcare professionals to promote a respectful and inclusive environment for all patients and staff members. Laughing at derogatory remarks can contribute to a hostile work environment and is not in line with professional standards.

Seek guidance from the nursing manager regarding the acceptance of gifts.

Maintaining professionalism and ethical boundaries involves navigating situations where gifts are offered. It is important for nurses to follow institutional policies and guidelines regarding accepting gifts from patients. Seeking guidance from the nursing manager ensures that the nurse makes an informed decision and upholds professional standards.

• Option a (accepting the gift and displaying it) may create the perception of favoritism or bias and may violate institutional policies regarding the acceptance of gifts.

• Option b (politely declining the gift) is appropriate if it aligns with institutional policies. However, seeking guidance from the nursing manager is still advisable to ensure compliance.

• Option c (accepting the gift and sharing it with colleagues) may compromise professionalism and ethical boundaries, as it can create an appearance of impropriety or favoritism.