A licensed practical/vocational nurse (LP/VN) is frustrated that the physician rounding with resident physicians makes distasteful comments in front of the clients. The LP/VN should provide which statement to be assertive with the physician?

Question

A) When the physician is rounding in a client's room, "You have no right to talk to a client that way."
B) Right after the physician makes a distasteful comment, "You will pay for that comment because I will be the witness for the client when she sues you."
C) "Doctor, I would like to talk with you about a situation in the private conference room, as soon as possible." And then discuss the matter with the physician in the conference room.
D) Under her breathe in the back of the room of a client, "Please stop saying those things, doctor." And hope he hears and will stop.

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
The LP/VN should provide the assertion without involving the residents or the client by stating that there is a situation to discuss privately as soon as possible. Assertive statements have "I" involved and ask that the nurse's rights are valued, but not at the expense of others rights. Once alone with the physician in the conference room, the nurse should follow-up with another assertive statement, such as, "Doctor, I am frustrated that you have made distasteful comments in front of the client and in front of your residents, such as 'This is the fat lady who ate her way into a gallbladder attack.' I would appreciate it if you would stop making distasteful comments in the future." Answers A and B are aggressive and are pushy or hostile in tone. Answer D is passive in tone and the nurse is trying to avoid the conflict by hoping the physician may hear the message and change.