A nurse is uncomfortable with a patient's comments, which are sexual in nature. Which actions by the nurse are most appropriate? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Tell the patient to stop making sexual comments.
b. Try joking with the patient to establish rapport.
c. Tell the patient you are leaving and will return in a few minutes.
d. Inform the patient he/she can be sued for this behavior.
e. Explain to the patient how you feel about the comments.

Answer 1

ANS: A, C, E
There are several steps a nurse can take when patients are displaying inappropriate sexual behavior. First, the nurse should tell the patient to stop what he/she is doing. The nurse can also tell the patient that he/she is leaving for a few minutes and will return when the patient can control this behavior. The nurse can also tell the patient how he/she feels about the comments or actions. The nurse should not joke with the patient or in any way participate in this behavior. The nurse should not threaten a patient with a lawsuit.