An error made in client care last week has just been discovered. A nurse who cared for the client during that period is asked about the error and states, "That probably happened when the nurse covering for me at noon or for my breaks was in charge." How should the manager interpret this statement?
A) This is a plausible explanation of who was in charge at the time of the error.
B) The coverage nurse is likely incompetent.
C) This nurse was not in charge when the error was made.
D) This nurse is scapegoating the coverage nurse.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. A statement this broad is likely not a clear explanation.
2. There is no indication that the coverage nurse is incompetent.
3. There is no evidence that this nurse was not in charge when the error was made.
4. By raising the possibility (and being very sure) that the other nurse was in charge, the nurse has created a scapegoat. This is a form of lateral violence.

An Error Made in Client Care Last Week Has Just