Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

How should the nursing staff address resistance to care for an aggressive patient?

1. Ask the physician to remove the patient

2. Rotate assignments among staff

3. Confront the patient's family

4. Hold a nursing team conference

The correct answer is: Hold a nursing team conference

Holding a nursing team conference is an effective way to address resistance to care in an aggressive patient as it enables the nursing staff to collaboratively discuss the situation, share observations, and develop a comprehensive plan of action. This approach fosters teamwork and allows for diverse perspectives and strategies to be considered, which can enhance care for the patient and ensure the safety of both the staff and the patient. A conference can provide a platform for identifying underlying causes of the patient's aggression, discussing appropriate interventions, reviewing past encounters, and employing strategies that promote de-escalation and therapeutic communication. Additionally, involving multiple team members in the discussion increases the likelihood of identifying consistent approaches and solutions, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and a safer environment. In contrast, asking the physician to remove the patient may not always be feasible or in the best interest of the patient, as it does not address the core issues of aggression or resistance to care. Rotating assignments among staff may only shift the burden rather than address the underlying problem and can contribute to burnout. Confronting the patient's family is generally not constructive, as it may escalate the situation and further alienate the patient or family members instead of fostering a collaborative approach.