Conflict Resolution and Team Collaboration

1. During the evening shift, an LPN notices that a colleague documented administering an antibiotic to a patient, but the vial remains unopened in the medication cart. When the LPN brings this to the colleague’s attention, the colleague becomes defensive, saying, “I don’t have time for this right now—maybe you misread something.” The LPN is concerned for the patient’s safety and wants to address the situation appropriately. Which action reflects the FIRST step in resolving this conflict? *
2. Two LPNs are preparing to perform a complex dressing change together. One believes sterile gloves are necessary; the other insists that clean gloves are sufficient. They begin arguing at the patient’s bedside, causing the patient to appear anxious and confused. Which intervention best promotes effective team collaboration? *
3. A patient requires urgent discharge planning due to a sudden bed shortage. The social worker proposes transferring the patient home today, but the LPN believes the patient is unstable and expresses concerns about safety. The social worker dismisses the LPN’s worry, saying, “We don’t have the luxury of waiting.” Which communication technique would help promote mutual understanding? *
4. During handoff, the outgoing nurse criticizes the LPN for not completing all wound care tasks, saying in a harsh tone, “You always leave things for the next shift.” The LPN feels the criticism is unfair because the unit was extremely busy and priorities changed. What is the MOST appropriate response to support conflict resolution? *
5. An LPN and a physiotherapist disagree about whether a postoperative patient is ready to ambulate. The physiotherapist says the patient is stable; the LPN believes the patient is too dizzy and could fall. The physiotherapist insists, “He must walk today.” The tension rises in the hallway. What should the LPN do to promote safe, collaborative decision-making? *
6. During a sudden patient deterioration, an LPN begins preparing the oxygen setup while the RN urgently asks her to start obtaining the patient’s vital signs first. The LPN believes oxygen administration should take priority and hesitates, causing tension. The RN raises her voice, saying, “Just do what I asked—we don’t have time to argue.” Which response from the LPN best supports conflict resolution while maintaining patient safety? *
7. A healthcare aide begins transporting a patient with C. difficile to radiology without wearing proper PPE. The LPN stops her, reminding her of contact precautions. The aide becomes defensive and says, “I’ve been doing this for years—you’re overreacting.” Which approach by the LPN best promotes collaborative conflict resolution? *
8. During the night shift, two LPNs are responsible for twelve patients. One LPN feels her colleague is not doing her share of rounds and says so abruptly at the nursing station. The colleague becomes upset and replies loudly, “You always blame me—you don’t understand how busy I am.” What is the FIRST step to resolving this conflict respectfully? *
9. During morning rounds, an LPN informs the physician that a patient’s pain score increased overnight and mobility was difficult. The physician reacts irritably, saying, “I don’t see anything wrong—maybe you’re exaggerating.” The LPN feels dismissed but wants to maintain collaborative communication. What should the LPN do to promote mutual understanding? *
10. During a discharge planning meeting, the occupational therapist states that the patient can return home safely with minimal support. The LPN disagrees based on observed poor mobility and several recent near-falls. Another team member tells the LPN, “You’re overthinking this—it’s fine.” Which action best demonstrates effective collaborative communication? *