What Problem-Solving Strategies Should the Charge Nurse Use When a Client’s Wife is Angry About Her Husband’s Care?

When a client’s wife expresses anger about her husband’s care, the charge nurse should use the following problem-solving strategies:

  1. Active Listening: The charge nurse should listen attentively to the wife’s concerns without interrupting. Active listening is crucial in validating her feelings and showing that her concerns are being taken seriously (Rogers & Farson, 2015).
  2. Empathy and Acknowledgment: Acknowledge the wife’s emotions and express empathy for her situation. Empathy can help de-escalate the situation and build rapport, making it easier to address the underlying issues (Goleman, 1998).
  3. Gathering Information: The charge nurse should gather more details about the specific issues the wife is concerned about. Asking open-ended questions can help understand the underlying problems and the context of her concerns (Davis & Shriberg, 1988).
  4. Assessing the Situation: After gathering information, the charge nurse should assess the situation to determine if the concerns are valid and if any lapses in care have occurred. This assessment may involve reviewing the client’s chart, speaking with the care team, and observing the care being provided (Croskerry, 2002).
  5. Problem-Solving: Work collaboratively with the wife and the healthcare team to develop a plan to address her concerns. This may involve adjusting the care plan, improving communication, or involving additional resources, such as a patient advocate or social worker (Hammond et al., 2007).
  6. Follow-Up: Ensure that the wife is kept informed about the steps being taken to address her concerns and schedule a follow-up discussion to ensure she is satisfied with the resolution. Continuous communication is key to maintaining trust and preventing future issues (Harrison, 2015).

For guidance on conflict resolution in healthcare settings

References

Ambrose, A. F., Paul, G., & Hausdorff, J. M. (2013). Risk factors for falls among older adults: A review of the literature. Maturitas, 75(1), 51-61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2013.02.009

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html

Crews, J. E., & Campbell, V. A. (2004). Vision impairment an