A senior nurse suggests a particular therapy for a patient but it doesn't sound right to you. How would you handle that?

A senior nurse suggests a particular therapy for a patient but it doesn't sound right to you. How would you handle that?

• A. Directly dismiss the nurse and proceed with your own plan
• B. Ignore the nurse and wait to see if therapy is used
• C. Open an honest discussion with the nurse about indications, benefits, risks, and whether it differs from guidelines; involve the team and registrar
• D. Inform the patient only

Answer: (C)

Handling uncertain therapy suggestions requires open, professional communication within the care team to safeguard patient safety and ensure evidence-based practice. The best approach is to discuss honestly with the nurse why the therapy is being considered, including the indications, expected benefits, potential risks, and how it compares with established guidelines. Involving the wider team and the registrar helps reach a well-considered decision, balancing patient needs with standard of care and institutional policies. This collaborative, evidence-informed dialogue supports patient safety, clarifies any deviations from guidelines, and provides a clear plan moving forward. Directly dismissing the nurse’s suggestion is unsafe and unprofessional, as it bypasses communication and teamwork. Ignoring the nurse and waiting to see if the therapy is used can delay care and misses an opportunity to resolve uncertainty. Informing the patient alone neglects the input of the care team and may undermine trust and shared decision-making.

Handling uncertain therapy suggestions requires open, professional communication within the care team to safeguard patient safety and ensure evidence-based practice. The best approach is to discuss honestly with the nurse why the therapy is being considered, including the indications, expected benefits, potential risks, and how it compares with established guidelines. Involving the wider team and the registrar helps reach a well-considered decision, balancing patient needs with standard of care and institutional policies. This collaborative, evidence-informed dialogue supports patient safety, clarifies any deviations from guidelines, and provides a clear plan moving forward.

Directly dismissing the nurse’s suggestion is unsafe and unprofessional, as it bypasses communication and teamwork. Ignoring the nurse and waiting to see if the therapy is used can delay care and misses an opportunity to resolve uncertainty. Informing the patient alone neglects the input of the care team and may undermine trust and shared decision-making.