The nurse is involved in requesting a management consultation for pers

The nurse is involved in requesting a management consultation for personnel-related issues. Which of the following is true regarding the consultation process in which the nurse is involved?

1. The problem area should be totally delegated to the consultant.
2. Consultation is often used when the exact problem remains unclear.
3. The problem area is identified by any member of the health care team.
4. Feelings about the problem should be described to the consultant by the nurse.

ANSWER

ANS: 2
Consultation is appropriate when the nurse has identified a problem that cannot be solved using personal knowledge, skills, and resources, or when the exact problem remains unclear. A con-sultant objectively entering a situation can more clearly assess and identify the exact nature of the problem. The whole problem is not turned over to the consultant. The consultant is not there to take over the problem but is there to assist the nurse in resolving it. The person requesting the consult usually identifies the problem area. The nurse should not bias the consultant with subjec-tive and emotional conclusions about the client and problem.