A nurse overhears another nurse being harassed by a staff member. Which of the following actions by the nurse is an appropriate way to handle this situation?

Choice A rationale Avoiding the staff member does not resolve the underlying issue of harassment and allows a toxic work environment to persist. Harassment is a violation of professional standards and workplace policy that requires active intervention. By remaining silent and avoiding the individual, the nurse fails to support the colleague being targeted and fails to uphold the ethical duty to maintain a safe and professional work environment for all staff members. Choice B rationale Requesting a new client assignment is an avoidant behavior that fails to address the professional misconduct occurring in the unit. It prioritizes the nurse's comfort over the safety and well-being of the colleague being harassed. This action does nothing to stop the harassment and ignores the reporting structure established within healthcare facilities to handle personnel issues. Professional accountability requires addressing the behavior through the appropriate administrative channels rather than escaping. Choice C rationale Reporting the incident to a manager is the correct professional and legal response to workplace harassment. Management has the authority and responsibility to investigate the claims, document the behavior, and implement disciplinary actions or mediation. This ensures that the facility's policies are followed and creates a formal record of the incident. It protects the victim and helps maintain a safe, respectful, and productive environment for both staff and clients. Choice D rationale Threatening a staff member about their job status is inappropriate and outside the scope of a peer nurse's authority. This type of communication can escalate the conflict and may be perceived as a form of horizontal violence or counter-harassment. Disciplinary warnings and discussions about employment status must be handled exclusively by management or human resources. The nurse should stick to reporting the facts to the proper authorities rather than making threats.