A nurse is asked to "float" to another area where the patients require total care. The nurse smiles, picks up her stethoscope, and says, "I'll come back and eat lunch with everyone here." When she enters the elevator she hits the wall and mutters, "Always me. Don't I have any rights"? The nurse is demonstrating which communication style?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, passive-aggressive. The nurse is indirectly expressing her displeasure and resistance to floating by smiling and agreeing to come back for lunch, but then displaying negative body language and muttering under her breath. This behavior is passive on the surface but aggressive in the underlying tone. The nurse is not openly confronting the issue but is still showing resistance and frustration.
A: Assertive communication involves expressing one's needs and feelings in a direct and respectful manner. The nurse is not openly communicating her feelings or needs in this scenario.
B: Aggressive communication involves expressing needs and feelings in a forceful and hostile manner. The nurse's behavior is not openly hostile towards others.
C: Passive communication involves avoiding conflict and not expressing one's needs or feelings. The nurse is indirectly expressing her displeasure, so it's not purely passive.