If a nurse observes another nurse being disrespectful to a patient, what is the best action to take?

The best action in this scenario is to notify the lead nurse. This step is crucial because it ensures that the incident of disrespect is addressed at an institutional level, allowing for appropriate action to be taken. By informing a supervisor or lead nurse, you are invoking the proper channels within the healthcare facility to handle such behaviors, ensuring that the nurse in question can receive guidance or corrective action.

This approach also serves to protect the patient and uphold the standards of care and professionalism that must be maintained in a healthcare setting. It prioritizes the patient's dignity and rights and simultaneously holds healthcare providers accountable for their actions, promoting a culture of respect within the healthcare environment.

The other actions, while they may seem appropriate in some contexts, do not address the need for institutional oversight or corrective measures. Offering assistance to the patient may provide temporary comfort, but it does not resolve the underlying issue of the disrespectful behavior, nor does it ensure it won't happen again. Remaining with the patient could provide emotional support but similarly fails to address the misconduct being exhibited. Documenting the incident is important, but it should follow notifying the appropriate personnel for timely action and intervention.