Which of the following is an example of passive-aggressive behavior by a practical nurse?

Which of the following is an example of passive-aggressive behavior by a practical nurse?

• A. Yelling at clients
• B. Written complaints to the unit manager about the work environment
• C. Being chronically late for shifts
• D. Readily agreeing to work overtime

Answer: (C)

Passive-aggressive behavior shows itself as indirect resistance rather than open conflict. When a practical nurse is chronically late for shifts, it sends a covert message of displeasure or reluctance to engage with the scheduled workload without voicing it outright. This pattern disrupts teamwork and patient care, because the lateness can delay handoffs, shift routines, and the start of care, all while the nurse avoids direct discussion about concerns. Yelling at clients is an example of overt aggression, not passive resistance. Writing complaints to the unit manager is a direct, explicit way of raising an issue rather than expressing it through indirect actions. Readily agreeing to work overtime demonstrates cooperation and willingness to help, not resistance.

Passive-aggressive behavior shows itself as indirect resistance rather than open conflict. When a practical nurse is chronically late for shifts, it sends a covert message of displeasure or reluctance to engage with the scheduled workload without voicing it outright. This pattern disrupts teamwork and patient care, because the lateness can delay handoffs, shift routines, and the start of care, all while the nurse avoids direct discussion about concerns.

Yelling at clients is an example of overt aggression, not passive resistance. Writing complaints to the unit manager is a direct, explicit way of raising an issue rather than expressing it through indirect actions. Readily agreeing to work overtime demonstrates cooperation and willingness to help, not resistance.