1
Lateral/Horizontal Violence Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is an example of lateral violence in the workplace?
- A nurse correcting a documentation error for a colleague
- A charge nurse assigning break times
- A manager leading a conflict resolution meeting
✔✔ B. A senior nurse mocking a junior nurse in front of patients
Which of the following is a likely outcome of ongoing horizontal violence in a healthcare setting?
- Increased teamwork
- Improved patient outcomes
- Stronger nurse-patient communication
✔✔ C. Decreased job satisfaction and nurse retention
Which statement best reflects an appropriate response to witnessing lateral violence?✔✔ A. “I noticed that wasn’t respectful. Let’s talk about it privately.” 1 / 2
2
- “Just ignore it; it will pass.”
- “That’s just how she is—don’t take it personally.”
- “I’ll report it next time it happens again.”
What is the best initial step for a nurse who is being bullied by a coworker?
- Confront them aggressively
- Quit the job immediately
- Avoid working the same shift
✔✔ B. Document the incidents and report to a supervisor
Which of the following is an example of covert lateral violence?
- A nurse yelling at a colleague in the break room
- Publicly criticizing another nurse’s clinical skills
- Refusing to take patient assignments
✔✔ C. Withholding important information from a peer on purpose
A nurse receives constant eye-rolling and sarcasm from a colleague. What is the best action?✔✔ A. Address the behavior directly and assertively
- / 2