Which forms of workplace violence may nurses face?

• A. Offensive language, threatening behavior, and physical violence.
• B. Overstaffing and excessive calm.
• C. Adequate lighting and clean waiting rooms.
• D. Regular performance reviews.

Answer: (A)

Understanding workplace violence in nursing means recognizing the types of aggression nurses may encounter. The forms described as offensive language, threatening behavior, and physical violence capture the range from verbal abuse to actual harm. Verbal abuse and threats create a hostile environment and can escalate quickly, while physical violence poses immediate safety risks to both the nurse and others. Together, these categories reflect the real threats to safety that nurses must be prepared to manage and report, with appropriate policies and de‑escalation strategies in place.

The remaining options describe things that affect safety or processes rather than actual forms of violence. Overstaffing and excessive calm relate to staffing or mood, not aggression. Adequate lighting and clean waiting rooms are environmental safeguards, not violent acts. Regular performance reviews are administrative tasks, not violent behavior.