Which statement by the ED nurse most clearly indicates bias against the client during handoff?

• A. Pain rating is inaccurate
• B. Frequent flier
• C. I'd expect a higher BP
• D. Drug-seeking

Answer: (D)

The key idea is recognizing bias in how information about a patient is communicated during handoff. Saying someone is “drug-seeking” labels the patient and makes a judgment about their motives, rather than sticking to observable data and clinical needs. This kind of language reflects a negative stereotype and can influence decisions about pain management, care priorities, and resource use, potentially leading to undertreatment or distrust. In an effective handoff, the focus is on objective information—current complaints, pain level and trajectory, vital signs, recent medications given, allergies, comorbidities, and actions planned—without assigning motives or character judgments.

The other statements are not inherently biased. A claim that the pain rating is inaccurate points to a potential issue in assessment and prompts re-evaluation. Describing someone as a “frequent flyer” is a descriptive note about utilization; it becomes bias only if used to dismiss or prejudge the patient rather than contextualize care. Saying you’d expect a higher blood pressure is a clinical expectation or observation and not a judgment about the patient’s character.