Which action demonstrates accountability in nursing leadership?

• A. Avoiding responsibility when errors occur
• B. Blaming others without investigation
• C. Withholding information from staff
• D. Addressing unsafe practices and taking corrective action

Answer: (D)

Accountability in nursing leadership means owning safety, quality care, and outcomes, and taking action when problems are found. Demonstrating accountability involves addressing unsafe practices and taking corrective action: recognizing the issue, investigating the cause, informing the team, implementing changes, and monitoring to ensure improvements persist. This shows a commitment to patient safety, transparency, and responsibility, and it sets a standard for the whole team. By contrast, avoiding responsibility, blaming others without investigation, or withholding information from staff undermine trust, learning, and patient safety. The action that directly addresses unsafe practices and moves to correct them best embodies accountability.