What type of leadership is demonstrated by the nurse suggesting immediate consultation for a client suspected of having a tumor?

The response identifying adaptive leadership reflects an understanding of the need for flexibility and responsiveness in dynamic situations, particularly in healthcare. In the context of a nurse suggesting immediate consultation for a client suspected of having a tumor, this action showcases an adaptive leadership style because it emphasizes responding to the immediate needs of the patient and the uncertainties of their medical condition.

Adaptive leaders are skilled at navigating complex, changing environments and making decisions that cater to the specific circumstances at hand. They assess the situation, recognize the urgency of the client's health status, and take appropriate actions that could significantly impact the patient’s outcome. This responsiveness not only highlights the nurse’s capacity to adapt to the patient’s needs but also fosters teamwork by engaging other healthcare professionals for the client's well-being.

In contrast, transformational leadership focuses on inspiring and motivating team members toward broader goals, while transactional leadership is based more on structured tasks and rewards or penalties for performance. Autocratic leadership implies a more authoritarian approach, where decisions are made unilaterally without input from others. The immediate action taken by the nurse does not fit these other leadership styles but rather illustrates the need for adaptability in a clinical setting.