A staff nurse loses their job after reporting instances of patient abuse at their hospital to the State Board of Nursing. The nurse thinks they were unfairly dismissed and initiates a whistleblower lawsuit against their former employer. Which of these scenarios closely resembles employer retaliation?

The correct answer is C because it closely resembles employer retaliation. By firing the nurse after filing a formal written complaint to hospital administration about patient abuse, the employer's action shows a direct response to the nurse's protected activity (reporting abuse) and indicates retaliation. This action violates whistleblower protection laws that shield employees from adverse actions for reporting misconduct. Choices A, B, and D do not directly involve the employee's protected activity of reporting patient abuse, making them less likely to be considered retaliation.