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A nurse is brought in who testifies that a professional with the knowledge and skill of an RN should understand that, before administering this drug, potassium level and pulse level is always checked to prevent such an occurrence. The nurse's testimony as to what constitutes reasonable care is based on:
- A. the legal definition of standard of care.
- B. the legal definition of the informed consent process.
- C. the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur.
- D. governmental immunity.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: the legal definition of standard of care. In healthcare, the standard of care refers to the level of care that a reasonably prudent healthcare professional would provide in similar circumstances. Checking potassium level and pulse before administering a drug is considered standard practice to prevent adverse reactions. The nurse's testimony is based on this standard of care requirement to ensure patient safety and avoid potential harm. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the concept of standard of care in healthcare practice. B pertains to patient consent, C to the doctrine of "the thing speaks for itself," and D to immunity from liability for certain actions.
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A nurse responsible for staffing a medical-surgical unit must consider: (select all that apply)
- A. the patient census.
- B. physical layout of the unit.
- C. complexity of care required.
- D. educational level of all staff.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: the patient census. This is crucial for determining the appropriate number of staff needed to provide safe and effective care based on the current number of patients. The patient census directly impacts workload and patient acuity levels. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because although they may be important factors to consider when staffing a medical-surgical unit, they are not as directly related to determining the immediate staffing needs based on the current patient load. The physical layout of the unit, complexity of care required, and educational level of staff are important for overall unit operations and quality of care but do not have the same immediate impact on staffing decisions as the patient census.
Hospitals surveyed nurses who terminated their employment to determine why they chose to leave. One of the most common reasons for leaving was:
- A. decreased pay for alternative shifts.
- B. that the nurse/patient ratio prevents safe care.
- C. that most facilities are choosing an all-RN staff, which decreases opportunities for advancement.
- D. that agency and foreign nurses are favored by administration over full-time nursing staff.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: that the nurse/patient ratio prevents safe care. This answer is correct because inadequate nurse/patient ratios have been consistently identified as a major factor contributing to nurse dissatisfaction and burnout. When nurses are responsible for too many patients, they are unable to provide safe and effective care, leading to increased stress and job dissatisfaction.
Explanation of other choices:
A: Decreased pay for alternative shifts: While decreased pay may be a concern for some nurses, it is not typically cited as one of the most common reasons for leaving a position.
C: Most facilities are choosing an all-RN staff, which decreases opportunities for advancement: While this may be a concern for some nurses, it is not as universally impactful as unsafe nurse/patient ratios.
D: Agency and foreign nurses are favored by administration over full-time nursing staff: While favoritism may be an issue in some cases, it is not typically cited as one of the most common reasons for nurses leaving their employment.
Nurses on a unit provide personal hygiene, administer medications, educate the patient and family about treatments, and provide emotional support. These nurses provide patient care based on which nursing delivery system?
- A. Total patient care
- B. Partnership nursing
- C. Team nursing
- D. Functional nursing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Total patient care. Total patient care system involves one nurse being responsible for all aspects of care for a specific patient, including personal hygiene, medication administration, education, and emotional support. This system ensures continuity, individualized care, and better communication between the nurse, patient, and family. Partnership nursing (B) involves collaboration between the nurse and patient, team nursing (C) involves a team of healthcare providers working together, and functional nursing (D) involves dividing tasks among different healthcare professionals, none of which fully align with the comprehensive care provided in total patient care system.
A patient's spouse was just diagnosed with lung cancer although there was no history of tobacco use. The spouse states, "I am so mad. How can you get cancer without smoking?" Which statement by the nurse represents empathy?
- A. "Research is identifying many risk factors for cancer besides smoking."
- B. "I understand how you could feel angry about the diagnosis."
- C. "He is still a good husband."
- D. "Why do you think he got cancer?"
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it demonstrates empathy by acknowledging and validating the spouse's feelings of anger. By stating, "I understand how you could feel angry about the diagnosis," the nurse shows compassion and understanding towards the spouse's emotional response. This response helps to build trust and rapport with the patient's spouse during a difficult time.
Choice A is incorrect as it focuses more on providing information rather than acknowledging the spouse's emotions. Choice C is incorrect as it does not address the spouse's feelings of anger and is not relevant to the situation. Choice D is incorrect as it comes across as confrontational and may make the spouse feel defensive.
A nursing student scores 95% on the written examination for the adult health course. To be successful in this course, this same student must then perform an indwelling catheter insertion and wound care in a simulated environment meeting core competencies. The student asks, "What are core competencies?" The nursing instructor replies, "Core competencies are:
- A. a trend used in nursing education to reduce attrition in prelicensure students."
- B. those skills necessary for safe, competent nursing practice."
- C. educational opportunities that provide remediation when student is unable to perform psychomotor skills correctly."
- D. critical thinking exercises aimed to improve reading and math skills."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: those skills necessary for safe, competent nursing practice. Core competencies refer to the essential skills and knowledge required for safe and competent nursing practice. In the scenario provided, the nursing student needs to demonstrate proficiency in indwelling catheter insertion and wound care to meet these core competencies. These skills are crucial for providing quality patient care and ensuring patient safety.
Choice A is incorrect because core competencies are not about reducing attrition but rather about ensuring students possess the necessary skills for nursing practice. Choice C is incorrect as core competencies focus on skills required for practice, not on educational remediation. Choice D is incorrect because core competencies are not about improving reading and math skills but about the specific nursing skills needed for practice.