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.
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A nurse studied a community to determine if there were clients who would benefit from a hospice program if one were developed. This type of research is:
- A. a survey.
- B. quasi-experimental.
- C. a needs assessment method.
- D. a pilot study.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: a needs assessment method. A needs assessment method is used to identify gaps or deficiencies in services, programs, or resources in a community. In this scenario, the nurse is determining if there is a need for a hospice program, which aligns with the purpose of a needs assessment. A survey (choice A) involves collecting data from a sample group to gather insights, but it doesn't necessarily focus on identifying specific needs. Quasi-experimental (choice B) and pilot study (choice D) are research designs used to test interventions or programs, which are not the primary goal in this case.
The Nurses of America's media campaign raised awareness of which aspects of nursing? (select all that apply)
- A. Nurses are expert clinicians.
- B. A higher nurse/patient ratio is needed.
- C. Nurses are invisible in the news media.
- D. Nurses are caring.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the Nurses of America's media campaign aimed to highlight nurses as expert clinicians, emphasizing their skills, knowledge, and expertise in patient care. This choice aligns with the campaign's goal and message.
Choice B is incorrect because the campaign did not specifically advocate for a higher nurse/patient ratio. Choice C is incorrect as the campaign sought to make nurses more visible in the news media. Choice D is incorrect because while nurses are caring, the focus of the campaign was on their clinical expertise.
When deciding which staffing option to use on a nursing unit that will open soon, the manager realizes that:
- A. continuity of care is enhanced and errors are reduced when nurses provide care over longer shifts and consecutive workdays, such as 12-hour shifts on 3 consecutive days per week.
- B. the use of part-time nurses provides the variability needed to meet diverse patient needs.
- C. satisfaction of the staff equates to satisfaction of patients.
- D. nurses provide the same level of care, regardless of the work environment.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Continuity of care is enhanced with longer shifts because nurses have more time to build relationships with patients and understand their needs.
Step 2: Working consecutive days per week reduces handoffs, which can lead to errors and miscommunications.
Step 3: 12-hour shifts allow nurses to have more days off, reducing burnout and fatigue.
Summary:
Choice B is incorrect as part-time nurses may not provide consistent care. Choice C is incorrect as staff satisfaction doesn't always translate to patient satisfaction. Choice D is incorrect as the work environment can impact the quality of care provided by nurses.
Students are assigned to write to their state leaders about an issue affecting their community. One student writes about the need among rural community for greater access to acute care services. Which of the following pieces of legislation should the student use as a reference?
- A. Social Security Act
- B. Hill-Burton Act
- C. Sheppard-Towner Act
- D. U.S. Civil Service Act
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hill-Burton Act. This legislation established a program to provide federal grants for the construction of hospitals and healthcare facilities in underserved areas. It specifically addressed the need to improve access to healthcare services, aligning with the student's concern about acute care services in rural communities. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Social Security Act primarily focuses on social insurance programs; C: Sheppard-Towner Act focused on maternal and child healthcare; D: U.S. Civil Service Act pertains to regulations for federal employees, none of which directly address the issue of access to acute care services in rural communities.
A nurse notices that care is often withheld until an interpreter arrives, if the nurse is not multilingual. The nurse discusses this with the management team and suggests a three- part series be presented to the nursing staff to teach some commonly used medical terms in Spanish. This nurse is involved in the role of:
- A. change agent.
- B. educator.
- C. manager.
- D. coordinator.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: change agent. The nurse is acting as a change agent by identifying a problem (care being withheld until an interpreter arrives) and proposing a solution (teaching common medical terms in Spanish). As a change agent, the nurse is promoting positive change within the organization to improve patient care. The other choices are incorrect because:
B: Educator - While the nurse is providing education, the primary role in this scenario is not solely that of an educator.
C: Manager - The nurse is not directly managing staff or resources in this scenario.
D: Coordinator - The nurse is not primarily coordinating activities or resources in this scenario.