In order to best improve patient outcomes on an acute care hospital unit, which intervention should the nursing staff advocate for?
- A. Staffing only 8 hour shifts on the unit
- B. Decreasing the number of patients cared for on any specific unit
- C. Increasing salaries for experienced nurses
- D. Increasing staffing on the evening shift
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because decreasing the number of patients cared for on a specific unit can improve patient outcomes by allowing nurses to provide more individualized care, reduce workload stress, and prevent errors. Staffing only 8-hour shifts (A) may not address the root cause of patient outcomes. Increasing salaries for experienced nurses (C) may improve retention but does not directly impact patient care. Increasing staffing on the evening shift (D) may help with workload distribution but does not address the overall patient load issue.
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A nurse who wishes to practice in another state: (select all that apply)
- A. must retake the NCLEX-RN for that state.
- B. should determine whether the state is a compact state.
- C. may obtain licensure by endorsement.
- D. must revoke licensure in the current state because nurses cannot be licensed in more than one state concurrently.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. Determining if the state is a compact state is important because nurses from compact states can practice in other compact states without obtaining additional licenses.
2. If the state is not a compact state, the nurse can obtain licensure by endorsement, which means transferring their license to the new state without retaking the NCLEX-RN.
3. Revoking licensure in the current state is not necessary, as nurses can hold licenses in multiple states through either compact agreements or endorsement.
Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A is incorrect because the nurse does not have to retake the NCLEX-RN. Choice C is incorrect because obtaining licensure by endorsement is an option. Choice D is incorrect as nurses can hold licenses in multiple states.
A nurse is charged with battery after helping an invalid patient back to bed and not calling for help due to a reduced staffing level. The patient sustained excessive bruising, sore joints, and extended stay. In this case, the:
- A. patient is the plaintiff.
- B. nurse can be charged with forcefully restraining the patient without orders.
- C. nurse is accountable due to the decreased level of staffing.
- D. charge of invasion of privacy may be withheld.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the nurse is accountable due to the decreased level of staffing. The nurse's decision not to call for help despite knowing the reduced staffing level directly contributed to the patient's injuries. The nurse had a duty of care to ensure the patient's safety, and failing to do so resulted in harm to the patient. The nurse's actions were negligent and breached the standard of care expected in this situation.
Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the focus of the question is on the nurse's accountability for the patient's injuries due to staffing levels, not on the patient being the plaintiff, forcefully restraining the patient without orders, or invasion of privacy. These options are not directly related to the nurse's negligence in failing to provide proper care to the patient.
A nurse has heard rumors that other nurses are interested in unionizing but knows little about the purpose of unions. The nurse's first action is to:
- A. contact an arbitrator who has worked with other nurses in unions.
- B. picket the agency where employed to gain inside information as to why unionization is sought.
- C. sign the dual-purpose union authorization card.
- D. review the National Nurses United website for collective bargaining information.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because reviewing the National Nurses United website for collective bargaining information is the most appropriate first action. This option allows the nurse to educate themselves on the purpose of unions and understand the benefits of collective bargaining. It promotes informed decision-making and empowers the nurse with knowledge before taking any further actions.
A: Contacting an arbitrator may be premature as the nurse needs to first understand the basics of unions.
B: Picketing the agency is counterproductive and may create a hostile environment without proper information.
C: Signing a union authorization card without understanding the implications is not advisable and may lead to unintended consequences.
Summary: Option D is correct as it promotes education and informed decision-making, while the other choices are premature, potentially harmful, or lack necessary information.
The nurse caring for a patient who practices Ayurveda would assess for:
- A. an increased stool osmolality gap resulting from dehydration.
- B. petechiae resulting from fine-needle punctures.
- C. use of over-the-counter remedies intended for intended symptom.
- D. magnets strategically placed on affected joints.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, as Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medicine system using herbal remedies. Assessing for over-the-counter remedies aligns with Ayurvedic practices.
A: Stool osmolality gap and dehydration are not directly related to Ayurveda.
B: Petechiae from fine-needle punctures are not typically associated with Ayurveda.
D: Magnets on joints are not a common Ayurvedic practice.
In summary, assessing for over-the-counter remedies is the most relevant choice for a patient who practices Ayurveda.
A new nurse asks, "Since Electronic Medical Records can improve quality care by having seamless data available for a patient, why doesn't everyone just replace paper and pencil charts"? Barriers to a universal health information infrastructure include the fact that: (select all that apply)
- A. competition from individual companies to build EMR prevent a universal infrastructure.
- B. cost is prohibitive even with federal funding for larger health care systems.
- C. preventive health reminders for immunizations and yearly screenings such as mammograms are used in clinical decision making.
- D. insurance companies have halted sharing of some patient data due to fear of law suits.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because competition from individual companies to build EMR prevents a universal infrastructure. This is because different EMR systems may not be compatible with each other, hindering seamless data sharing.
Choice B is incorrect because while cost can be a barrier, federal funding can help mitigate this issue for larger healthcare systems. Choice C is incorrect because preventive health reminders are a benefit of EMR, not a barrier. Choice D is incorrect because insurance companies' fear of lawsuits does not directly impact the establishment of a universal health information infrastructure.
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