Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: with criminal negligence. The nurse displayed a reckless disregard for the patient's safety by not verifying the blood type, leaving for an extended break without ensuring proper monitoring, and failing to report her absence. These actions were highly irresponsible and demonstrated a severe lack of care and attention to the patient's well-being. Criminal negligence involves a conscious disregard for the consequences of one's actions, which in this case resulted in a serious adverse event for the patient. Choices A and B do not fully capture the gravity of the nurse's actions, as they imply a lesser degree of fault. Choice D, under the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur, would be inappropriate in this scenario as the nurse's actions directly contributed to the adverse outcome.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because an increase in patient census directly impacts the budget assumptions by affecting staffing needs, supply costs, and revenue projections. This information is crucial for accurate budget planning. Choice A is incorrect because the capital budget request for new equipment does not directly impact the nursing unit's operational budget assumptions. Choice C is incorrect as the effectiveness of participatory budgeting in controlling supply costs does not directly influence future budget assumptions. Choice D is incorrect as zero-based budgeting efficiency does not directly address the impact of increased patient census on budget assumptions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because in the ABC system, tasks coded as A are considered the most important and urgent. Calling the pharmacy to check drug availability for a patient directly impacts patient care and safety, making it a priority. B, checking a ventilator alarm, is important but not as urgent as ensuring medication availability. C, organizing the medication cart, is important but not necessarily urgent like patient-related tasks. D, writing memos for a birthday gift, is neither urgent nor directly related to patient care. Therefore, A is the correct choice for being the most critical task in the ABC system.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because informed consent requires the registered nurse (RN) to communicate all necessary information to the patient so they can make an informed decision. This includes explaining the procedure, potential risks, benefits, alternatives, and any other pertinent information. The RN plays a crucial role in ensuring that the patient understands the information provided before giving consent. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because informed consent is not solely mandated by federal law, must disclose risks as well as benefits, and should not involve concealing any known risks.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: The question asks about the reason for the nursing shortage and references the National Survey of Registered Nurses. Step 2: Choice C states that practicing registered nurses are satisfied with their jobs and most remain with the same employer they worked for the previous year. Step 3: This suggests that the nursing shortage is not due to registered nurses being unhappy with their jobs and leaving. Step 4: Therefore, the correct answer is C, as it directly addresses the misconception presented in the question. Step 5: Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the information provided in the National Survey of Registered Nurses and do not address the actual reason for the nursing shortage.