Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing PDF

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Charge nurses are typically considered part of the nursing staff, not part of the management team. Step 2: Since charge nurses are not considered part of the management team, they are eligible to be represented by the union. Step 3: Being part of the union means the charge nurse can benefit from collective bargaining activities and have a voice in workplace decisions. Step 4: Choice A is correct as it aligns with the general understanding of charge nurses' roles and their eligibility for union representation. Summary: Choice B is incorrect because charge nurses are not typically considered part of the management team, so union participation would not necessarily be a conflict of interest. Choice C is incorrect because union representation does not automatically mean filing grievances that will be arbitrated. Choice D is incorrect because charge nurses can participate in collective bargaining activities related to unfair labor practices if they are represented by the union.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: occupational unionism. This type of union representation categorizes workers based on their occupation or profession rather than industry. In this scenario, physical therapists, nurses, and pharmacists each have their own specialized union based on their specific professions within the single agency. Summary of incorrect choices: B: Industrial unionism refers to unions that represent all workers within a particular industry, regardless of their specific occupation or profession. C: Union shop refers to a workplace where all employees must join the union after a certain period of employment, not the type of union representation described in the question. D: Power sharing is a concept related to governance and decision-making processes, not specific to union representation based on occupation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice C: 1. Licensure ensures RNs meet minimum standards to practice. 2. Protects the public from incompetent or unqualified nurses. 3. Ensures RNs adhere to ethical and legal standards. 4. Maintains accountability and promotes safe patient care. Summary: A: Incorrect, as licensure is not primarily about title protection. B: Incorrect, as while RNs demonstrate knowledge, licensure is broader. D: Incorrect, as enhancing recognition is not the primary goal of licensure.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: sentinel event. A sentinel event is an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological harm to a patient. In this scenario, the accidental cutting of sutures leading to evisceration constitutes a serious harm to the patient, making it a sentinel event. This event requires immediate investigation, analysis, and implementation of preventive measures to ensure patient safety. A: Root cause refers to the underlying reason for a problem, not the event itself. C: Variation in performance is related to inconsistencies in processes, not a specific critical incident like evisceration. D: Causal factor is a contributing element to an event, but it does not capture the severity and significance of a sentinel event like evisceration.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Capital budgeting. Capital budgeting involves planning and managing significant expenditures for long-term assets like equipment and facilities. In this scenario, replacing all 50 patient beds with new beds equipped with Fall Watch electronic sensors is a major investment in a long-term asset. The nurse manager is making a strategic decision that will impact the nursing unit's operations for an extended period. Summary: A: Fiscal budgeting focuses on revenues and expenses for a specific period, not long-term asset investments. B: Labor budgeting pertains to planning and managing labor costs, not capital investments. C: Operational budgeting involves day-to-day expenses and activities, not major capital expenditures like replacing all patient beds.