Contemporary Issues in Nursing

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.

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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: philosophy. This statement reflects the fundamental beliefs and values that guide the practice of nursing. It outlines the core principles of nursing, emphasizing caring and promoting health. A concept (A) refers to a general idea or notion. A construct (B) is an abstract idea or theory. A model (D) is a representation or framework used to explain a phenomenon. In this case, the statement is more aligned with a philosophy as it encapsulates the overarching principles and purpose of nursing practice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Primary nursing care delivery. In primary nursing, one nurse assumes 24-hour responsibility for planning, implementing, and evaluating the care of a patient. In this scenario, the RN developed and implemented the plan of care and delegated specific tasks to the LPN/LVN. The RN remains responsible for the overall care even while off duty, as evidenced by receiving a call regarding a change in the plan of care. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Modular nursing involves a team of healthcare providers working together, sharing responsibilities, and providing care collectively. C: Team nursing involves a team of healthcare providers with different levels of expertise working collaboratively to deliver patient care. D: Functional nursing divides tasks among different team members based on their skill sets, which is not the case in the scenario provided.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: more secure. Electronic Health Records (EHR) typically have built-in security features such as encryption, access controls, and audit trails, making it more secure than paper-and-pencil records. EHRs offer better protection against unauthorized access, tampering, and loss compared to traditional paper records. This is due to the ability to restrict access to specific users, track changes made to the records, and implement authentication measures. Therefore, the security of EHRs surpasses that of paper-and-pencil records. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not acknowledge the enhanced security measures and advantages that EHRs provide over traditional paper records.