Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: the legal definition of standard of care. In healthcare, the standard of care refers to the level of care that a reasonably prudent healthcare professional would provide in similar circumstances. Checking potassium level and pulse before administering a drug is considered standard practice to prevent adverse reactions. The nurse's testimony is based on this standard of care requirement to ensure patient safety and avoid potential harm. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the concept of standard of care in healthcare practice. B pertains to patient consent, C to the doctrine of "the thing speaks for itself," and D to immunity from liability for certain actions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because Medicare covers hospital stays for individuals aged 65 and older, which would include a 70-year-old client. Choice B is incorrect because Medicare typically covers dialysis for individuals with end-stage renal disease, not nursing home costs. Choice C is incorrect because Medicare does not typically cover rehabilitation care for individuals under 65. Choice D is incorrect because AFDC is a separate program from Medicare that provides assistance for low-income families, and prescription costs for the young mother would likely be covered under a different program.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: patient-centered. This model focuses on meeting the individual patient's needs and preferences, involving them in decision-making, and providing care that is respectful and responsive to their values. In this scenario, the patient's decision to stop hemodialysis is respected, and palliative care is provided in alignment with his wishes. Partnerhsip (A) typically involves collaboration between healthcare providers and patients, which is not explicitly mentioned. Case management (C) focuses on coordinating services for complex cases, which is not the primary focus here. Total patient care (D) involves providing all aspects of care directly by the same nurse, which is not the main approach in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: serving on interdisciplinary care teams. This is correct because as registered nurses enter the workforce, they are expected to collaborate with other healthcare professionals on interdisciplinary care teams to provide comprehensive patient care. This involves working together with professionals from different disciplines to ensure holistic and effective treatment plans. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: B: Being competent to work in several areas independently when dictated by patient census - While nurses may need to be versatile, the emphasis on independent work in various areas does not necessarily reflect expanded leadership responsibilities. C: Attending a meeting to plan advanced training for unlicensed assistive personnel - While important for team collaboration, attending meetings to plan training for support staff does not directly relate to expanded leadership responsibilities. D: Evaluating outcomes of care that are reported to a standing committee - While evaluating outcomes is important, it may not specifically denote expanded leadership responsibilities compared to the collaborative nature of serving on interdisciplinary care teams.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the highest level of nursing education for most RNs is an associate degree. This is supported by data showing that a significant proportion of registered nurses have obtained their education through associate degree programs. Additionally, pursuing an associate degree is a common pathway for individuals entering the nursing profession due to its accessibility and shorter duration compared to obtaining a bachelor's or graduate degree. Choice A is incorrect because while there may be second-degree nursing students entering the field, the average age of individuals entering nursing is typically younger than 45 years old. Choice B is incorrect as there is increasing diversity in the nursing workforce, with nurses from various ethnic backgrounds entering and obtaining graduate degrees. Choice D is incorrect as the majority of nurses are not practicing in hospitals, with many working in other healthcare settings such as clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health centers.