Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: the patient census. This is crucial for determining the appropriate number of staff needed to provide safe and effective care based on the current number of patients. The patient census directly impacts workload and patient acuity levels. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because although they may be important factors to consider when staffing a medical-surgical unit, they are not as directly related to determining the immediate staffing needs based on the current patient load. The physical layout of the unit, complexity of care required, and educational level of staff are important for overall unit operations and quality of care but do not have the same immediate impact on staffing decisions as the patient census.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Uniform Health Care Decisions Act. This act mandates hospitals to inquire if clients have a living will or durable power of attorney to ensure patients' healthcare wishes are honored. A: Emergency Treatment and Active Labor Law pertains to emergency care. B: Americans with Disabilities Act focuses on discrimination against individuals with disabilities. D: Doctrine of res ipsa loquitur involves negligence cases where the injury speaks for itself. Therefore, the correct choice is C as it directly addresses the requirement for hospitals receiving Medicare and Medicaid funds.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: that the nurse/patient ratio prevents safe care. This answer is correct because inadequate nurse/patient ratios have been consistently identified as a major factor contributing to nurse dissatisfaction and burnout. When nurses are responsible for too many patients, they are unable to provide safe and effective care, leading to increased stress and job dissatisfaction. Explanation of other choices: A: Decreased pay for alternative shifts: While decreased pay may be a concern for some nurses, it is not typically cited as one of the most common reasons for leaving a position. C: Most facilities are choosing an all-RN staff, which decreases opportunities for advancement: While this may be a concern for some nurses, it is not as universally impactful as unsafe nurse/patient ratios. D: Agency and foreign nurses are favored by administration over full-time nursing staff: While favoritism may be an issue in some cases, it is not typically cited as one of the most common reasons for nurses leaving their employment.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because nurses being voted as the most honest and ethical profession indicates their strong commitment to patient care and ethics. Therefore, nurses may find participating in strikes conflicting with their core values of serving and protecting patients. This conflict can deter nurses from engaging in union activities like strikes, as they prioritize patient well-being over their own interests. A is incorrect because while nurses prioritize client safety, participating in strikes may not always align with this goal. B is incorrect as evidence-based studies may support various perspectives, but nurses' ethical standards and commitment to patient care are the primary factors influencing their decision to engage in strikes. D is incorrect as legal repercussions for striking nurses focus on professional misconduct rather than the ethical dilemma nurses face when considering strikes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse's communication style of working independently, sharing ideas with the team, and suggesting a collaborative approach aligns with Generation X characteristics. Generation X values independence, work-life balance, and collaboration. Baby Boomers (A) tend to be more hierarchical, Traditionalists (B) prioritize loyalty and respect for authority, and Millennials (D) are known for their tech-savvy and collaborative nature, but the nurse's approach best fits Generation X.