Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: multiple-choice question item, which allows candidates to select the one correct answer. This is because the multiple-choice format is widely used in the NCLEX-RN examination as it is effective in assessing a candidate's knowledge, critical thinking skills, and ability to make decisions. The distractors in the answer choices provide clues and test the candidate's ability to differentiate between correct and incorrect information. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A: fill-in-the-blank item is not the most common format for NCLEX-RN questions as candidates are indeed provided with clues from distractors in multiple-choice questions. C: multiple-response item, although requiring critical thinking, is not the most common format on the NCLEX-RN exam. D: hot-spot item is not the most common format on the NCLEX-RN exam, and it is not necessarily written at the application level of Bloom's analysis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: bloodborne disease. Health care workers are at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis B and C. Prevention strategies include proper use of personal protective equipment and adherence to infection control protocols. Bloodborne diseases can have serious consequences on the health and well-being of healthcare workers, leading to mortality and morbidity if not properly prevented. Explanation for incorrect choices: A: Suicide - While mental health is an important concern, it is not specifically related to mortality among healthcare workers. B: Violence related injury - While workplace violence is a concern, it may not be the leading cause of mortality among healthcare workers. D: Ergonomic hazards - While important for preventing injuries, it may not directly relate to mortality among healthcare workers compared to bloodborne diseases.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: variance. In this scenario, the nurse manager planned a budget based on a patient census of 6 but the actual census remained constant at 10, leading to higher-than-planned RN staff salaries. The difference between the planned budget and the actual cost is known as a variance. Variances help identify discrepancies between planned and actual expenses, enabling managers to adjust budgets accordingly. Revenue (A) refers to income generated, not the difference between planned and actual expenses. Monitoring (C) is the process of overseeing and evaluating activities, not specifically related to budget discrepancies. Capital expenditures (D) are long-term investments in assets, not related to budget variances.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates empathy by acknowledging the son's request and providing support. By closing the door to allow privacy and promising to check back, the nurse shows understanding and compassion for the son's emotional needs. Choice A is incorrect as it is insensitive and blames the son. Choice B is inappropriate as it shifts the focus to purchasing a cell phone rather than addressing the son's emotional state. Choice D is also incorrect as it redirects the attention to the nurse's personal experience, failing to address the son's specific request.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: applying productivity metric. The nurse manager is calculating the ratio of direct nursing care hours to total hours worked, which is a productivity metric. This metric helps assess the efficiency of the nursing staff in delivering care. Developing the capital budget (A) involves planning for long-term investments, not daily staffing calculations. Monitoring the labor budget (C) involves tracking expenses related to staff salaries and benefits, but not necessarily productivity metrics. Incremental budgeting processes (D) refer to budgeting based on past budgets with incremental changes, not specific productivity metrics. Therefore, the nurse manager is primarily involved in applying a productivity metric to assess nursing staff efficiency.