Contemporary Issues in Nursing

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (A - educational mobility): 1. Educational mobility refers to the ability to move between different levels of education in nursing. 2. The nurse with a diploma seeking a BSN is utilizing educational mobility by advancing to a higher level of education. 3. Choosing a program with self-scheduling and a self-paced curriculum allows for flexibility, facilitating educational mobility. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: Traditional nursing programs typically have fixed schedules and structured curricula, not aligned with self-paced learning. C: Training for advanced practice nursing involves pursuing education beyond a BSN to become an advanced practice nurse, not directly related to obtaining a BSN. D: Credit by examination allows students to earn credits based on prior knowledge, but it does not specifically relate to pursuing a BSN for educational mobility.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: critical pathway. Critical pathways are structured, multidisciplinary care plans that detail essential steps in the care of patients with specific conditions, such as heart failure. They standardize treatment by outlining the sequence and timing of interventions, tests, and medications, helping to improve efficiency and quality of care. Critical pathways guide daily care by providing a roadmap for healthcare providers to follow, ensuring that patients receive appropriate and timely interventions. Explanation of other choices: A: Benchmark - Benchmarks are standards or reference points used for comparison, not a structured care plan like a critical pathway. C: Algorithm - Algorithms are step-by-step procedures for solving problems, not necessarily a comprehensive care plan like a critical pathway. D: Case management - Case management involves coordinating care and services for individual patients, not a standardized care plan for a specific disease like a critical pathway.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. By actually observing the delegatee perform the assigned task, the nurse can directly assess the competency of the delegatee in real-time. This allows the nurse to evaluate the delegatee's skills, knowledge, and adherence to protocols. Asking the delegatee how many times they have performed the task (B) may not accurately reflect their competency level. Asking the patient if the care provided was satisfactory (C) may not provide an objective assessment of the delegatee's competency. Asking other nurses if they feel the delegatee is competent (D) introduces bias and may not reflect the delegatee's actual abilities.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: the federally coordinated National Disaster Medical System (NDMS). This system is specifically designed to provide medical care and support during disasters, including incidents involving mass casualties like the suicide bombing in the question. NDMS can rapidly deploy medical teams, equipment, and supplies to support local medical responses. Choice B is incorrect because local homeland communities may not have the necessary resources and capabilities to handle a large-scale medical emergency like this. Choice C is incorrect because while the Medical Reserve Corps can provide additional support, it may not have the same level of coordination and resources as the NDMS. Choice D is incorrect as the National Incident Management System focuses on overall coordination of all emergency response efforts, not specifically medical care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Application. In this scenario, the nurse needs to apply knowledge of arterial blood gas results and assessment findings to determine appropriate actions. With the patient having abnormal ABG results and visible carotid artery pulsation, the nurse must recognize impending respiratory failure and act promptly, such as notifying the healthcare provider or respiratory therapist. This requires applying critical thinking skills to make decisions based on collected data. Incorrect choices: A: Knowledge - Choosing this option implies only recalling facts, which is not sufficient in this situation. B: Comprehension - This choice suggests understanding the information given, but it does not involve applying that understanding to make decisions. D: Analysis - While analysis involves breaking down information, the immediate action needed in this case is more about applying knowledge to prevent a potential crisis, rather than deeply analyzing the situation.