Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: control chart. A control chart is used to display data over time and indicate variations within set limits, making it ideal for monitoring compliance with a standard like "All patients will be assessed by an RN within 2 hours of admission." The control chart allows for easy identification of trends, shifts, or patterns that may indicate a need for corrective action to maintain the 97% compliance goal. A: Pareto chart is used to identify the most significant factors contributing to a problem, not to monitor compliance over time. C: Deployment chart is not a standard tool in quality control or process monitoring. D: A top-down flowchart is used to depict the sequence of steps in a process, not to monitor compliance with a standard over time.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the Palliative Performance Scale assesses functional status in palliative care. A patient with 70% normal function would have a score of 70 on the scale, indicating that they are still able to ambulate but with limitations due to their illness. Choice A is incorrect because inability to hold a job does not directly correlate with functional status. Choice B is incorrect as spending most of the day in bed suggests a lower level of functioning. Choice D is incorrect as being bed bound indicates a more severe impairment in function compared to a patient who can still ambulate with limitations.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: staffing. The nurse manager's concern is related to ensuring adequate numbers of RNs, LPN/LVNs, and UAPs per shift to meet patient needs. Staffing refers to the appropriate allocation of personnel to provide safe and effective care. Assignments (A) are specific tasks given to staff, output (C) is the end result of a process, and productivity (D) is efficiency in completing tasks - these are not the primary focus of the nurse manager's concern in this scenario. Staffing directly addresses the crucial aspect of having the right mix and number of staff members to deliver quality care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because listing education in reverse chronological order helps emphasize recent and relevant qualifications first. It showcases academic progression and achievements. A is incorrect as high school is typically not included. B is incorrect as including all colleges, even without a degree, can clutter the resume. C is incorrect as omitting the university address may limit the employer's ability to verify information.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because "safe harbor" refers to a legal provision that protects nurses when they feel unsafe accepting a staffing assignment due to lack of recent experience or competency. By invoking safe harbor, nurses can continue caring for patients while an investigation is conducted to ensure patient safety and protect the nurse's license. This process allows nurses to voice concerns without fear of reprisal. Option A is incorrect as it refers to a disaster response plan, unrelated to safe harbor. Option B is incorrect as it discusses patient care teams and infectious diseases, not safe harbor protections. Option C is incorrect because it addresses reporting violence, which is not directly related to safe harbor provisions for staffing assignments.