Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the Medicare Modernization Act (Medicare Part D) provided coverage for medications that constituted a huge expense for the elderly. This is crucial for the aging population as they often require multiple medications for chronic conditions. Choice A is incorrect because vision care benefits for legally blind individuals are usually covered under Medicare Part B. Choice B is incorrect as the act specifically focused on medication coverage, not mental health/substance abuse services. Choice D is incorrect as the act did not directly address expanding practice opportunities for APRNs, but rather focused on medication coverage for the elderly population.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it aligns with improving quality of care and cost containment. LPNs are trained to perform sterile procedures like dressing changes and IV tubing changes, which can enhance patient outcomes. This assignment allows the RN to focus on tasks that require their specialized skills, promoting quality care. Furthermore, utilizing LPNs for these tasks is more cost-effective than having an RN perform them. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A: Having the RN administer all medications to all patients is not utilizing the team effectively. LPNs and UAPs can handle medication administration under appropriate supervision. C: While experienced UAPs can assist with attaching telemetry electrodes, this task does not fully utilize the skills of the LPNs and RN to improve care quality. D: Administering an enema is within the scope of an LPN's practice, and assigning this task to the RN is not the most efficient use of resources.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because Florence Nightingale is widely recognized as the pioneer of modern nursing research. During the Crimean War, she collected and analyzed data on patient care outcomes, demonstrating the importance of evidence-based practice in nursing. This laid the foundation for the development of nursing research as a formal discipline. Choice B is incorrect as nursing research did not start between 1900 and 1940, but rather with Nightingale's work. Choice C is incorrect because the focus of nursing research was not solely on doctorally prepared nurses but on improving patient care in general. Choice D is incorrect as the naturalistic paradigm is just one approach to research and not the starting point for nursing research.

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: 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.