Contemporary Issues in Nursing

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: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: procrastination. Procrastination is the act of delaying or avoiding a task that needs to be accomplished. In this scenario, the novice nurse is avoiding the task of inserting a nasogastric tube for a patient who needs it due to uncertainty and fear. Waiting for someone else to volunteer or delaying the task until the end of the shift are clear examples of procrastination. Energy management (A) involves efficiently allocating time and resources, which is not demonstrated here. Priority setting (B) would involve recognizing the urgency of the situation and taking appropriate action. Introspection (D) refers to self-reflection and analyzing one's thoughts and feelings, which is not the primary issue at hand in this scenario.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, passive-aggressive. The nurse is indirectly expressing her displeasure and resistance to floating by smiling and agreeing to come back for lunch, but then displaying negative body language and muttering under her breath. This behavior is passive on the surface but aggressive in the underlying tone. The nurse is not openly confronting the issue but is still showing resistance and frustration. A: Assertive communication involves expressing one's needs and feelings in a direct and respectful manner. The nurse is not openly communicating her feelings or needs in this scenario. B: Aggressive communication involves expressing needs and feelings in a forceful and hostile manner. The nurse's behavior is not openly hostile towards others. C: Passive communication involves avoiding conflict and not expressing one's needs or feelings. The nurse is indirectly expressing her displeasure, so it's not purely passive.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Child abuse. Nurses are mandated reporters of child abuse, meaning they are legally required to report any suspected or witnessed cases to the appropriate authorities. Failure to report can result in fines and imprisonment. Child abuse is a serious issue that requires immediate intervention to protect the safety and well-being of the child. Explanation for incorrect choices: A: Animal abuse - While animal abuse is also a serious concern, nurses are not legally required to report it in the same way as child abuse. C: Alcohol abuse - Nurses may provide assistance and support for individuals struggling with alcohol abuse, but it is not a mandatory reporting requirement. D: Infant abuse - While abuse of infants falls under the category of child abuse, the specific term "infant abuse" is not a separate reporting requirement for nurses.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Open systems. In an open system theory, organizations interact with their environment, adapting to changes and feedback. In this case, the nurse's repeated excessive call-ins affecting shift change demonstrate a lack of consideration for the team and patient care, disrupting the system's functioning. This theory emphasizes the interconnectedness and impact of individual actions on the entire system, refuting the nurse's claim of unfair treatment. Summary: A: Authoritative - Focuses on centralized decision-making authority, not relevant to addressing the nurse's behavior. B: Closed systems - Operate independently without external influences, not applicable as the nurse's actions impact the system. D: Trait - Focuses on individual characteristics, not addressing the systemic impact of the nurse's behavior.