Contemporary Issues in Nursing

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pareto chart. A Pareto chart is a quality tool used to prioritize issues by identifying the most significant factors contributing to a problem. In this case, the Pareto chart is appropriate because it helps visually show that inadequate hand washing is the primary cause of IV site infections, as it accounts for 80% of all infections. The chart allows the staff to focus their efforts on addressing this key issue first, which is crucial for effectively reducing the overall infection rate. Incorrect choices: A: Cause-and-effect diagram - This tool is used to identify and analyze potential causes of a problem, but it does not prioritize them in the same way a Pareto chart does. B: Run chart - A run chart is used to track data over time to identify trends and patterns, but it does not prioritize the causes of a problem like a Pareto chart. D: Flowchart - Flowcharts are used to map out a process or workflow, but they do not prioritize issues

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Simulation experiences. This intervention allows healthcare professionals to practice real-life scenarios in a controlled environment, improving skills and decision-making. It helps identify and address potential errors before they occur, enhancing patient safety. Other choices lack the hands-on, practical approach of simulations and may not adequately prepare professionals for real-world situations. Simulation experiences are crucial for enhancing clinical competence and reducing medical errors.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Contact the elected representative's office by telephone to request support for the bill. This action is the most direct and effective way to influence the passage of the bill. By directly contacting the elected representative, the nurse can advocate for the importance of the bill and provide relevant information to garner their support. This direct communication with the decision-maker holds significant weight in influencing their vote on the bill. A: Explaining the rationale to the school board may be informative, but the school board may not have direct influence on the state legislature. C: Supporting a health advocate to run for election is a long-term strategy and may not have an immediate impact on the passage of the bill. D: Telling all students about the bill may raise awareness but may not directly influence the lawmakers' decisions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: confusing cause and effect. The nurse's statement implies that drinking coffee causes the children to be below average in height, which is a logical fallacy. Height is determined by genetics, nutrition, and overall health factors, not by drinking coffee. The nurse is mistakenly attributing the children's height to their coffee consumption without considering other relevant factors. This error in reasoning is known as confusing cause and effect. A: Appeal to common practice is when an argument is justified based on the fact that many people do it, which is not relevant to the coffee consumption issue. C: Ad hominem abusive is attacking the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself, which is not the case here. D: Red herring is when irrelevant information is used to distract from the main issue, which is not the case in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: phenomenology. Phenomenology focuses on exploring and understanding individuals' lived experiences to uncover the essence of a phenomenon. In this case, the nurse is interested in understanding the meaning of surviving polio from the perspective of those diagnosed with the disease. By reflecting on the data and identifying common themes, the researcher aims to capture the essence of the human experience of surviving polio. Grounded theory (A) is a method used to develop theories from data, not necessarily focusing on the lived experience. Ethnography (B) involves studying cultures and societies, which is not directly aligned with understanding individual experiences. Case study (D) typically focuses on in-depth analysis of a specific individual or group, rather than exploring common themes across individuals' experiences.