Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because knowing the intensity of care needed by patients based on physical and psychosocial factors is essential to determine appropriate staffing levels. Understanding patient needs ensures adequate staff allocation for quality care delivery. Examining staff education (B) and skill level (C) is important but comes after assessing patient needs. Reviewing the budget (D) is necessary but should not be the first step in staffing planning.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: industrial union. Industrial unions represent all workers in a particular industry regardless of their specific job roles, providing collective bargaining power for a broader group. In this scenario, the RNs seeking union representation aim to include nonlicensed personnel and non-nursing employees, making an industrial union the most appropriate choice. A: Occupational union focuses on specific occupational groups, not as inclusive as industrial unions. C: Union shop refers to a workplace where all employees must join the union after being hired, not related to the scope of representation. D: Right-to-work bargaining organization allows employees to choose whether or not to join the union, not the strongest type of union for collective representation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Review the overall situation to identify the core issues. This is the initial step when addressing an ethically challenging situation because it allows you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation before delving into specific details. By reviewing the overall situation, you can identify the key ethical issues at play and prioritize which aspects need to be addressed first. This step sets the foundation for developing an effective strategy to navigate the ethical dilemma. Incorrect answers: A: Identifying all those involved is important, but it should come after reviewing the situation. C: Gathering facts is necessary, but reviewing the overall situation should precede this step. D: Determining the ethical dilemma is crucial, but it is more effective to first review the entire situation to fully grasp the complexities before pinpointing the ethical issue.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. When delegating tasks to an LPN/LVN, the RN must review the state's nurse practice act because each state defines the role and scope of practice of the LPN/LVN. This is crucial as the LPN/LVN scope of practice can vary significantly from state to state. By reviewing the nurse practice act, the RN ensures that the tasks being delegated fall within the legal scope of practice for the LPN/LVN in that specific state, promoting safe and effective patient care. Choice A is incorrect because the role of the LPN/LVN can differ between states. Choice B is incorrect because LPN/LVNs cannot perform all duties of an RN, and additional training does not change their scope of practice. Choice D is incorrect because the Joint Commission does not establish roles for LPN/LVNs; it focuses on accreditation standards for healthcare organizations.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Articulation. This nursing model is referred to as the "class without walls" because it focuses on seamless academic progression and collaboration between educational institutions. Articulation promotes a smooth transition of nursing students from one level of education to another, eliminating barriers and creating a cohesive learning experience. The other choices (B, C, D) do not specifically emphasize the concept of breaking down walls or barriers in education like the Articulation model does.