Contemporary Issues in Nursing

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Participatory. The nurse manager involves staff in the budgeting process by allowing input through tuition reimbursement and flexible work hours. This approach promotes engagement and collaboration, aligning with the organization's strategic goal of increasing BSN staff. Participatory budgeting is characterized by involving stakeholders in decision-making, leading to buy-in and better implementation of the budget. Summary of other choices: A: Iterative - Involves repeating steps to refine the budget, not necessarily focused on stakeholder participation. B: Top-down - Decision-making comes from upper management without much input from lower levels. D: Zero-based - Requires justifying every expense from scratch, not necessarily involving staff input in decision-making.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: address the letter to "To Whom It May Concern." This is the appropriate procedure when the applicant is unsure of the recipient's name and title. It is a professional and formal way to address a cover letter when the specific recipient is unknown. Option B is incorrect as addressing the letter to a generic title like "Nurse Recruiter" may not be appropriate if the recipient does not hold that specific title. Option C may be time-consuming and unnecessary if the applicant can use a more general salutation. Option D is incorrect because leaving the salutation blank can come across as unprofessional and lazy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blacks. The rationale for this is that federally defined minority groups in the US typically include African Americans or Blacks. This group has historically faced disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Russians (B) are not federally defined as a minority group in the US; Hispanics (C) and Asians or Pacific Islanders (D) are also federally recognized minority groups, but the question asks for all options that apply, and only A is explicitly mentioned in the question stem. Therefore, A is the correct answer based on the information provided.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the IOM competencies aim to improve healthcare by addressing both individual and system-based approaches. This is crucial as it recognizes that improving healthcare requires a comprehensive approach that involves changing both individual behaviors and systemic structures. A: Each competency is mutually exclusive - This is incorrect as the competencies are designed to work together, not in isolation. B: The competencies focus on individual efforts to reduce errors - This is incorrect as the competencies also emphasize the importance of systemic changes to prevent errors. C: Physicians lead the team to achieve each competency - This is incorrect as the competencies are meant to be achieved collaboratively by a multidisciplinary team, not solely led by physicians.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: contact the state board of nursing to determine legal scope of practice for LPNs. This is the most appropriate action because the state board of nursing is the authoritative body that governs nursing practice within a specific state. By contacting the board, the RN can get accurate and up-to-date information on the legal scope of practice for LPNs in Arkansas. This ensures compliance with state regulations and avoids any potential legal issues. A: Querying the state nursing association may provide some insight, but the state board of nursing is the official entity that regulates nursing practice. B: Asking the LPNs about their tasks may not provide a comprehensive understanding of their legal scope of practice and could lead to misunderstandings. D: Referring to California's nurse practice act is irrelevant as each state has its own regulations, and assuming consistency across states can lead to incorrect assumptions.