Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: letter. Writing a physical letter and sending it through traditional mail is the least timely method of reaching elected officials. It takes longer for letters to be delivered and processed compared to other electronic forms of communication like telephone, email, and fax. Elected officials may not receive and respond to letters in a timely manner, especially when time is crucial. Telephone, email, and fax offer quicker and more direct communication, allowing for faster responses and action. Therefore, choosing to reach out to elected officials via a letter would be the least timely method in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because conducting meetings at the worksite with respected staff nurses allows for direct engagement with potential union supporters. This approach fosters a sense of unity and trust among the nurses, making it easier to form a core support group. Additionally, meeting at the worksite enables easy access for all nurses and ensures a safe and neutral environment for discussions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because: A: Meeting away from the worksite with managers may create a conflict of interest and could lead to a biased understanding of the situation. C: Meeting in homes or local businesses may not provide a professional setting for discussions and may not be convenient for all nurses to attend. D: Photographing management meetings and discussing their strategies is unethical and could potentially harm the relationship between nurses and management.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: that the nurse/patient ratio prevents safe care. This answer is correct because inadequate nurse/patient ratios have been consistently identified as a major factor contributing to nurse dissatisfaction and burnout. When nurses are responsible for too many patients, they are unable to provide safe and effective care, leading to increased stress and job dissatisfaction. Explanation of other choices: A: Decreased pay for alternative shifts: While decreased pay may be a concern for some nurses, it is not typically cited as one of the most common reasons for leaving a position. C: Most facilities are choosing an all-RN staff, which decreases opportunities for advancement: While this may be a concern for some nurses, it is not as universally impactful as unsafe nurse/patient ratios. D: Agency and foreign nurses are favored by administration over full-time nursing staff: While favoritism may be an issue in some cases, it is not typically cited as one of the most common reasons for nurses leaving their employment.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: legislative. The legislative branch, which consists of Congress, is responsible for creating and enacting laws, including major policy initiatives. This branch has the power to propose, debate, and pass legislation that shapes public policy. The executive branch (choice A) enforces laws, the judicial branch (choice C) interprets laws, and the administrative branch (choice D) oversees the implementation of laws. In this context, the legislative branch is the primary entity for originating major policy initiatives, making it crucial for nurses to understand its functions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: increasing numbers of obese children and adults. This demographic change directly impacts the practice of nurses by requiring specialized care and interventions for obesity-related health issues. Nurses need to be equipped to address the unique needs of obese patients. A is incorrect because the growing percentage of adults ages 50 to 55 years does not necessarily impact nursing practice significantly. C is incorrect as changes in family structure do not directly affect nursing care. D is incorrect because social programs alone cannot eliminate poverty entirely and poverty remains a significant factor affecting healthcare access and outcomes.