Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sunset legislation. Sunset legislation mandates that laws, including nurse practice acts, must be reviewed periodically to determine if they are still needed. If a nurse practice act is not reviewed by the specified date, it is automatically rescinded. This process ensures that laws are current and relevant. Incorrect Choices: A: Nurse review act - There is no specific law called the Nurse review act that pertains to the automatic rescinding of nurse practice acts. C: Mandatory revocation - This choice does not align with the process of automatic rescinding based on a failure to review. D: Grandfathering - Grandfathering refers to exempting individuals from new regulations based on previous circumstances, not the automatic rescinding of laws.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the clinical nurse leader is indeed a generalist prepared at the master's level. They have advanced education and training to lead and coordinate care across various settings. Choice B is incorrect as CNLs focus on care coordination and management rather than direct bedside care. Choice C is incorrect as CNLs prioritize quality care over cost. Choice D is incorrect as CNLs can work in various healthcare settings, not limited to acute care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is an ethical principle that focuses on maximizing overall well-being and minimizing harm. In this scenario, the decision to provide extended care to the two critical individuals with life-threatening injuries aligns with utilitarianism as it prioritizes saving the most lives and reducing suffering. By choosing to allocate resources to those with the most severe injuries, the healthcare providers are aiming to maximize the overall benefit to society. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: B: Deontology focuses on following rules and duties regardless of the consequences. In this case, the decision to provide care based on severity of injuries goes against a strict deontological approach. C: Autonomy emphasizes respecting individuals' rights to make their own decisions about their care, which is not the primary consideration in this scenario. D: Veracity pertains to honesty and truthfulness in communication, which is not directly relevant to the decision-making process in this healthcare scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: staffing. The nurse manager's concern is related to ensuring adequate numbers of RNs, LPN/LVNs, and UAPs per shift to meet patient needs. Staffing refers to the appropriate allocation of personnel to provide safe and effective care. Assignments (A) are specific tasks given to staff, output (C) is the end result of a process, and productivity (D) is efficiency in completing tasks - these are not the primary focus of the nurse manager's concern in this scenario. Staffing directly addresses the crucial aspect of having the right mix and number of staff members to deliver quality care.

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.