Contemporary Issues in Nursing

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: durable power of attorney. This legal document grants authority to another person, known as the healthcare proxy or agent, to make medical decisions on behalf of the client when they are unable to do so themselves. This is essential for ensuring that the client's wishes are respected and that appropriate medical care is provided. A: A living will is a document that outlines a person's preferences for medical treatment in case they become incapacitated, but it does not appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf. C: Informed consent is the process of ensuring that a patient understands the risks and benefits of a medical treatment before giving consent, but it does not authorize someone to make decisions on their behalf. D: Immunity refers to protection from legal liability and is not relevant to authorizing someone to make medical decisions for a client.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: occupational health. Occupational health nurses focus on promoting and maintaining the health and safety of workers in various industries. They conduct screenings, assess workplace hazards, and provide education on health-related topics. Infection control (choice A) mainly involves preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Informatics (choice C) involves the use of technology to manage and analyze health data. Transportation specialization (choice D) focuses on transportation-related health and safety issues. Therefore, the most appropriate choice for the described role is occupational health.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because reviewing the National Nurses United website for collective bargaining information is the most appropriate first action. This option allows the nurse to educate themselves on the purpose of unions and understand the benefits of collective bargaining. It promotes informed decision-making and empowers the nurse with knowledge before taking any further actions. A: Contacting an arbitrator may be premature as the nurse needs to first understand the basics of unions. B: Picketing the agency is counterproductive and may create a hostile environment without proper information. C: Signing a union authorization card without understanding the implications is not advisable and may lead to unintended consequences. Summary: Option D is correct as it promotes education and informed decision-making, while the other choices are premature, potentially harmful, or lack necessary information.

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: 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.