Contemporary Issues in Nursing

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct initial intervention for the nurse when working with the family of a patient receiving palliative care is to identify what types of help the family will need to care for the patient (Choice B). This is because understanding the family's needs and resources is essential for providing effective support. By identifying the specific types of assistance required, the nurse can tailor the care plan to meet the family's needs, enhancing the quality of care provided to the patient. Determining the patient's durable power of attorney (Choice A) is important but usually comes later in the process after understanding the family's needs. Completing an assessment of the family's strengths and weaknesses (Choice C) is valuable but not the initial step. Discussing the dynamics of the family with the patient (Choice D) may be relevant but is not the priority when initiating support for the family.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Application. In this scenario, the nurse needs to apply knowledge of arterial blood gas results and assessment findings to determine appropriate actions. With the patient having abnormal ABG results and visible carotid artery pulsation, the nurse must recognize impending respiratory failure and act promptly, such as notifying the healthcare provider or respiratory therapist. This requires applying critical thinking skills to make decisions based on collected data. Incorrect choices: A: Knowledge - Choosing this option implies only recalling facts, which is not sufficient in this situation. B: Comprehension - This choice suggests understanding the information given, but it does not involve applying that understanding to make decisions. D: Analysis - While analysis involves breaking down information, the immediate action needed in this case is more about applying knowledge to prevent a potential crisis, rather than deeply analyzing the situation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. By actually observing the delegatee perform the assigned task, the nurse can directly assess the competency of the delegatee in real-time. This allows the nurse to evaluate the delegatee's skills, knowledge, and adherence to protocols. Asking the delegatee how many times they have performed the task (B) may not accurately reflect their competency level. Asking the patient if the care provided was satisfactory (C) may not provide an objective assessment of the delegatee's competency. Asking other nurses if they feel the delegatee is competent (D) introduces bias and may not reflect the delegatee's actual abilities.

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: 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.