Contemporary Issues in Nursing

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Child abuse. Nurses are mandated reporters of child abuse, meaning they are legally required to report any suspected or witnessed cases to the appropriate authorities. Failure to report can result in fines and imprisonment. Child abuse is a serious issue that requires immediate intervention to protect the safety and well-being of the child. Explanation for incorrect choices: A: Animal abuse - While animal abuse is also a serious concern, nurses are not legally required to report it in the same way as child abuse. C: Alcohol abuse - Nurses may provide assistance and support for individuals struggling with alcohol abuse, but it is not a mandatory reporting requirement. D: Infant abuse - While abuse of infants falls under the category of child abuse, the specific term "infant abuse" is not a separate reporting requirement for nurses.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most effective nursing leadership style in a crisis like this is democratic. In this situation, collaboration and input from all team members are essential for quick decision-making and effective communication. Democratic leadership promotes teamwork, empowers staff, and fosters open communication, leading to better coordination and outcomes. Autocratic leadership may hinder staff engagement and morale. Laissez-faire lacks direction and may result in chaos during a crisis. Referent leadership focuses on personal relationships rather than team dynamics, not the most effective approach in this urgent situation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pareto chart. A Pareto chart is a quality tool used to prioritize issues by identifying the most significant factors contributing to a problem. In this case, the Pareto chart is appropriate because it helps visually show that inadequate hand washing is the primary cause of IV site infections, as it accounts for 80% of all infections. The chart allows the staff to focus their efforts on addressing this key issue first, which is crucial for effectively reducing the overall infection rate. Incorrect choices: A: Cause-and-effect diagram - This tool is used to identify and analyze potential causes of a problem, but it does not prioritize them in the same way a Pareto chart does. B: Run chart - A run chart is used to track data over time to identify trends and patterns, but it does not prioritize the causes of a problem like a Pareto chart. D: Flowchart - Flowcharts are used to map out a process or workflow, but they do not prioritize issues

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer C: Irregular heartbeat is a significant symptom of hyperkalemia, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should evaluate capillary refill to assess perfusion. High potassium levels can affect cardiac function, leading to arrhythmias. Monitoring capillary refill provides insight into tissue perfusion, helping to assess the severity of the condition and guide appropriate interventions. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Drowsiness is not a typical symptom of hyperkalemia. Stimulating the patient every 30 minutes does not address the underlying issue. B: Confusion is not a common symptom of hyperkalemia. Asking the patient to state their name and birthdate does not address the cardiac implications of high potassium levels. D: Muscle cramps may occur with hyperkalemia but are not as critical as irregular heartbeat. Elevating the affected limb is not the priority in this situation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide incentives for minorities and men to enter nursing. This is because increasing diversity in the nursing profession can help address shortages and improve patient care. Incentives can attract underrepresented groups and address disparities. A, determining why few black women enter graduate school, may address a specific subgroup but not the broader issue of nursing shortages. C, obtaining grant funding for faculty and scholarships, may help improve education opportunities but may not directly address the retention and recruitment of nurses. D, surveying nurses about job satisfaction, is important but may not directly address attracting more nurses into the profession or keeping them in practice.