A concern that nurses were being asked to perform tasks that went beyond the state's nurse practice act was brought to the union's attention. Nurses were informed that either mediation or binding arbitration will be used to resolve the issue. A novice nurse asks about the difference between these techniques and is informed that:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because binding arbitration involves a formal discussion where the arbitrator's recommendations are compulsory, meaning both parties must abide by the decision. This ensures a resolution to the issue at hand. A is incorrect because mediation is not necessarily sanctioned by the NLRB for formal discussions. C is incorrect because mediation does not typically result in a legally binding plan; it is a negotiation process to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. D is incorrect because binding arbitration does not specifically focus on the least destructive approach or self-governance by employees; it is about reaching a binding decision by a neutral third party arbitrator.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: retaining professional nurses. Retaining professional nurses is crucial for organizational success in healthcare facilities as it ensures continuity of care, promotes staff morale, reduces turnover costs, and maintains high-quality patient outcomes. By retaining experienced and skilled nurses, organizations can benefit from their expertise, knowledge, and commitment to providing excellent patient care. A: Hiring younger, more energetic nurses may bring new perspectives and energy but does not guarantee the same level of experience and expertise as professional nurses. B: Offering incentives like sign-on bonuses may attract new hires, but it does not address the underlying issues that lead to nurse turnover. C: Hiring highly qualified advanced practice nurses is beneficial, but it does not address the importance of retaining all professional nurses within the organization.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Flight nurse. This nurse is described as having critical care experience, proficiency in advanced cardiac life support, leading "codes," and superior health assessment skills, indicating a high level of clinical expertise. Flight nursing involves providing critical care in high-stress environments, often in emergency situations where quick thinking and advanced skills are crucial. The fast-paced environment and autonomy mentioned align well with the responsibilities of a flight nurse, who must make rapid decisions and provide life-saving interventions in challenging conditions. Home health, hospice, and occupational health nursing roles typically do not involve the same level of acuity, speed, and independence required in flight nursing.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale for Answer A: Signing a union authorization card authorizes the union to serve as the nurse's legal representative in labor negotiations and other matters. By signing, the nurse is indicating consent for the union to act on their behalf. This is a crucial step in the unionization process. Summary of Other Choices: B: Requesting additional information about collective bargaining does not require signing a union authorization card. C: Sharing information about grievances does not necessarily require signing a union authorization card. D: Deducting union dues from pay is a separate process that typically requires a separate authorization form, not the union authorization card.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: infection control. In this scenario, the nurse is focusing on preventing and controlling the spread of hospital-acquired diarrhea among pediatric patients. By investigating the incidence rates and implementing measures to reduce the risk of infection transmission, the nurse is fulfilling the role of infection control. Quality management (A) focuses on improving processes and outcomes, not specifically on infection prevention. Occupational health (C) involves ensuring workplace safety for employees, not patient infection control. Forensics (D) involves investigating and analyzing evidence related to crimes or legal matters, not infection control in a healthcare setting.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Unfreeze. In this scenario, the handout is aimed at creating dissatisfaction with the current state of health insurance among employees, which aligns with the unfreezing stage of Lewin's planned change model. Unfreezing involves creating awareness of the need for change by highlighting deficiencies in the current state. The handout is triggering employees to reevaluate their current health insurance and consider alternative options. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not capture the initial stage of creating dissatisfaction and readiness for change, as seen in the unfreezing phase.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it aligns with the ANA's recommendations for high-quality safe staffing. The nursing process involves assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation, which are essential for achieving safe patient outcomes. By allowing RNs enough time to apply this process, they can make informed decisions that promote quality care. Choice A is incorrect because patient needs can fluctuate throughout the shift, so staffing levels must be flexible to adapt to changing demands. Choice C is incorrect as patient acuity levels may require more RNs to provide complex care, rather than relying solely on unlicensed personnel. Choice D is incorrect as having adequate RN staffing is crucial for patient safety and outcomes, and cutting RN numbers for cost-effectiveness can compromise care quality.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: provide safe harbors for unjust or unsafe work assignments. This is the priority intervention because ensuring a safe work environment is crucial for nurses' well-being and quality of life. By addressing unjust or unsafe work assignments, nurses can feel supported and protected, leading to improved job satisfaction and overall quality of life. Option B: improving nurse-physician communications is important but not as critical as ensuring a safe work environment. Option C: requiring professional development courses is beneficial but may not directly address the immediate concerns of nurses' quality of life. Option D: improving vertical working relationships is important, but addressing unsafe work conditions should take precedence for nurses' well-being.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Ethics applied to nursing can best be defined as care based on what should be done in keeping with the values of the client (Choice C). This answer emphasizes the importance of respecting the client's values and preferences in decision-making, which is a fundamental aspect of ethical nursing practice. It involves considering the client's beliefs, culture, and autonomy when providing care. Other choices are incorrect: A: Doing what is best for the client (Choice A) is subjective and may not always align with the client's values. B: Making good decisions about care (Choice B) is vague and does not specifically address the ethical considerations related to the client's values. D: Rules for providing competent care based on scientific principles (Choice D) focus on clinical competence rather than the ethical dimension of nursing practice.