A group of new graduate nurses is asked to speak to a group of politicians to describe the current state of professional nursing and how best to alleviate the nursing shortage. Which statements accurately portray professional nursing today and tomorrow? (select all that apply)

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the current trend in nursing education shows an increasing number of registered nurses (RNs) attaining a bachelor's degree compared to an associate degree or diploma. This shift is supported by research indicating that BSN-prepared nurses have better patient outcomes. Choice B is incorrect because while there is indeed a trend towards more outpatient and home health care, it does not necessarily mean that more RNs practice in these settings than in acute care. Choice C is incorrect as nurse practitioner is the most popular advanced practice specialty, not nurse anesthesia. Choice D is incorrect as it makes a broad and unsubstantiated statement based on ethnicity, which does not accurately represent the trends in nursing education and graduate studies.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice C: 1. Licensure ensures RNs meet minimum standards to practice. 2. Protects the public from incompetent or unqualified nurses. 3. Ensures RNs adhere to ethical and legal standards. 4. Maintains accountability and promotes safe patient care. Summary: A: Incorrect, as licensure is not primarily about title protection. B: Incorrect, as while RNs demonstrate knowledge, licensure is broader. D: Incorrect, as enhancing recognition is not the primary goal of licensure.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because obtaining a sterile urine sample from a patient with a Foley catheter connected to a closed drainage system is a task that can be safely delegated to UAP who have experience and training. Here's the rationale: 1. Task Complexity: This task involves a straightforward procedure that does not require specialized medical knowledge. 2. Training and Experience: UAP can be trained to perform this task under supervision and with specific guidelines. 3. Minimal Risk: When performed correctly, obtaining a sterile urine sample carries minimal risk to the patient. 4. Routine Procedure: This task is a common and routine procedure that UAP can be trained to perform effectively. Other Choices: A: Evaluating the ability of a patient to swallow ice after a gastroscopy involves medical assessment and potential risk of aspiration, which should be done by a licensed healthcare professional. B: Assisting a postoperative hip replacement patient to ambulate for the first time requires monitoring for complications and assessing patient response, which should be done

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hospice. Rationale: 1. Hospice care focuses on providing end-of-life care, pain management, and family support for terminally ill patients. 2. Nurses in hospice work closely with patients and their families to ensure comfort and dignity during the end-of-life process. 3. Hospice care emphasizes quality of life over aggressive life-sustaining treatments, aligning with the scenario described in the question. 4. Infection control and coordination roles do not specifically focus on end-of-life care or pain management for terminally ill patients. 5. While case managers may provide support and coordination of care, they do not specialize in end-of-life care like hospice nurses do.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Middle range theory. Middle range theories are more specific and applicable to everyday nursing practice compared to grand theories, which are broad and abstract. Developmental theory focuses on human growth and behavior, not specifically nursing practice. Values theory pertains to ethical values and principles, but may not directly guide nursing practice. Therefore, middle range theory is most commonly used in present nursing practice for its practical and relevant applications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Veracity. Veracity refers to the principle of truthfulness and honesty in communication. In this scenario, the nurse knowingly provides false information to the daughter by stating that the mother is responding to her voice when the movement was actually involuntary. By not being truthful, the nurse violates the principle of veracity. Autonomy (A) is the right of individuals to make their own decisions. Utilitarianism (C) focuses on the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Deontology (D) is an ethical theory based on rules and duties. These principles are not directly related to the nurse's dishonesty in this situation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (C): The correct answer is C because individuals covered under Medicaid, especially those living in poverty, often face barriers to timely healthcare access. Due to financial constraints and lack of awareness, this mother may delay seeking care, leading to a more advanced stage of breast cancer. This delay can result in the need for hospitalization for a mastectomy, which could have been avoided with early detection and treatment. Medicaid coverage does not necessarily guarantee prompt healthcare access, especially for preventive services like mammography. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: This choice is incorrect because individuals covered by Medicaid, especially those facing financial hardships, may have limited access to preventive services like mammography due to various barriers. B: Having designated primary care and a specialist does not necessarily ensure timely care access, especially for individuals living in poverty and covered under Medicaid. D: This choice is incorrect as individuals covered by Medicaid generally have better access to healthcare services compared to the uninsured population, although they may still face barriers to

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: The "Barbers" of the Middle Ages used sterile techniques to reduce wound infections. This statement is correct because during the Middle Ages, barbers often performed surgical procedures and used techniques like boiling water and alcohol to sterilize instruments, reducing the risk of wound infections. This practice contributed to advancing the field of surgery and indirectly influenced nursing practice by emphasizing the importance of infection control. Incorrect choices: A: The Ancient Egyptians were the first to use anesthesia in the operating room - This statement is incorrect as anesthesia was not used in surgery until the 19th century. C: The Indian culture from 274 to 236 BC had hospitals staffed with female nurses who practiced much like today's nurses - This statement is incorrect as while Indian culture had early hospitals and female nurses, their practices were not comparable to modern nursing. D: During the Renaissance, advances in nursing education, including surgery, were nonexistent - This statement is incorrect as the Renaissance saw advancements in medical and surgical knowledge

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the Nurse Reinvestment Act of 2002 aimed to address the nursing shortage by focusing on nurse retention and safety enhancement grants. This legislation provided funding for programs to support nurses in their roles, improve working conditions, and ultimately retain experienced professionals in the field. This choice aligns with the primary goal of the act and its intended impact on the nursing workforce. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the main purpose of the Nurse Reinvestment Act. Choice A is not mentioned in the act and does not address the broader issue of nursing shortage. Choice B promotes unlicensed caregivers, which goes against the act's focus on professional nurses. Choice D is specific to pediatric nursing training grants and does not encompass the Act's comprehensive approach to nurse retention and safety enhancement.