A group of nurses are interested in the how to improve teaching effectiveness for patients who have a hearing impairment and lack family involvement while hospitalized. They believe "hearing loss decreases the teaching effectiveness while hospitalized." The group plans to evaluate teaching effectiveness using a 10-point Likert scale pre-post teaching, perform a hearing test to determine degree of hearing loss on admission, and have social work evaluate the impact of hearing impairment on patient's ability to safely live alone prior to discharge. The group is working in which step of the scientific process?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Method. In the scientific process, the method refers to designing and planning the research study. In this scenario, the group of nurses is planning how to improve teaching effectiveness for patients with hearing impairment, which involves designing the study by using a Likert scale pre-post teaching evaluation, conducting a hearing test, and involving social work for evaluation. This step focuses on determining how the research will be carried out, including data collection methods and procedures. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Hypothesis - This step involves formulating a testable prediction based on observations or existing knowledge. C: Results - This step involves analyzing the data collected and drawing conclusions. D: Evaluation - This step involves assessing the effectiveness or outcomes of the research study.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pareto chart. A Pareto chart is a quality improvement tool used to prioritize and focus efforts on the most significant causes of a problem. In this case, the hospital used the chart to identify the main causes of medication errors, helping them to allocate resources efficiently. The Pareto principle states that roughly 80% of effects come from 20% of causes, making it a powerful tool for process improvement. A: Run chart is used to track data over time but does not prioritize causes like a Pareto chart. C: Flowcharts are used to map out processes and are helpful for understanding the sequence of activities, not for prioritizing causes. D: Cause-and-effect diagrams (Fishbone or Ishikawa diagram) are used to identify and organize potential causes of a problem but do not prioritize them like a Pareto chart. In summary, the Pareto chart is the most appropriate tool in this situation because it helps focus efforts on the most significant causes

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: organizational skills. The novice nurse's inability to assess the number of admissions and postoperative patients before requesting assistance indicates a lack of organizational skills. Organizational skills involve prioritizing tasks, managing time efficiently, and planning ahead. In this scenario, the nurse failed to gather essential information before making a decision, leading to inefficiency and potential misallocation of resources. Choice B: communication skills, is not the best answer because the issue is not primarily related to communication breakdown but rather a lack of organizational skills. Choice C: interpersonal skills, is not the best answer because the problem does not stem from the nurse's ability to interact with others but rather from her inability to organize her workload effectively. Choice D: clinical skills, is not the best answer because the situation is more about managing workload and resources rather than clinical knowledge or expertise.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: susto. Susto is a cultural-bound syndrome in Mexican-American culture characterized by emotional distress due to a frightening or traumatic experience. This patient, having been attacked and beaten, is at risk for susto due to the emotional impact of the incident. Empacho refers to indigestion, bilis to anger, and mal ojo to the evil eye, none of which are directly related to the emotional distress caused by a traumatic event like in the case of susto.

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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a constituent refers to a citizen who is registered and eligible to vote for a representative. In this scenario, the nursing student is calling the office of an elected official, indicating that they are a citizen who can vote for that official. Choice A is incorrect as it refers to a member of a professional organization, not a citizen eligible to vote. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to an elected official, not a citizen. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to a member of the House of Representatives, not a citizen eligible to vote.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer A is correct: 1. Professional duty: Nurses have a duty to provide patient-centered care regardless of personal beliefs. 2. Legal liability: Withholding treatment based on personal beliefs can lead to legal consequences. 3. Ethical considerations: Nurses must prioritize patient care over personal beliefs. 4. Rights of conscience: Nurses may have the right to refuse to participate in certain treatments, but they must still ensure patient care. 5. Patient-centered care: Nurses must respect patient autonomy and provide care based on the patient's wishes. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: B. Irrelevant to the nurse's duty to provide patient-centered care. C. Nurses should not impose their beliefs on patients but should respect and support their choices. D. Suggesting the hospital not accept federal funding does not address the nurse's duty to provide patient-centered care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Preparedness. In this scenario, nurses and community officials are proactively planning and organizing resources to be ready for a disaster. Preparedness involves activities such as training, drills, and stockpiling supplies to ensure an effective response. Relief response (B) occurs during or immediately after a disaster to provide immediate assistance. Recovery (C) focuses on restoring community infrastructure and services post-disaster. Crisis intervention (D) is a short-term, immediate response to individuals in distress. In this case, the focus is on prevention and readiness, fitting the preparedness phase.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the nurse in matched scrubs with a lab coat and minimal jewelry portrays professionalism and adherence to safety standards. The lab coat signifies a commitment to infection control and respect for the clinical environment. The hair being pulled back ensures cleanliness and prevents hair from falling into a patient's wound. Small stud earrings are safe and do not pose a risk of injury to the nurse or patient. Choice B is incorrect because mismatched scrubs and large hoop earrings may not reflect professionalism or attention to detail, which are crucial in nursing practice. Choice C is incorrect as the nurse in a white uniform with apron and no jewelry may seem traditional but lacks the modern approach and attention to safety standards displayed by choice A. Choice D is incorrect because the nurse with nose and eyebrow piercings, despite wearing a starched white uniform and cap, may not be perceived as a professional and may not adhere to conservative workplace standards.