A novice nurse is assigned a patient who has an order to draw blood for culture and sensitivity from a central line before antibiotic therapy is started. The novice reads and rereads the procedure manual. An hour later he stands at the bedside of the patient and stares at the central line, without knowing how to proceed. This phase of reality shock is termed:

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Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions

Question 1 of 9

A novice nurse is assigned a patient who has an order to draw blood for culture and sensitivity from a central line before antibiotic therapy is started. The novice reads and rereads the procedure manual. An hour later he stands at the bedside of the patient and stares at the central line, without knowing how to proceed. This phase of reality shock is termed:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: shock or rejection. This phase of reality shock is characterized by feelings of being overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of how to proceed despite having knowledge. The novice nurse is experiencing a sense of rejection towards the situation due to the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This phase is common among new healthcare professionals as they transition from academic learning to real-world clinical practice. A: Honeymoon phase refers to the initial period of excitement and enthusiasm in a new role. C: Recovery phase is when the individual starts to adapt and become more comfortable with the new role. D: Resolution phase is the final stage where the individual fully integrates into the role and becomes confident and competent. In this scenario, the novice nurse is clearly struggling and feeling overwhelmed, indicating that they are in the shock or rejection phase, making choice B the correct answer.

Question 2 of 9

The nurse who presents a class on different methods of complementary alternative medicine (CAM) differentiates between imagery and hypnosis in which of the following ways?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it accurately differentiates between imagery and hypnosis. Imagery involves the patient formulating the impression in their mind, while hypnosis involves the hypnotist constructing the image for the patient. This is a key distinction as it highlights the active role of the patient in imagery compared to the more passive role in hypnosis. Choice A is incorrect because it inaccurately describes the process of hypnosis and imagery. Choice B is incorrect because both imagery and hypnosis can be performed by trained practitioners. Choice C is incorrect as both techniques can have varying durations of effectiveness, and it is not accurate to say that imagery only produces temporary well-being compared to hypnosis.

Question 3 of 9

A nurse caring for a Hispanic child admitted with diarrhea notices the child is wearing red yarn around the wrist. The nurse compliments the child's "jewelry," knowing it is believed to prevent:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: mal ojo. In Hispanic culture, red yarn around the wrist is believed to protect against mal ojo, or "evil eye." This belief stems from the idea that envy or admiration can lead to negative energy being directed at a person, particularly children, causing harm or illness. By complimenting the child's "jewelry," the nurse is acknowledging and respecting the cultural belief in warding off mal ojo. Summary: - A: Mal ojo is the correct answer as the red yarn is believed to protect against it. - B: Susto is a condition related to fright or soul loss, not associated with red yarn. - C: Bilis refers to bile and is not relevant to the red yarn. - D: Empacho is a digestive illness, unrelated to the red yarn tradition.

Question 4 of 9

It is important for nurses to know the functions of the branches of the federal government. At a local meeting of the state nurses' association, an officer reminds members that the branch that is capable of originating major policy initiatives is thebranch.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: legislative. The legislative branch, which consists of Congress, is responsible for creating and enacting laws, including major policy initiatives. This branch has the power to propose, debate, and pass legislation that shapes public policy. The executive branch (choice A) enforces laws, the judicial branch (choice C) interprets laws, and the administrative branch (choice D) oversees the implementation of laws. In this context, the legislative branch is the primary entity for originating major policy initiatives, making it crucial for nurses to understand its functions.

Question 5 of 9

The demographics of the twenty-first century nursing population indicate that:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the highest level of nursing education for most RNs is an associate degree. This is supported by data showing that a significant proportion of registered nurses have obtained their education through associate degree programs. Additionally, pursuing an associate degree is a common pathway for individuals entering the nursing profession due to its accessibility and shorter duration compared to obtaining a bachelor's or graduate degree. Choice A is incorrect because while there may be second-degree nursing students entering the field, the average age of individuals entering nursing is typically younger than 45 years old. Choice B is incorrect as there is increasing diversity in the nursing workforce, with nurses from various ethnic backgrounds entering and obtaining graduate degrees. Choice D is incorrect as the majority of nurses are not practicing in hospitals, with many working in other healthcare settings such as clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health centers.

Question 6 of 9

A new nurse researcher is interested in tracing the history of nursing research. The researcher learns that nursing research began with:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because Florence Nightingale is widely recognized as the pioneer of modern nursing research. During the Crimean War, she collected and analyzed data on patient care outcomes, demonstrating the importance of evidence-based practice in nursing. This laid the foundation for the development of nursing research as a formal discipline. Choice B is incorrect as nursing research did not start between 1900 and 1940, but rather with Nightingale's work. Choice C is incorrect because the focus of nursing research was not solely on doctorally prepared nurses but on improving patient care in general. Choice D is incorrect as the naturalistic paradigm is just one approach to research and not the starting point for nursing research.

Question 7 of 9

A new graduate is excited about finding the first job but doesn't want to make the costly mistake of taking the first job offered or taking a job that doesn't meet her career goals. She learns the best way to know the culture of the potential employer is networking with:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: alumni that graduated from the same school and work in the area. Networking with alumni who graduated from the same school and work in the area is the best way to know the culture of the potential employer because they can provide insider insights based on their own experiences. Alumni are likely to offer honest and firsthand information about the work environment, company culture, and career growth opportunities. They can also provide valuable advice on how to navigate the hiring process and make an informed decision. Networking with executives at a competing agency (choice A) may not provide accurate information about the potential employer's culture. Nurses currently working in the agency (choice C) may not have a comprehensive view of the overall culture. Friends or people who have been patients at the agency (choice D) are unlikely to provide relevant insights into the work culture.

Question 8 of 9

While performing a job search, a nurse reviews the list of Magnet hospitals of the American Nurses Credentialing Center because:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because Magnet hospitals are recognized for their nursing excellence, empowering nurses with autonomy and self-governance. This fosters a positive work environment and improves patient outcomes. Choice A is incorrect because being a Magnet hospital does not guarantee revenue retention, but rather focuses on nursing excellence. Choice C is incorrect as Magnet hospitals do not require all RNs to have a master's degree. They do emphasize ongoing education and professional development, but not at a specific degree level. Choice D is incorrect because Magnet status is not related to the availability of diagnostic equipment but rather on nursing quality and excellence.

Question 9 of 9

When the nurse manager conducts a qualitative analysis of budget variances, he or she is:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because when a nurse manager conducts a qualitative analysis of budget variances, they need to reconcile the underlying assumptions on which the budget was based with current conditions. This involves reviewing the initial budget assumptions to see if they still hold true and adjusting them accordingly. This step ensures that the budget remains relevant and accurate. A is incorrect because determining the percentage increase of supply usage does not involve a qualitative analysis of budget variances. B is incorrect because identifying the overall increase in the dollar amount of salaries paid for overtime is a quantitative analysis, not qualitative. C is incorrect because comparing productivity metrics across nursing units is a different type of analysis and not specifically related to budget variances.

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