A nurse develops a new nursing theory related to stress and viability. The nurse determines the theory accounts for historical events in which soldiers suffering from the stress of inadequate clothing to protect them from the cold and lack of correspondence from home had an increased mortality related to gunshot wounds. The theory will predict gunshot victims' need for proper clothing and letters from significant others as they serve in Iraq. Which criterion for theory acceptance is being validated?

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Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions

Question 1 of 9

A nurse develops a new nursing theory related to stress and viability. The nurse determines the theory accounts for historical events in which soldiers suffering from the stress of inadequate clothing to protect them from the cold and lack of correspondence from home had an increased mortality related to gunshot wounds. The theory will predict gunshot victims' need for proper clothing and letters from significant others as they serve in Iraq. Which criterion for theory acceptance is being validated?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Accuracy. The nurse's theory is being validated based on its ability to accurately predict the need for proper clothing and letters from significant others for soldiers serving in Iraq. This criterion is essential for theory acceptance as it demonstrates the theory's ability to make accurate predictions based on historical events. Inclusiveness (A) refers to the theory's ability to encompass a wide range of phenomena, which is not explicitly demonstrated in this scenario. Consistency (B) refers to the theory's internal coherence and agreement with existing knowledge, which is not the focus of the nurse's validation process in this case. Simplicity (D) refers to the theory's clarity and parsimony, which is not the primary criterion being validated here. In summary, accuracy is the most relevant criterion being validated in this scenario as the nurse's theory is being assessed based on its predictive accuracy in relation to the soldiers' needs in Iraq.

Question 2 of 9

When first diagnosed with Parkinson disease, how can the patient and family best avoid future ethical dilemmas concerning the patient's care?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Work with the patient and family to create an advanced plan of care. This is the best way to avoid ethical dilemmas because it involves proactive decision-making and communication among all parties involved. By creating an advanced plan of care, the patient and family can outline the patient's preferences, values, and goals for future care, ensuring that decisions align with the patient's wishes. This helps prevent potential conflicts and ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding the patient's care. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: Explaining cognitive decline does not directly address how to avoid ethical dilemmas and may cause unnecessary distress. C: Discussing religious and spiritual concerns is important but may not specifically address future ethical dilemmas related to care decisions. D: Identifying family members in control of decision-making does not necessarily prevent ethical dilemmas and may overlook the patient's autonomy and preferences.

Question 3 of 9

A novice nurse is placed in charge just after orientation ends. Which statement by the novice nurse would ensure a smooth delegation experience when delegating to an experienced staff member?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it demonstrates respect for the experienced staff member's expertise by asking for their input and suggestions. This approach fosters open communication, encourages collaboration, and shows a willingness to learn from others. Choice A lacks clarity and assumes the staff member knows the patients in question. Choice C is presumptuous and dismissive of the staff member's autonomy. Choice D is authoritarian and does not promote a positive working relationship. Ultimately, choice B promotes teamwork and mutual respect, leading to a smoother delegation process.

Question 4 of 9

Which statement made by an RN regarding delegation indicates the need for additional teaching? (select all that apply)

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Delegating the assessment of vital signs during the first 5 minutes of a blood transfusion to UAPs is not appropriate. This is because a reaction can occur within the first few minutes of a blood transfusion, making it crucial for a registered nurse to assess the patient during this critical period. UAPs do not have the education or training to recognize and manage potential adverse reactions promptly. Choice B is incorrect because an LPN/LVN can indeed administer a PPD if there is no history of a positive result. Choice C is incorrect because LPN/LVNs should not administer medications that have a high potential for adverse effects, such as dopamine. Choice D is incorrect as transferring a patient who is being discharged home requires skilled nursing assessment and intervention, not just training in transferring techniques.

Question 5 of 9

A nurse is interviewing for a job and recently read the American Nurses Association's (ANA) recommendation for questions to ask regarding before accepting employment. Which questions should the nurse ask?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because understanding the mission of the parent organization is crucial for aligning personal values with the organizational goals. This knowledge can help the nurse assess if their values and beliefs are in line with the organization's mission, leading to better job satisfaction and performance. A: Flexible scheduling is important but not specified in ANA's recommendations. B: Advancement expectations are important, but not a priority in ANA's recommendations. C: Staff retention is relevant, but not emphasized in ANA's recommendations.

Question 6 of 9

The Karnofsky prognostication scale is most appropriately used to screen patients with which medical diagnoses?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The Karnofsky Prognostication Scale is commonly used in patients with terminal illness, such as AIDS, to assess their functional status and predict their prognosis. Patients with AIDS often experience rapid decline in health, making this scale useful in determining their overall well-being and potential outcomes. Incorrect choices: A: Respiratory diseases - The Karnofsky scale is not commonly used for screening patients with respiratory diseases. B: Cancers - While the Karnofsky scale can be used for cancer patients, it is most commonly associated with terminal illnesses like AIDS. C: Cardiac diseases - The Karnofsky scale is not typically used for screening patients with cardiac diseases.

Question 7 of 9

A Hispanic patient is visited by several family members and the nurse witnessed one visitor who pinches a piece of skin at the waist. The nurse asks the purpose and learns the "provider" is listening for a snap from the abdominal region, which is then repeated several times. The patient most likely suffers from:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: empacho. Empacho is a traditional Hispanic folk illness characterized by a blockage in the digestive system. In this scenario, the behavior of pinching the skin and listening for a snap in the abdominal region aligns with the common practice associated with empacho diagnosis. The family member is likely trying to detect an abnormal sound, indicating a blockage in the intestines. The other choices (A: mal ojo, B: susto, C: bilis) do not fit the description of the observed behavior and symptoms. Mal ojo refers to the evil eye, susto is a fright-related illness, and bilis pertains to an imbalance of bodily fluids, none of which involve the specific diagnostic behavior described in the scenario.

Question 8 of 9

A group of nurses is presenting the importance of high-quality care during a system- wide meeting of medical-surgical nurses. They point out a finding of the Quality Chasm that:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: medication-related errors place a tremendous financial burden on the U.S. health care system. This answer is correct because medication errors contribute significantly to healthcare costs due to increased hospitalizations, prolonged treatments, and legal expenses. The Quality Chasm report highlights the economic impact of medication errors on the healthcare system, emphasizing the need for improved medication safety practices. Option A is incorrect because being insured does have a positive impact on a person's access to healthcare services and quality of care. Option B is incorrect as it does not relate to the Quality Chasm findings. Option C is incorrect as it focuses on the comparison of lawsuits and mortality rates related to medication errors and HIV/AIDS, which is not the primary focus of the Quality Chasm report.

Question 9 of 9

A hospital is concerned that the number of medication errors has increased significantly in the past year. A project revealed four causes of medication errors. The above chart was used to help staff and administration know where to focus efforts to reduce errors. Which process improvement tool is used in this situation?

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

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