A nurse has recently been appointed to the position of nurse manager. To become successful in managing the unit's budget, the new nurse manager should: (select all that apply)

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because reading the financial policy manual will provide the new nurse manager with a comprehensive understanding of the organization's budgeting process, which is crucial for successful budget management. This will help the nurse manager make informed decisions and align their actions with the organization's budgeting guidelines. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests delegating budget management to the nursing administration office, which does not promote the nurse manager's development of budgeting skills and knowledge. Choice C is incorrect because while it is important to communicate with the hospital's finance office for guidance, solely relying on this communication may not provide the nurse manager with a deep understanding of the budgeting process. Choice D is incorrect because focusing only on bottom-line numbers without understanding the details of each line in budget reports can lead to oversight of important budget components and hinder effective budget management.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for the correct answer (C): 1. The correct answer is C because the majority of registered nurses (RNs) in the US are indeed white or non-Hispanic according to statistical data. 2. This information is important for the person from an underrepresented background to understand the current demographic makeup of the nursing profession. 3. By knowing that the majority of RNs are white or non-Hispanic, the individual can better assess the existing diversity within the profession. 4. Understanding the demographics can help the individual navigate potential challenges related to representation and cultural competence. 5. It is crucial for the person to have accurate information to make informed decisions about pursuing a career in nursing. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: A: Nursing is not primarily made up of women younger than 30 years. B: The number of male RNs has not equalized with the number of female RNs. D: More than half of all RNs are not ages 55 through

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer A: The correct answer is A because it emphasizes alignment with the organization's values, specifically community outreach. This shows the nurse has researched the organization and tailored their cover letter accordingly, demonstrating genuine interest in the position. It also indicates a willingness to contribute to the organization's mission, which is appealing to employers. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: This choice focuses too much on unrelated degrees and certifications, which may not be relevant to the nursing position. It does not address the specific needs of the organization. C: While work-life balance is important, this choice does not demonstrate a clear connection to the organization or the nursing position. D: This choice includes personal information that is not relevant to the job application and does not highlight any qualifications or interest in the organization.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Policy is based on data, which provides the groundwork for decision making. This is the correct answer because the scenario describes the policy committee using statistics about patient satisfaction and recidivism rates to make recommendations for a patient education plan. By utilizing data, the committee is following the IOM 2011 message of basing decisions on evidence and information. A: Nurses achieving higher levels of education is not directly related to the scenario and the committee's decision-making process. B: The requirement of a master's degree for nurses on policy committees is not mentioned in the scenario and is not relevant to the decision-making process described. C: Comparing nurse pay to physicians' pay is not relevant to the scenario or the IOM 2011 message of using data for decision making.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Watson's Theory of Caring. This theory emphasizes the importance of caring relationships in nursing practice. In this scenario, the nurse is demonstrating caring by helping the patient prevent fatigue, assisting with dressing, and respecting the patient's autonomy in choosing clothes. Watson's theory focuses on promoting holistic care and building a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: Rogers' Theory of Unitary Humans focuses on the interconnectedness of humans with their environment, which is not the primary focus of the nurse's actions in the scenario. C: Levine's Theory of Conservation emphasizes maintaining the patient's energy and structural integrity, which is not the main focus of the nurse's actions in the scenario. D: Leininger's Theory of Transcultural Nursing focuses on providing culturally competent care, which is not the central theme of the nurse's actions in the scenario.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act (2000) mandates that employers must document how and where a sharps injury occurred, including the brand of device involved. This helps in identifying patterns of injuries and evaluating the effectiveness of safety devices. Choice A is incorrect because the Act does not specifically mention nurses in managerial positions evaluating safe needle devices. Choice B is incorrect as there is no requirement for registered nurses to pass a test after sustaining a needle stick. Choice C is incorrect as the Act sets federal standards for safe needle devices, not leaving it up to individual states to determine.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Quality management. The nurse assessing and recording variations from the hospital standard of rotating IV sites every 72 hours is fulfilling a quality management role by ensuring adherence to established protocols to maintain patient safety and prevent complications. Quality management involves monitoring and improving healthcare processes to enhance patient outcomes. In this scenario, the nurse's actions contribute to maintaining high standards of care. Summary: A: Infection control focuses on preventing and controlling the spread of infections, not specifically related to monitoring compliance with IV site rotation. C: Coordinator position involves organizing and coordinating care, not directly related to assessing adherence to standards. D: Counselor provides emotional support and counseling to patients, not related to monitoring and maintaining healthcare standards.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increasing staffing ratios to include more nurses of all levels of educational preparation on all shifts. Aiken's survey emphasized the importance of adequate nurse staffing in improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality rates. By increasing staffing ratios with nurses of all educational levels, the hospital can ensure better patient care, effective coordination, and timely interventions. This approach addresses the key factors highlighted in Aiken's survey - nurse staffing and education. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the issue of nurse staffing, which was the primary focus of Aiken's survey. Employing bachelor's prepared nurses participating in interprofessional rounds (B) may improve communication but does not solely address the staffing concerns. Ensuring nurse managers have a master's degree (C) may improve leadership but does not directly impact frontline staffing. Encouraging unlicensed assistive personnel to attend educational programs (D) may enhance skills but does not address the need for more nurses in the staffing ratios

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the primary function of the budgeting process is to discuss concerns about resource allocation with leaders capable of resolving issues. This allows managers to make informed decisions on how to allocate resources effectively. Choice A is incorrect as the budgeting process is not primarily about insisting on specific salary increases. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on changing budgeting methods rather than the purpose of budgeting itself. Choice D is incorrect as developing an educational program is not the primary purpose of the budgeting process.