A nurse manager is working with the financial officer to develop the budget of the nursing unit for the next fiscal year. The nurse manager tells the financial officer that which of the following pieces of information will affect budget assumptions?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because an increase in patient census directly impacts the budget assumptions by affecting staffing needs, supply costs, and revenue projections. This information is crucial for accurate budget planning. Choice A is incorrect because the capital budget request for new equipment does not directly impact the nursing unit's operational budget assumptions. Choice C is incorrect as the effectiveness of participatory budgeting in controlling supply costs does not directly influence future budget assumptions. Choice D is incorrect as zero-based budgeting efficiency does not directly address the impact of increased patient census on budget assumptions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Electronic messaging. In today's fast-paced world, electronic messaging, such as emails, text messages, and social media, is the most commonly used means of societal communication due to its immediacy, convenience, and widespread accessibility. It allows people to communicate quickly across long distances and reach a large audience efficiently. Facial expressions (A) are important but limited in reach. Spoken word (B) is also crucial but less prevalent in today's digital age. Written messages (C) are still used but electronic messaging has largely replaced traditional written communication for its speed and efficiency.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Appeal to emotion. The nurse is trying to justify their repeated tardiness by appealing to the emotions of the nurse manager, by invoking pity and sympathy. This type of logical fallacy involves using emotional manipulation to distract from the real issue of consistently being late to work. The nurse's personal circumstances are valid but do not excuse the behavior. Summary of other choices: B: Appeal to tradition - This fallacy involves justifying a belief or action based on the fact that it has been done that way in the past. This is not evident in the nurse's response. C: Hasty generalization - Drawing a conclusion based on insufficient evidence. The nurse's explanation is specific to their own situation and not a broad generalization. D: Confusing cause and effect - Mistaking the cause of a situation for the effect or vice versa. The nurse is trying to use their personal circumstances as the cause of being consistently late, rather than taking responsibility for their actions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because maintaining eye contact while focusing on the patient's description of pain level and location demonstrates active listening. This non-verbal communication shows empathy and attentiveness to the patient's concerns. Choice A focuses on providing information rather than actively listening. Choice C involves personalizing the situation rather than focusing on the patient's needs. Choice D involves agreeing with the patient's decision rather than actively listening to understand their perspective.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it encourages the patient to provide detailed information and express themselves freely. By asking the patient to "Tell me what day of the week today is," the nurse is prompting an open-ended response, allowing the patient to share their understanding. Choice A is closed-ended, requiring a simple yes/no answer. Choice B is slightly better as it prompts for information, but it is still closed-ended. Choice D is irrelevant to the question of determining cognitive function and history. In summary, C promotes open communication by encouraging the patient to elaborate, while the other choices limit the patient's response.