Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: clinical pathways. Clinical pathways are structured, evidence-based plans of care that outline the expected recovery milestones and interventions for a specific condition or procedure. By following a clinical pathway, nurses can effectively plan care and monitor progress based on established guidelines. Patient classification systems (A) categorize patients based on acuity levels, not recovery milestones. Functional nursing (C) involves delegating specific tasks to different staff members. Case management (D) focuses on coordinating care across multiple providers, not specifically on recovery milestones.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: infection control. In this scenario, the nurse is focusing on preventing and controlling the spread of hospital-acquired diarrhea among pediatric patients. By investigating the incidence rates and implementing measures to reduce the risk of infection transmission, the nurse is fulfilling the role of infection control. Quality management (A) focuses on improving processes and outcomes, not specifically on infection prevention. Occupational health (C) involves ensuring workplace safety for employees, not patient infection control. Forensics (D) involves investigating and analyzing evidence related to crimes or legal matters, not infection control in a healthcare setting.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because binding arbitration involves a formal discussion where the arbitrator's recommendations are compulsory, meaning both parties must abide by the decision. This ensures a resolution to the issue at hand. A is incorrect because mediation is not necessarily sanctioned by the NLRB for formal discussions. C is incorrect because mediation does not typically result in a legally binding plan; it is a negotiation process to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. D is incorrect because binding arbitration does not specifically focus on the least destructive approach or self-governance by employees; it is about reaching a binding decision by a neutral third party arbitrator.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because before addressing any ethical issue, it is vital to first identify and define the issue clearly. This helps in understanding the context and scope of the problem. Without knowing the specific ethical issue at hand, it is impossible to proceed with identifying alternatives, selecting the best option, or justifying the choice of action. Therefore, asking "What is the issue?" is the initial step in the ethical decision-making process. Summary: - Option B is incorrect because identifying alternatives comes after defining the issue. - Option C is incorrect as selecting the best option should be based on a clear understanding of the issue. - Option D is incorrect as justifying actions or inactions should come after determining the ethical problem.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: survey. In this scenario, the nurse is conducting personal interviews with individuals to gather information about educational program needs. Surveys involve collecting data from a sample of individuals through questioning, making it suitable for this situation. A: Quasi-experimental designs involve manipulation of variables and comparison of groups, which is not evident in this scenario. C: Case studies focus on in-depth analysis of a single case or a small group, not the entire community as in this case. D: Ethnography involves studying a group's culture and behavior over an extended period, which is not the main focus of the nurse's research.