A recruiter is explaining benefits to a group of nursing externs who are highly sought for employment. The recruiter states, "We are the only hospital in town that offers a residency program." The recruiter further explains that a residency program:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a residency program offers extended time for both theory and clinical activities that promote problem-solving and clinical decision-making skills. This is important for new graduates to enhance their clinical skills and transition into practice effectively. A: Providing housing for the graduate nurse is not typically a component of a residency program. B: Partnering a medical resident with a nurse resident for interprofessional care is not a defining feature of a nursing residency program. C: Allowing new graduates to work on a higher degree in nursing while being paid full-time is not the primary focus of a nursing residency program, which is more about developing clinical skills.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a residency program offers extended time for both theory and clinical activities that promote problem-solving and clinical decision-making skills. This is important for new graduates to enhance their clinical skills and transition into practice effectively. A: Providing housing for the graduate nurse is not typically a component of a residency program. B: Partnering a medical resident with a nurse resident for interprofessional care is not a defining feature of a nursing residency program. C: Allowing new graduates to work on a higher degree in nursing while being paid full-time is not the primary focus of a nursing residency program, which is more about developing clinical skills.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Define effectiveness and efficiency - Effectiveness is achieving the intended outcome, while efficiency is achieving the outcome with minimal waste. Step 2: Analyze option A - It correctly defines effectiveness as performing the correct test or intervention and efficiency as the wise use of supplies and resources for the desired outcome. Step 3: Justification - The nurse explains that many healthcare providers lack effectiveness, indicating they are not achieving the desired outcomes, which aligns with the definition of effectiveness in option A. Step 4: Summary of incorrect choices - B incorrectly defines efficiency as quick completion of tasks, C confuses efficiency with wastage, and D incorrectly associates efficiency with speed rather than minimal waste.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (A - educational mobility): 1. Educational mobility refers to the ability to move between different levels of education in nursing. 2. The nurse with a diploma seeking a BSN is utilizing educational mobility by advancing to a higher level of education. 3. Choosing a program with self-scheduling and a self-paced curriculum allows for flexibility, facilitating educational mobility. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: Traditional nursing programs typically have fixed schedules and structured curricula, not aligned with self-paced learning. C: Training for advanced practice nursing involves pursuing education beyond a BSN to become an advanced practice nurse, not directly related to obtaining a BSN. D: Credit by examination allows students to earn credits based on prior knowledge, but it does not specifically relate to pursuing a BSN for educational mobility.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: diagnosis-related groups (DRGs). This classification system assigns a fixed price to specific diagnoses or procedures, such as pneumonia, for reimbursement purposes. DRGs aim to standardize payment based on patient diagnosis and treatment, promoting efficiency and cost containment in healthcare. B: Subjective symptom management is not a classification system for reimbursement but rather a method of addressing patient symptoms. C: Acuity classification system refers to determining the level of care a patient needs based on severity, not reimbursement. D: Organized managed care involves coordination of healthcare services and providers, not specific classification for reimbursement.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses prepared at the master's level with prescriptive privileges. They are trained to provide comprehensive care, including diagnosing and prescribing medications. A: Clinical nurse leader focuses on improving patient outcomes in a specific unit or department, but they do not have prescriptive privileges. C: Nursing administrator is a managerial role that does not typically involve direct patient care or prescribing medications. D: Certified nurse-midwife is an advanced practice nurse focused on maternal and newborn care, but they do not have prescriptive privileges unless they also hold a nurse practitioner certification.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the primary factor that characterizes a patient receiving palliative care is a diagnosis of a serious, life-threatening disease. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, regardless of the stage of the disease or the prognosis. This means that palliative care can be appropriate for patients with a variety of life expectancies, not just those with less than 12 months to live. Choices B and C are incorrect because while they are important factors in healthcare decision-making, they are not the primary factor that characterizes a patient receiving palliative care. Choice D is also incorrect because palliative care can be provided to patients with various life expectancies, not just those with less than 12 months to live.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In developing a patient classification system, planned procedures are crucial as they determine resource allocation, staffing needs, and patient acuity. Understanding the procedures aids in categorizing patients accurately based on care requirements. Ethnic diversity, clinical competency, and educational level are not primary factors in this initial step as they do not directly impact patient classification. Ethnicity does not determine care needs, staff competency should already be ensured, and nurse education level is not the sole determinant of patient classification. Hence, A is the correct choice for developing an effective patient classification system.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: contact the state board of nursing to determine legal scope of practice for LPNs. This is the most appropriate action because the state board of nursing is the authoritative body that governs nursing practice within a specific state. By contacting the board, the RN can get accurate and up-to-date information on the legal scope of practice for LPNs in Arkansas. This ensures compliance with state regulations and avoids any potential legal issues. A: Querying the state nursing association may provide some insight, but the state board of nursing is the official entity that regulates nursing practice. B: Asking the LPNs about their tasks may not provide a comprehensive understanding of their legal scope of practice and could lead to misunderstandings. D: Referring to California's nurse practice act is irrelevant as each state has its own regulations, and assuming consistency across states can lead to incorrect assumptions.