An RN’s current patient and family have presented her with an ethical dilemma. What is the first step the RN should take to find a workable solution to the problem?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assessment. The first step in resolving an ethical dilemma is to thoroughly assess the situation. This involves gathering all relevant information, understanding the perspectives of the patient and family, and identifying key ethical principles at stake. Assessment allows the RN to have a clear understanding of the dilemma and its implications before proceeding with any planning, implementation, or evaluation. Planning (A), Implementation (D), and Evaluation (C) are all important steps in the problem-solving process, but without a comprehensive assessment, the RN may not have a solid foundation to address the ethical dilemma effectively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Felony. Violating the nurse practice act involves serious breaches of professional standards, such as negligence or misconduct, which are considered criminal offenses. Committing a felony indicates a severe violation of the law, carrying significant legal consequences. Choices A, C, and D do not accurately represent the gravity of the offense, as they pertain to different legal categories with varying levels of severity. A juvenile offense is a violation committed by a minor, a misdemeanor is a lesser criminal offense, and a tort is a civil wrongdoing resulting in harm.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Statutory laws. Nursing practice is primarily governed by statutory laws, which are laws created by legislative bodies. These laws outline the scope of practice, licensure requirements, and regulations for nursing professionals. Common laws (B) are based on court decisions and do not specifically govern nursing practice. Administrative laws (C) regulate administrative agencies and their functions, not nursing practice. Constitutional laws (D) pertain to the constitution and the rights of individuals, not the specific regulations for nursing practice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Benchmarking compares outcomes in a variety of settings and disciplines. Quality management focuses on establishing processes to ensure quality care within a specific setting, while benchmarking involves comparing performance metrics across different settings and disciplines to identify best practices and areas for improvement. Therefore, B is the correct answer as it highlights the key difference between quality management and benchmarking. Incorrect answers: A: Quality management can be useful in any healthcare setting, not limited to outpatient. C: Quality management is applicable across various healthcare settings, not just primary care. D: Benchmarking looks at outcomes in various areas, not just nursing.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Contingency theory. Contingency theory suggests that there is no one best way to organize and manage a healthcare system. It emphasizes that the effectiveness of a healthcare delivery system depends on various factors such as the environment, technology, and organizational structure. This theory acknowledges the complexity of healthcare systems and the need for flexibility and adaptation to changing circumstances. A: Open system theory focuses on the system's interaction with its environment, but it does not specifically address the best way to organize and manage a healthcare system. B: Closed system theory suggests that a system is self-contained and not influenced by external factors, which is not suitable for describing healthcare delivery systems. C: Chaos theory emphasizes the unpredictability and complexity of systems, but it does not provide a framework for organizing and managing healthcare systems effectively.