Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because institutional review boards (IRBs) are responsible for ensuring that research studies involving human subjects do not cause harm. IRBs evaluate the potential risks and benefits of the study to protect participants' rights and well-being. Choice A is incorrect because publication is not within the primary scope of IRBs. Choice B is incorrect as adding to nursing knowledge is not the main focus of IRBs. Choice D is also incorrect as funding approval is typically handled by separate entities and is not the primary role of IRBs.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of doing no harm to others. In this scenario, the nurse is deliberately putting clients at risk by not adhering to universal precautions, which violates the principle of nonmaleficence. By intentionally endangering others, the nurse is directly going against the ethical duty to prevent harm. A: Veracity refers to truthfulness, not relevant in this scenario. B: Beneficence is the ethical principle of doing good for others, not applicable as the nurse's actions are harmful. D: Autonomy is the principle of respecting an individual's right to make their own decisions, not relevant as the nurse is not respecting the clients' autonomy by putting them at risk without their consent.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: red herring. In this scenario, the male nurse deflects the issue of improper sharps disposal by accusing the team leader of having ulterior motives related to gender discrimination. This is a classic example of a red herring, where the nurse introduces an irrelevant topic to divert attention from the original issue. The nurse's response does not address the concern raised about sharps disposal but instead shifts the focus to an unrelated accusation. The other choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the communication technique used in the scenario. A straw man involves misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack, slippery slope is a form of logical fallacy, and confusing cause and effect refers to a mistaken understanding of the relationship between two events.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: an aging nursing workforce. This is because as nurses age, many are retiring or reducing their work hours, leading to a shortage of experienced nurses in the workforce. This issue is further exacerbated by the increasing demand for healthcare services due to population growth and aging populations. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Movement of nurses into acute care settings may shift the distribution of nurses but does not directly cause a shortage. B: The use of unlicensed assistive personnel may impact the workload of RNs but is not the primary cause of the nursing shortage. C: While Baby Boomers may have contributed to the overall number of nurses, it does not directly explain the current shortage.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because accrediting agencies like The Joint Commission focus on ensuring patients receive satisfactory care through evidence-based practices. They evaluate the quality of care provided rather than specific staffing levels or ratios. Imposing maximum staffing levels (A) can be restrictive and may not account for varying patient needs. Requiring a specific staff mix (B) may not always be feasible or reflective of best practices. Stipulating nurse-patient ratios (C) can be important but may not address the overall quality of care provided to patients. In summary, option D is correct as accrediting agencies prioritize evidence of satisfactory care delivery over rigid staffing requirements.