Nurses make decisions in their practice every day. Which of the following are potential errors in this decision-making process? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: selecting alternatives to maintain status quo. This is a potential error in decision-making as it involves choosing options that keep things the same without considering if there are better alternatives. Nurses should prioritize patient well-being over maintaining the current state. A, placing emphasis on the last data received, can be a potential error if it leads to overlooking important earlier information. B, avoiding information contrary to one's opinion, is a bias that can hinder objective decision-making. D, being predisposed to multiple solutions, may not necessarily be an error as long as all solutions are thoroughly evaluated before making a decision.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Counselor. The nurse making referrals for a parent support group demonstrates the role of a counselor by providing emotional support, guidance, and resources to help the family cope with their situation. This goes beyond educating or leading the parents (choices A and B) and does not specifically involve collaboration with other healthcare professionals (choice D). Counseling involves actively listening, empathizing, and assisting individuals or families in dealing with emotional challenges, which is the primary role demonstrated in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, body of nursing knowledge. Nursing is not solely about clinical skills, as it encompasses a vast knowledge base. This includes theories, research, and evidence-based practices. Holistic patient care (choice C) is an essential aspect of nursing but does not fully encapsulate the science of nursing. While individualized nursing care (choice D) is crucial, it focuses more on the application rather than the knowledge behind it. Therefore, the best description of the science of nursing is the body of nursing knowledge, as it encompasses the theoretical foundation that guides nursing practice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: an acute illness. A rapid onset of symptoms indicates an acute illness because acute illnesses typically develop quickly and have a short duration. This contrasts with chronic illnesses (choice A), which persist over a long period. Actual risk factor (choice C) refers to a characteristic that increases the likelihood of developing a health problem, not the nature of the problem itself. Potential for wellness (choice D) is not directly related to the onset and duration of symptoms, making it an incorrect choice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because Maslow's hierarchy of needs states that certain needs are more fundamental and must be satisfied before higher-level needs can be addressed. This theory suggests that individuals must fulfill physiological and safety needs before progressing to social, esteem, and self-actualization needs. By prioritizing basic needs first, individuals can achieve a sense of fulfillment and well-being. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the hierarchical nature of Maslow's theory, which emphasizes the importance of meeting lower-level needs before advancing to higher-level ones.