The appropriate procedure for addressing a cover letter when the applicant is unsure of the name and title of the person to whom the letter should be addressed is to:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: address the letter to "To Whom It May Concern." This is the appropriate procedure when the applicant is unsure of the recipient's name and title. It is a professional and formal way to address a cover letter when the specific recipient is unknown. Option B is incorrect as addressing the letter to a generic title like "Nurse Recruiter" may not be appropriate if the recipient does not hold that specific title. Option C may be time-consuming and unnecessary if the applicant can use a more general salutation. Option D is incorrect because leaving the salutation blank can come across as unprofessional and lazy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because efforts to reduce healthcare expenditures do not necessarily impact the need for RNs, which remains stable. This is supported by the ongoing demand for nurses in various healthcare settings. Choice A is incorrect as the demand for RNs is generally high. Choice B is incorrect because job availability depends on various factors beyond just the location of the hospital. Choice D is incorrect as the need for nurses in acute care hospitals remains significant despite the shift towards outpatient and ambulatory settings.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Controlling. Controlling involves monitoring performance, comparing it to objectives, and taking corrective actions. In this scenario, the manager is reviewing unexpected expenditures and quality indicators to ensure they align with goals and standards. Directing focuses on guiding and motivating employees. Planning involves setting goals and determining actions to achieve them. Organizing involves arranging resources and tasks.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the Affordable Care Act of 2011 aimed to provide health care benefits to millions who were previously uninsurable or unable to afford insurance. This is in line with the main goal of the act, which was to increase access to affordable health care for Americans. Choice A is incorrect as the act does not mandate educational requirements for nurses. Choice C is incorrect as the act does not specifically cap the amount that hospitals and physicians can charge for procedures. Choice D is incorrect as the act focuses on expanding access to health insurance rather than directly subsidizing private insurance companies to reduce costs for individuals with chronic illnesses.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: critical pathway. Critical pathways are structured, multidisciplinary care plans that detail essential steps in the care of patients with specific conditions, such as heart failure. They standardize treatment by outlining the sequence and timing of interventions, tests, and medications, helping to improve efficiency and quality of care. Critical pathways guide daily care by providing a roadmap for healthcare providers to follow, ensuring that patients receive appropriate and timely interventions. Explanation of other choices: A: Benchmark - Benchmarks are standards or reference points used for comparison, not a structured care plan like a critical pathway. C: Algorithm - Algorithms are step-by-step procedures for solving problems, not necessarily a comprehensive care plan like a critical pathway. D: Case management - Case management involves coordinating care and services for individual patients, not a standardized care plan for a specific disease like a critical pathway.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: more secure. Electronic Health Records (EHR) typically have built-in security features such as encryption, access controls, and audit trails, making it more secure than paper-and-pencil records. EHRs offer better protection against unauthorized access, tampering, and loss compared to traditional paper records. This is due to the ability to restrict access to specific users, track changes made to the records, and implement authentication measures. Therefore, the security of EHRs surpasses that of paper-and-pencil records. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not acknowledge the enhanced security measures and advantages that EHRs provide over traditional paper records.

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: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because creating an agenda with specific times allotted for each agenda item helps in ensuring a focused and efficient meeting. It allows for proper time management, ensures all important topics are covered, and keeps the meeting on track. Providing unlimited time for each person (A) can lead to inefficiency and derail the meeting. Covering emotional topics first (B) may not be appropriate for all meetings and could affect the flow. Waiting for latecomers and asking for excuses (D) disrupts the meeting schedule and sets a precedent for unpunctuality.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Participatory. The nurse manager involves staff in the budgeting process by allowing input through tuition reimbursement and flexible work hours. This approach promotes engagement and collaboration, aligning with the organization's strategic goal of increasing BSN staff. Participatory budgeting is characterized by involving stakeholders in decision-making, leading to buy-in and better implementation of the budget. Summary of other choices: A: Iterative - Involves repeating steps to refine the budget, not necessarily focused on stakeholder participation. B: Top-down - Decision-making comes from upper management without much input from lower levels. D: Zero-based - Requires justifying every expense from scratch, not necessarily involving staff input in decision-making.