The charge nurse tells the staff to choose their own assignments and work it out with each other. What type of leadership style is this charge nurse demonstrating?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Laissez-faire. This leadership style is characterized by minimal supervision and allowing employees to make their own decisions. In this scenario, the charge nurse is giving the staff the autonomy to choose their assignments and resolve any conflicts themselves, reflecting a hands-off approach typical of laissez-faire leadership. Incorrect choices: B: Democratic leadership involves collaborative decision-making, which is not evident in the scenario. C: Transactional leadership is based on a system of rewards and punishments for performance, which is not demonstrated here. D: Autocratic leadership is characterized by a top-down approach with strict control and little input from employees, which is not the case in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In Peplau's theory of interpersonal relations, the exploitation phase is where the patient utilizes the help offered by the nurse to address problems and gain a better understanding of their situation. This phase is characterized by the patient actively seeking out and benefiting from the nurse's assistance in meeting their needs and goals. The other options are incorrect for the following reasons: - Orientation phase: This phase is focused on establishing rapport, setting goals, and understanding the patient's needs. It is more about getting to know each other and creating a foundation for the therapeutic relationship. - Identification phase: In this phase, the patient identifies with the nurse as a resource and a support figure. It involves the patient starting to trust the nurse and see them as a helpful ally. - Resolution phase: This phase marks the conclusion of the nurse-patient relationship, where the patient has achieved their goals and is ready to move on. It is about reflecting on the progress made and preparing for termination. Understanding Peplau's theory of interpersonal relations is crucial for nursing practice as it emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and patient. By recognizing the different phases, nurses can better understand and support patients in their journey towards improved health and well-being. The exploitation phase, in particular, highlights the active role of the patient in utilizing the nurse's help effectively.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct way for the nurse to document the order 'Digoxin .125 mg P.O. once daily' onto the medication administration record is option A) 'Digoxin .125 mg P.O. once daily'. The correct answer is A because it accurately reflects the correct spelling and dosage of the medication, ensuring clarity and precision in medication administration. The decimal point is crucial to denote the correct dosage of 0.125 mg. Option B is incorrect due to a typographical error with the misspelling of Digoxin. This error could lead to confusion and potential medication administration mistakes. Option C is incorrect as it includes an additional zero after the decimal point, altering the dosage to 1.250 mg instead of the intended 0.125 mg. This discrepancy could lead to a tenfold dosing error. Option D is incorrect because it includes an additional zero before the decimal point, resulting in a dosage of 0.1250 mg. This adds unnecessary complexity and potential for dosing errors. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of accuracy and attention to detail in medication administration in nursing practice. Nurses must be vigilant in documenting and administering medications correctly to ensure patient safety and avoid medication errors that could harm patients. By emphasizing the significance of precision in medication orders, nurses can enhance patient care outcomes and uphold professional standards in nursing practice.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of administering a unit of whole blood, it is crucial for Nurse Hazel to have information about the client's hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels. This information is vital because it helps assess the client's oxygen-carrying capacity and overall blood volume status. Monitoring Hgb and Hct levels before blood transfusion can help identify any existing anemia or risk of volume overload post-transfusion. Option A (Blood pressure and pulse rate) is important for assessing the client's cardiovascular status but does not directly relate to the specific need for information before administering whole blood. Option B (Height and weight) are relevant for calculating medication dosages but are not as critical as knowing the client's Hgb and Hct levels before a blood transfusion. Option C (Calcium and potassium levels) are important for overall electrolyte balance but do not directly impact the immediate need to assess the client's blood status before a blood transfusion. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind the importance of specific assessments before a procedure like administering blood helps nursing students develop critical thinking skills and clinical judgment. This rationale reinforces the significance of thorough assessment and individualizing care based on the client's specific needs, ultimately enhancing patient safety and quality of care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Theories will be tested to describe or predict client outcomes. In nursing, evidenced-based practice is crucial as it involves integrating the best available evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to make decisions about patient care. By testing theories to describe or predict client outcomes, nurses can ensure that their practice is grounded in reliable and proven knowledge. Option A is incorrect because relying on just one theory to guide nursing practice may limit the nurse's ability to provide individualized and effective care to clients. Nursing is a dynamic and complex field that requires a holistic approach to patient care. Option B is incorrect because while scientists may contribute valuable research to nursing practice, it is ultimately the responsibility of nurses to apply this research in the clinical setting and make decisions based on the best available evidence. Option D is incorrect because while nursing may draw on knowledge and principles from other sciences, such as biology and psychology, nursing practice is distinct and requires its own evidence base to ensure quality care. Educationally, understanding the importance of evidenced-based practice in nursing is essential for students to provide safe, effective, and patient-centered care. It helps students develop critical thinking skills, research literacy, and a commitment to lifelong learning in order to stay current with best practices in the field of nursing.