The nurse is caring for a patient who has just received a cancer diagnosis. The patient is crying. The nurse recognizes this patient is operating on what level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, safety needs come after physiological needs. When a patient is crying after receiving a cancer diagnosis, they may be feeling a lack of security and safety. This indicates that the patient is operating on the level of safety needs in Maslow's hierarchy. Choice A, self-esteem, focuses on confidence and respect, which is not the immediate concern when receiving a cancer diagnosis. Choice B, love and belonging, pertains to relationships and social connections, which are important but not the primary focus in this situation. Choice D, self-actualization, involves personal growth and fulfilling one's potential, which is a higher-level need compared to safety needs, making it less likely for a patient to be operating at this level when distressed by a cancer diagnosis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The increased employment options for women have had a significant impact on the current nursing shortage. With more career choices available to women, there is a decrease in the number of individuals pursuing nursing as a profession, contributing to the shortage. This is because women are choosing diverse career paths due to increased opportunities. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. A later age at which women have children and the decrease in the number of women being born are not directly related to the nursing shortage. The overall unemployment rate, while influencing job availability, is not the primary factor driving the shortage of nurses.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Critical thinking involves evaluating information from various sources. In this scenario, the nurse displays critical thinking by seeking additional peer-reviewed articles that support the author's recommendation. This action ensures that decisions are based on a comprehensive understanding of the topic rather than relying solely on one source. By exploring other peer-reviewed articles, the nurse can validate the proposed change and make informed decisions regarding patient care. Choice A, implementing the article's recommendations, may not encompass a thorough evaluation of the information presented. Choice B, presenting the article to the nurse manager, is a valid step but does not directly involve critical analysis of the information. Choice D, disregarding the article, goes against the essence of critical thinking, which emphasizes the evaluation and consideration of various perspectives.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The main purpose of a patient satisfaction survey is to measure patient satisfaction. These surveys aim to gather feedback directly from patients regarding their experiences and perceptions of the healthcare services they have received. Choice A is incorrect because while patient satisfaction may impact outcomes indirectly, the primary goal of the survey is not to directly improve patient outcomes. Choice B is incorrect as patient satisfaction surveys are not primarily focused on evaluating nursing performance specifically. Choice D is also incorrect as the main focus of the survey is on the satisfaction of patients rather than assessing healthcare facilities.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When transitioning from a long-term care facility to an acute care facility, the nurse needs to adapt motivational approaches. The environment and patient needs change significantly between these settings. Adapting motivational approaches is crucial to effectively meet the demands of the new job and provide optimal care in the acute care setting. This adjustment allows the nurse to cater to the different needs and pace of care required in an acute care facility compared to a long-term care facility. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the specific need for adapting motivational approaches when transitioning between these types of healthcare facilities.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The decision to return to school to obtain a bachelor of science degree in nursing can be triggered by various factors, both positive (like a desire for career advancement) and negative (like feeling limited without the degree). This decision reflects critical thinking as it involves a thoughtful evaluation of personal and professional goals, weighing potential benefits and consequences. Therefore, the theme of critical thinking demonstrated in this scenario is that critical thinking is triggered by both positive and negative events. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not specifically address the concept of critical thinking being influenced by positive and negative events as demonstrated in the scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The first step the RN should take to find a workable solution to the problem is assessment.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first when a patient reports feeling lightheaded and sweaty after being weaned off an insulin drip is to obtain a glucose reading using a finger stick. This will provide crucial information on the patient's current blood glucose level, helping the nurse assess if the symptoms are due to hypoglycemia. Based on the glucose reading, appropriate interventions can be initiated, such as administering dextrose, glucagon, or oral sugars like orange juice if hypoglycemia is confirmed. However, verifying the blood glucose level is the initial step to guide subsequent actions and ensure patient safety.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, safety needs come after physiological needs. When a patient is crying after receiving a cancer diagnosis, they may be feeling a lack of security and safety. This indicates that the patient is operating on the level of safety needs in Maslow's hierarchy. Choice A, self-esteem, focuses on confidence and respect, which is not the immediate concern when receiving a cancer diagnosis. Choice B, love and belonging, pertains to relationships and social connections, which are important but not the primary focus in this situation. Choice D, self-actualization, involves personal growth and fulfilling one's potential, which is a higher-level need compared to safety needs, making it less likely for a patient to be operating at this level when distressed by a cancer diagnosis.