The use of herbs has become a popular alternative to prescription drugs in today's health care milieu. During which other historical periods did health practices focus on the use of herbs?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Prehistoric times and the Middle Ages. In prehistoric times, herbs were used as the primary form of medicine. During the Middle Ages, herbal medicine continued to be prevalent due to limited medical knowledge. Other choices are incorrect because B, C, and D do not align with historical periods where herbal medicine was a dominant health practice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the job growth rate for RNs will surpass job growth in all other occupations by 2020. This is supported by the increasing demand for healthcare services due to an aging population and advancements in medical technology. Choice A is incorrect as the need for registered nurses is expected to continue due to the complexity of patient care. Choice C is incorrect as the need for hospital nurses is projected to increase, not decrease. Choice D is incorrect as many hospitals still struggle to achieve the required RN workforce due to various factors like turnover and retention issues.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Change out of their work attire before running errands. This is because maintaining a professional image involves setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. By changing out of work attire before running errands, the nurse avoids potential misconceptions or misunderstandings from the public. Choice B (Renew membership in a nursing organization) is not directly related to maintaining a professional image, although it is important for professional development. Choice C (Earning an advanced nursing degree) may enhance professional qualifications but does not directly impact the nurse's image. Choice D (Developing effective nurse-physician relationships) is important for teamwork but does not specifically address individual professional image.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because advocating for funds to pay for nursing education and a safer work environment addresses the root causes of the nursing shortage. By securing funding for education, more individuals can enter the nursing profession. Creating a safer work environment enhances nurse retention. A is incorrect because while unions can negotiate for better benefits, it doesn't directly address the shortage by increasing the number of nurses. B is incorrect because reducing the requirements for foreign nurses may compromise the quality of care and does not address the shortage of local nurses. C is incorrect because working more hours with a higher nurse/patient ratio can lead to burnout and compromise patient safety, exacerbating the nursing shortage.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because decreasing the number of patients cared for on a specific unit can improve patient outcomes by allowing nurses to provide more individualized care, reduce workload stress, and prevent errors. Staffing only 8-hour shifts (A) may not address the root cause of patient outcomes. Increasing salaries for experienced nurses (C) may improve retention but does not directly impact patient care. Increasing staffing on the evening shift (D) may help with workload distribution but does not address the overall patient load issue.