Three illegal immigrants with no health insurance or money sustained life-threatening injuries during an automobile accident. Two of these individuals had head trauma and lacerated internal organs. The decision was made to provide extended care in the trauma center after emergency surgery was performed to save their lives. The third individual received only minor injuries, which were treated in the emergency department. The care of the two critical clients was based on the ethical principle of:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is an ethical principle that focuses on maximizing overall well-being and minimizing harm. In this scenario, the decision to provide extended care to the two critical individuals with life-threatening injuries aligns with utilitarianism as it prioritizes saving the most lives and reducing suffering. By choosing to allocate resources to those with the most severe injuries, the healthcare providers are aiming to maximize the overall benefit to society. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: B: Deontology focuses on following rules and duties regardless of the consequences. In this case, the decision to provide care based on severity of injuries goes against a strict deontological approach. C: Autonomy emphasizes respecting individuals' rights to make their own decisions about their care, which is not the primary consideration in this scenario. D: Veracity pertains to honesty and truthfulness in communication, which is not directly relevant to the decision-making process in this healthcare scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: staffing. The nurse manager's concern is related to ensuring adequate numbers of RNs, LPN/LVNs, and UAPs per shift to meet patient needs. Staffing refers to the appropriate allocation of personnel to provide safe and effective care. Assignments (A) are specific tasks given to staff, output (C) is the end result of a process, and productivity (D) is efficiency in completing tasks - these are not the primary focus of the nurse manager's concern in this scenario. Staffing directly addresses the crucial aspect of having the right mix and number of staff members to deliver quality care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: the legal definition of standard of care. In healthcare, the standard of care refers to the level of care that a reasonably prudent healthcare professional would provide in similar circumstances. Checking potassium level and pulse before administering a drug is considered standard practice to prevent adverse reactions. The nurse's testimony is based on this standard of care requirement to ensure patient safety and avoid potential harm. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the concept of standard of care in healthcare practice. B pertains to patient consent, C to the doctrine of "the thing speaks for itself," and D to immunity from liability for certain actions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: that the nurse/patient ratio prevents safe care. This answer is correct because inadequate nurse/patient ratios have been consistently identified as a major factor contributing to nurse dissatisfaction and burnout. When nurses are responsible for too many patients, they are unable to provide safe and effective care, leading to increased stress and job dissatisfaction. Explanation of other choices: A: Decreased pay for alternative shifts: While decreased pay may be a concern for some nurses, it is not typically cited as one of the most common reasons for leaving a position. C: Most facilities are choosing an all-RN staff, which decreases opportunities for advancement: While this may be a concern for some nurses, it is not as universally impactful as unsafe nurse/patient ratios. D: Agency and foreign nurses are favored by administration over full-time nursing staff: While favoritism may be an issue in some cases, it is not typically cited as one of the most common reasons for nurses leaving their employment.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because in a compact state, the mutual recognition model allows nurses to practice across state lines without obtaining additional licenses. This model ensures that patients' rights are protected by requiring nurses to adhere to the nurse practice act of the state where the patient is located. This promotes nursing mobility while maintaining regulatory standards. A is incorrect because nurses must follow the nurse practice act of the state where they are practicing, not necessarily the largest state. C is incorrect because nurses do not have to pay for a license in all participating states under the mutual recognition model. D is incorrect because the nurse practice act outlines the scope of practice, not necessarily the list of skills that can be performed across state lines.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is because COPD is a leading cause of death among minority groups due to factors like smoking, pollution exposure, and healthcare disparities. This aligns with the grant's goal of improving health outcomes for minorities. Malnutrition (B) is not a top cause of death for minorities. Cirrhosis of the liver (C) is more common in certain populations but not a top priority for this grant. Cancer (D) is a significant concern, but COPD is more prevalent among minority groups.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because delegating the task of completing a plan of care to a float LPN/LVN for a stable patient is inappropriate. LPNs/LVNs have a different scope of practice compared to RNs and should not be assigned tasks related to developing care plans. This task requires critical thinking skills and assessment that are within the RN's scope of practice. A: A is incorrect because delegating the task of greeting and showing ambulatory surgery patients to their rooms is appropriate for a nursing assistant. B: B is incorrect because delegating the task of collecting a sputum specimen, once trained, is appropriate for a nursing assistant under the supervision of an RN. D: D is incorrect because delegating the task of performing a dressing change to a competent LPN/LVN is appropriate, as long as it falls within their scope of practice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. The "grandfather clause" typically allows individuals to maintain current status or privileges despite changes in requirements. 2. The clause ensures that nurses with ADN degrees can continue using the title "registered nurse" without needing to upgrade to a BSN. 3. This aligns with the principle of honoring past qualifications while moving forward with new standards. 4. Choice A is incorrect as it introduces additional requirements beyond what the clause typically allows. 5. Choice C is incorrect as it imposes a strict time limit, which is not a common practice under grandfather clauses. 6. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests using a new title, which contradicts the purpose of grandfathering in existing qualifications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because waiting for the oncoming shift to start walking rounds is an external distractor that can affect time management. The nurse cannot control when the shift starts, leading to potential delays in task completion. Incorrect choices: B: Failure to delegate tasks is an internal issue, not an external distractor. C: Talking with a patient's family member who is a personal friend is a boundary issue, not necessarily an external distractor. D: Thinking about a vacation is also an internal distraction, not an external one. In summary, the correct answer focuses on an external factor that the nurse cannot directly control, affecting time management, while the other choices are related to internal issues or personal boundaries.