What factor has had the greatest impact on the current nursing shortage?

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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. LPNs and LVNs have the same duties and skills but hold different titles. The distinction between the two titles is primarily regional, with some states using LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) and others using LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) to refer to the same role. Their scope of practice, responsibilities, and educational requirements are essentially equivalent, with the only notable difference being the title itself. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because LPNs and LVNs generally have similar educational program lengths, both can perform venipuncture, and both have the potential to pursue further education and licensure to become registered nurses (RNs) if they choose to do so.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The belief that continuous learning contributes to the ongoing process aligns with the theme that critical thinking is a process, not an outcome. This suggests that critical thinking involves a continuous, dynamic process of evaluating information, making connections, and adapting one's thinking over time, rather than being a fixed end result. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D do not directly address the continuous nature of critical thinking or its ongoing development, making them incorrect.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The patient stating they cannot read until they get their glasses suggests a potential issue with literacy rather than visual impairment or unwillingness to cooperate. This statement should prompt further assessment to determine the patient's reading abilities and potential literacy needs. Choice A is incorrect as the statement does not directly imply embarrassment. Choice B is incorrect as the statement does not necessarily indicate a visual impairment. Choice D is incorrect as there is no clear evidence of the patient being uncooperative based on the provided statement.