What theme of critical thinking is demonstrated when an individual decides to return to school to obtain a bachelor of science degree in nursing?

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: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct course of action is to establish expectations. By setting clear guidelines and expectations, you can address the issue of unidentified individuals wandering the unit at night in a proactive manner. This approach helps communicate what behaviors are acceptable, ensuring the safety of both staff and patients. Demanding that they leave immediately or simply observing their behaviors may not effectively address the root cause of the problem and could potentially escalate the situation. Asking them to leave without establishing expectations may not prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Practicing and reviewing procedures for performing skills is crucial for a student preparing for a clinical experience. This preparation allows the student to build competence and confidence in executing required tasks. Reviewing class notes may be helpful for theoretical knowledge but may not adequately prepare the student for practical skills needed in a clinical setting. Familiarizing oneself with the clinical facility is beneficial but does not directly address skill readiness. Arriving early is important but does not substitute for the essential preparation of practicing and reviewing procedures for performing skills.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The main goal of discharge planning is to prevent hospital readmissions by ensuring patients have a clear and effective plan for post-discharge care. This includes coordinating follow-up appointments, medication management, and providing necessary support services to promote a successful transition from the hospital to home or another care setting. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because discharge planning is not primarily about speedy discharge, medication education, or transitioning between care levels; its main focus is on preventing readmissions through comprehensive post-discharge care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Choosing to ask the other students why they think the instructor is so picky is a caring response as it opens up a constructive conversation. This approach can help shift the focus from making fun of the instructor to understanding the reasons behind their behavior, fostering empathy, and potentially promoting a more respectful environment. Option A may address the behavior but does not promote understanding. Option B focuses on shaming, which may escalate the situation. Option D diverts attention from the issue and may perpetuate a negative atmosphere.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Personal knowing in any field, especially in nursing, is primarily acquired through self-evaluation and conscious examination. This process involves reflecting on personal values, beliefs, experiences, and emotions to gain insight into oneself. By engaging in self-evaluation and conscious examination, students can enhance their self-awareness and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. This self-awareness is crucial for nurses as it enables them to provide holistic and patient-centered care. Choices A, B, and C do not directly contribute to personal knowing in the context of nursing. Being punctual, attending all classes, or participating in clinical experiences are important for professional development but do not necessarily lead to the deep self-reflection required for personal knowing.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Democratic leadership is a leadership style that operates on the belief that individuals are motivated by internal forces. It involves encouraging participation and decision-making through majority rule to accomplish tasks. This leadership approach fosters collaboration, empowerment, and involvement of team members in decision-making processes. Autocratic leadership (choice A) is characterized by centralized control and little input from team members. Laissez-faire leadership (choice B) involves minimal interference and provides little guidance or direction. Transactional leadership (choice D) is based on exchanges between leaders and followers for desired outcomes, focusing on rewards and punishments rather than internal motivation and participation.

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: The correct answer is C. A sentinel event in healthcare is an unexpected patient death unrelated to the natural course of illness. These events are serious occurrences that warrant immediate investigation and response to prevent their recurrence and ensure patient safety. Choices A, B, and D do not fit the definition of a sentinel event. A patient falling without injury, a near-miss medication error, and a patient developing an infection, while concerning, do not meet the criteria of an unexpected patient death unrelated to the natural course of illness.