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: planned variances. Organizations compare actual revenues and expenditures to planned variances to measure budget effectiveness. Planned variances show the differences between the budgeted amounts and the actual results, highlighting areas of over or underperformance. This analysis helps organizations identify reasons for deviations and adjust future budgets accordingly. Explanation for other choices: B: Incremental budgets focus on adjusting previous budgets by a fixed amount, not on comparing actual versus planned amounts. C: Productivity metrics measure the efficiency of resources used, not specifically related to budget effectiveness. D: Expected performance is a vague term that does not directly address comparing actual versus planned financial data.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: contact the state board of nursing to determine legal scope of practice for LPNs. This is the most appropriate action because the state board of nursing is the authoritative body that governs nursing practice within a specific state. By contacting the board, the RN can get accurate and up-to-date information on the legal scope of practice for LPNs in Arkansas. This ensures compliance with state regulations and avoids any potential legal issues. A: Querying the state nursing association may provide some insight, but the state board of nursing is the official entity that regulates nursing practice. B: Asking the LPNs about their tasks may not provide a comprehensive understanding of their legal scope of practice and could lead to misunderstandings. D: Referring to California's nurse practice act is irrelevant as each state has its own regulations, and assuming consistency across states can lead to incorrect assumptions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: priorities. When seeking funding for a study, identifying the priorities of funding agencies is crucial as it helps align the research proposal with the agency's focus areas, increasing the chances of securing funding. Board members (A) are individuals overseeing the agency, not directly related to funding decisions. Budgets (C) refer to financial resources, which are important but secondary to understanding the agency's priorities. Accreditation (D) is about meeting certain standards and is not directly related to identifying funding agencies. Therefore, it is essential to focus on understanding the priorities of funding agencies when seeking funding for a study.

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.