Nursing Today / Nursing Roles and Practice

Question 1

Compare and contrast historical and contemporary influences in the development of professional nursing roles

Answer 1

Nursing in the 19th century, influenced by pioneers like Florence Nightingale, focused on sanitation, basic care, and reducing mortality rates. In the 21st century, the role has expanded to include evidence-based practice, advanced technologies, and specialized care. Similarities include the emphasis on compassion and patient-centered care​

Question 2

Describe the various levels of educational preparation in nursing

Answer 2

Associate Degree: Entry-level program for RN practice.

Diploma Program: Hospital-based education (declined since the mid-20th century).

Baccalaureate Degree: Comprehensive education integrating leadership and research.

Master’s Entry: For individuals entering nursing from other professions.

Doctoral Degrees (PhD, DNP): Focus on research or clinical expertise​

Question 3

Outline the role of the Arizona State Board of Nursing

Answer 3

The board ensures public safety by regulating nursing practice, issuing licenses, enforcing standards, and providing advisory opinions on the scope of practice​

Question 3

Define nursing as a professional discipline

Answer 3

Defined as promoting health, preventing illness, alleviating suffering, and advocating for individuals and communities. Florence Nightingale emphasized creating optimal conditions for nature to act in healing​

Question 4

Identify the major elements (prioritization, delegation, assignment) addressed by the nursing practice acts

Answer 4

Prioritization

Delegation

Assignment

Question 5

Prioritization

Answer 5

Focus on immediate needs (e.g., airway, breathing, circulation).

Question 6

Delegation

Answer 6

Assign tasks while retaining accountability (e.g., following the Five Rights of Delegation).

Question 7

Assignment

Answer 7

Designating tasks based on skill levels and patient complexity​

Question 8

Differentiate between licensure by examination, licensure by endorsement, and mutual recognition of licensure

Answer 8

By Examination: Standardized testing (e.g., NCLEX) for new nurses.

By Endorsement: Recognition of licensure from another state.

Mutual Recognition: Multi-state practice under the Nurse Licensure Compact​

Question 9

Discuss the purpose of the organizational mission, vision, and values

Answer 9

These guide strategic decisions, unify staff goals, and reflect the institution’s commitment to patient care and community well-being​

Question 10

Discuss the concept of organizational structure, organizational charts, and chain of command

Answer 10

Hierarchical structures ensure clear lines of responsibility. Organizational charts visually represent roles and reporting relationships, supporting efficient decision-making​

Question 11

Discuss the various employment opportunities available to nurses today

Answer 11

RNs can work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, public health, education, research, administration, and emerging fields like telehealth and informatics​

Question 12

Describe different patterns of nursing care delivery

Answer 12

Case Method

Functional Method

Team Nursing

Primary Nursing

Case Management

Question 13

Case Method

Answer 13

One nurse for all aspects of care for a patient.

Question 14

Functional Method

Answer 14

Task-oriented approach.

Question 15

Team Nursing

Answer 15

Collaborative care by a team led by an RN

Question 16

Primary Nursing

Answer 16

One nurse manages a patient’s care throughout the stay.

Question 17

Case Management

Answer 17

Focuses on coordination and continuity of care​

Question 18

Explain the multiple uses of certification in nursing

Answer 18

Demonstrates expertise in specialties (e.g., critical care, oncology), supporting professional growth and enhancing patient trust​

Question 19

Describe the Program Learning Outcomes of the ADN graduates from Pima Community College

Answer 19

ADN graduates are prepared for safe, evidence-based, patient-centered care, integrating clinical reasoning, teamwork, and professional growth​

Question 20

Maslows Hierarchy of Needs

Answer 20

Self actualization

Self-esteem

Love & Belongingness

Safety & Security

Physiological Needs

Question 21

What can be delegated to a CNA?

Answer 21

Basic pt care ( assisting with ADL, feeding pt, positioning, help w/ mobility)

vital signs & monitoring (measure and record VS, document I/O, observe & report changes

enviornmental amd pt comfort (make beds, esnure clean safe enviornment, stock supplies, transport pts w/ in facility)

Assistance w/ nutrtional needs (deliver meals, monitor dietary intake when do advances interventions are required)

support for nursing procedures (provide comfort measure)

Question 22

What can NOT be delegated to a CNA

Answer 22

Administration of medications (including oxygen therapy, unless explicitly allowed by state regulation).

Assessment, planning, evaluation, or development of a care plan.

Performing invasive procedures, such as inserting catheters or suctioning.

Patient teaching or counseling.

Question 23

What can be delegated to a LPN?

Answer 23

administer meds (oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and some IV medications, depending on state regulations)

provide basic wound care

assist w/ ADL and mobility

perform catheterizations

measure and record VS

monitor pt response to Tx and meds

observe and report changes to RN or physician

perform basic respiratory care

collecting specimens

assisting w/ tube feeding

blood glucose monitoring

reinforce pt education initally provides by RN

Question 24

What can NOT be delegated to LPN

Answer 24

Initial patient assessments.

Development or modification of care plans.

Administration of certain high-risk medications (e.g., chemotherapy or IV push medications, depending on state law).

Complex wound care or procedures, such as managing central lines or arterial lines.

Initiation of blood transfusions (although they may monitor after initiation in some states).

Providing patient education that involves significant teaching or changes in care plans.