A staff nurse loses their job after reporting instances of patient abuse at their hospital to the State Board of Nursing. The nurse thinks they were unfairly dismissed and initiates a whistleblower lawsuit against their former employer. Which of these scenarios closely resembles employer retaliation?
The nurse was discharged after writing a detailed social media post discussing the alleged patient abuse.
The nurse was discharged after three unsuccessful attempts at progressive discipline had failed.
The nurse was fired after formally filing a complaint in writing to hospital administration.
The nurse was fired after threatening to give full details of the patient abuse to local media sources.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
The nurse being discharged after writing a detailed social media post discussing the alleged patient abuse could be seen as a violation of hospital policy regarding social media use and patient confidentiality. While this action might seem retaliatory, it is more likely related to the breach of confidentiality and professional conduct standards.
Choice B Reason:
The nurse being discharged after three unsuccessful attempts at progressive discipline had failed indicates that the termination was due to performance issues rather than retaliation. Progressive discipline is a standard procedure used to address performance or behavior issues, and if the nurse failed to improve, the termination would be justified based on those grounds.
Choice C Reason:
The nurse being fired after formally filing a complaint in writing to hospital administration closely resembles employer retaliation. Filing a formal complaint is a protected activity under whistleblower protection laws, and retaliating against an employee for engaging in such activity is illegal. This scenario fits the definition of retaliation as it directly follows the nurse’s protected action.
Choice D Reason:
The nurse being fired after threatening to give full details of the patient abuse to local media sources could be seen as a breach of confidentiality and professional conduct. While this action might seem retaliatory, it is more likely related to the potential harm to the hospital’s reputation and breach of confidentiality.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Informatics fundamentally revolves around the management and use of data, information, and knowledge. These three components form the core of informatics, enabling healthcare professionals to make informed decisions and improve patient outcomes. Data refers to raw facts and figures, information is processed data that is meaningful, and knowledge is the application of information to make decisions. This triad is essential for effective informatics practice in nursing, as it supports clinical decision-making and enhances the quality of care.
Choice B Reason:
While decision making, data gathering, and reporting are important aspects of informatics, they are not the fundamental principles. These activities are outcomes of effectively managing data, information, and knowledge. Decision making relies on the availability of accurate information and knowledge, which are derived from well-managed data. Therefore, these activities are secondary to the core principles of data, information, and knowledge.
Choice C Reason:
Wireless technology, voice recognition, and handheld devices are tools used in informatics but are not the fundamental principles. These technologies facilitate the collection, processing, and dissemination of data, information, and knowledge. They enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of informatics practices but do not constitute the core principles themselves. The focus should be on the underlying principles that these technologies support.
Choice D Reason:
Hardware, software, and printers are components of the technological infrastructure used in informatics. While essential for implementing informatics solutions, they are not the fundamental principles. These elements provide the necessary tools and platforms for managing data, information, and knowledge but are not the core concepts of informatics. The principles of data, information, and knowledge are what drive the effective use of these technologies.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
I should promote the idea of clients getting an annual flu vaccination. Promoting annual flu vaccinations is a cost-saving measure because it helps prevent the flu, which can lead to serious health complications and hospitalizations. By encouraging clients to get vaccinated, nurses can reduce the incidence of flu-related illnesses, thereby decreasing healthcare costs associated with treating these conditions. This preventive approach aligns with cost-saving strategies in client care.
Choice B Reason:
I need to delay emptying my client’s drainable colostomy until it’s three-fourths full. Delaying the emptying of a drainable colostomy until it is three-fourths full is not a recommended practice. It can lead to leakage, skin irritation, and other complications. Proper and timely management of colostomies is essential for maintaining client comfort and preventing additional healthcare costs related to complications.
Choice C Reason:
I should suggest that my clients with a permanent tracheostomy practice sterile technique when performing ostomy care at home. While sterile technique is important in certain clinical settings, it is not typically required for routine tracheostomy care at home. Teaching clients proper clean technique is usually sufficient and more practical for home care. This statement does not demonstrate an understanding of cost-saving methods, as it may unnecessarily increase costs and complexity for clients.
Choice D Reason:
I ought to assign the task of administering closed irrigation to the assistive personnel (AP). Administering closed irrigation is a task that requires specific knowledge and skills, and it may not be appropriate to delegate this to assistive personnel. Proper delegation involves ensuring that tasks are assigned to individuals with the appropriate training and competency. This statement does not reflect an understanding of safe and cost-effective delegation practices.
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