Author Question: Which of the following best describes what is being discussed in relation to concerns over patients' ... (Read 14 times)

plus1 · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

Which of the following best describes what is being discussed in relation to concerns over patients' safety and nurse fatigue?

a. All hospitals are now required to report errors made that are a result of low nurse staffing.
b. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the incidence of medical errors caused by nurse understaffing.
c. The Registered Nurse Safe Staffing Act was passed by Congress in 2013.
d. Legislation has been suggested that staffing systems require the input of direct care registered nurses.

Question 2

Which of the following statements best describes why nurses should contribute whenever possible to their state nursing association political action committee (PAC)?

a. As PACs are a reality of political life, nursing needs to be heard.
b. Contributing money may result in a future political appointment.
c. Only money really has any influence on legislative votes.
d. PACs are being used to increase nursing salaries and working conditions.

Jevvish · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The Registered Nurse Safe Staffing Act of 2013 was introduced in Congress to address concerns of inadequate and inappropriate staffing, which threatens patients' safety and the nurses' health. The act would encourage development of staffing systems that require the input of direct care registered nurses, as well as protection for RNs who speak out about patient care issues. This suggested legislation has not been acted on. The CDC is not involved in monitoring medical errors caused by nurse understaffing. Hospitals are not required to report errors that occur due to nurse understaffing.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Because PACs are a reality of political life, nurses need to recognize their power and support those that are committed to electing candidates sympathetic to health care issues. The contribution of money will support the current nursing practice initiatives which will change as nursing practice changes. These contributions will most likely not have any relationship to a future political appointment. Legislative votes are influenced by a variety of factors and are not limited only to money.