NURSING NOW
TODAY'S ISSUES, TOMORROW'S
TRENDS
9TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)JOSEPH CATALANO
TEST BANK
1) Accountability after a practice error
Reference: Ch. 1 — The Development of a Profession —
Accountability
Stem:
A newly licensed nurse administers the wrong dose of a
scheduled medication and realizes the error immediately after
giving it. The patient remains stable, but the nurse feels
embarrassed and considers waiting to see whether anyone
notices before reporting it. Which action best reflects
professional nursing practice?
,Options:
A. Document the error only if the patient develops symptoms
B. Report the error promptly according to unit policy
C. Ask the charge nurse to change the medication record later
D. Avoid telling anyone to protect the patient’s privacy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct Answer:
Prompt reporting reflects accountability, which is a defining
feature of a profession. Nurses are responsible for recognizing
errors, protecting the patient, and initiating appropriate follow-
up. Timely disclosure also supports patient safety and systems
learning.
Rationale — Incorrect Options:
A. Waiting for symptoms delays intervention and ignores the
duty to report actual errors.
C. Altering a record is unethical and undermines legal and
professional standards.
D. Privacy does not justify concealment; the patient and care
team still need accurate information.
Teaching Point:
Accountability requires prompt recognition, disclosure, and
action after an error.
Citation: Catalano, J. (2024). Nursing Now: Today’s Issues,
Tomorrow’s Trends (9th ed.). Ch. 1.
,2) Evidence-based decision-making
Reference: Ch. 1 — The Development of a Profession —
Evidence-Based Practice
Stem:
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit notices that a newly adopted
dressing change method is taking longer and causing more
discomfort for patients than the older approach. The nurse
reviews current studies and finds stronger outcomes with an
alternate method. What is the nurse demonstrating by using
this evidence to guide practice?
Options:
A. Tradition-based practice
B. Evidence-based practice
C. Physician-dependent practice
D. Task-oriented practice
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct Answer:
Evidence-based practice integrates current research with
clinical expertise and patient needs. Using study findings to
improve care reflects a professional obligation to base decisions
on sound evidence rather than habit. This strengthens quality
and consistency.
Rationale — Incorrect Options:
A. Tradition-based practice relies on “what has always been
done,” not updated evidence.
, C. Physician-dependent practice incorrectly suggests nursing
decisions should rely only on provider preference.
D. Task-oriented practice focuses on completing steps rather
than evaluating best practice.
Teaching Point:
Professionals update care using research, not routine alone.
Citation: Catalano, J. (2024). Nursing Now: Today’s Issues,
Tomorrow’s Trends (9th ed.). Ch. 1.
3) Professional autonomy in practice
Reference: Ch. 1 — The Development of a Profession —
Autonomy
Stem:
A nurse notices that a provider’s order for a client with kidney
disease appears inconsistent with the client’s laboratory values
and current condition. The nurse pauses the medication and
contacts the provider for clarification before administration.
What professional concept is the nurse demonstrating?
Options:
A. Autonomy with accountability
B. Role avoidance
C. Passive compliance
D. Independent diagnosis
Correct Answer: A
TODAY'S ISSUES, TOMORROW'S
TRENDS
9TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)JOSEPH CATALANO
TEST BANK
1) Accountability after a practice error
Reference: Ch. 1 — The Development of a Profession —
Accountability
Stem:
A newly licensed nurse administers the wrong dose of a
scheduled medication and realizes the error immediately after
giving it. The patient remains stable, but the nurse feels
embarrassed and considers waiting to see whether anyone
notices before reporting it. Which action best reflects
professional nursing practice?
,Options:
A. Document the error only if the patient develops symptoms
B. Report the error promptly according to unit policy
C. Ask the charge nurse to change the medication record later
D. Avoid telling anyone to protect the patient’s privacy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct Answer:
Prompt reporting reflects accountability, which is a defining
feature of a profession. Nurses are responsible for recognizing
errors, protecting the patient, and initiating appropriate follow-
up. Timely disclosure also supports patient safety and systems
learning.
Rationale — Incorrect Options:
A. Waiting for symptoms delays intervention and ignores the
duty to report actual errors.
C. Altering a record is unethical and undermines legal and
professional standards.
D. Privacy does not justify concealment; the patient and care
team still need accurate information.
Teaching Point:
Accountability requires prompt recognition, disclosure, and
action after an error.
Citation: Catalano, J. (2024). Nursing Now: Today’s Issues,
Tomorrow’s Trends (9th ed.). Ch. 1.
,2) Evidence-based decision-making
Reference: Ch. 1 — The Development of a Profession —
Evidence-Based Practice
Stem:
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit notices that a newly adopted
dressing change method is taking longer and causing more
discomfort for patients than the older approach. The nurse
reviews current studies and finds stronger outcomes with an
alternate method. What is the nurse demonstrating by using
this evidence to guide practice?
Options:
A. Tradition-based practice
B. Evidence-based practice
C. Physician-dependent practice
D. Task-oriented practice
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct Answer:
Evidence-based practice integrates current research with
clinical expertise and patient needs. Using study findings to
improve care reflects a professional obligation to base decisions
on sound evidence rather than habit. This strengthens quality
and consistency.
Rationale — Incorrect Options:
A. Tradition-based practice relies on “what has always been
done,” not updated evidence.
, C. Physician-dependent practice incorrectly suggests nursing
decisions should rely only on provider preference.
D. Task-oriented practice focuses on completing steps rather
than evaluating best practice.
Teaching Point:
Professionals update care using research, not routine alone.
Citation: Catalano, J. (2024). Nursing Now: Today’s Issues,
Tomorrow’s Trends (9th ed.). Ch. 1.
3) Professional autonomy in practice
Reference: Ch. 1 — The Development of a Profession —
Autonomy
Stem:
A nurse notices that a provider’s order for a client with kidney
disease appears inconsistent with the client’s laboratory values
and current condition. The nurse pauses the medication and
contacts the provider for clarification before administration.
What professional concept is the nurse demonstrating?
Options:
A. Autonomy with accountability
B. Role avoidance
C. Passive compliance
D. Independent diagnosis
Correct Answer: A
