Question 1

An ambulatory care nurse is concerned a colleague is not administering drugs correctly at the care home. Which set of regulations should the facilities policies be based on to correct this?&#10;A)Drug Enforcement Agency&#10;B)Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS)&#10;C)Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR)&#10;D)Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Accepted Answer

The Drug Enforcement Agency enforces controlled substance laws and regulations in the United States. These are the policies upon which the facility should base these particular regulations. The CMS specifies requirements for privacy, reimbursement, security among other areas that impact nursing practice. The CMS establishes conditions of participating and coverage that apply to any organization that provides care to those over 65 years, those under 65 years with disabilities, and those with end-stage renal disease. The Department of Health and Human Services OCR is in charge of HIPAA enforcement, by auditing healthcare providers. OSHA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor whose role is to promote the safety and health of America's workforce.

Question 2

An ambulatory care nurse has chosen to specialize in public health nursing and is planning to join the Association of Public Health Nursing and seek certification through the Certified in Public Health group. What is the main advantage to making this choice?

A)Will receive guidance for developing expected competencies
B)Will improve employment options
C)Will fulfill a requirement for acquiring malpractice insurance
D)Will meet state requirements for licensure

Will receive guidance for developing expected competencies

Accepted Answer

Joining a recognized national group and gaining certification within a specialty will provide the nurse with guidance for developing the expected competencies to meet the specific requirements for that group. Many professional organizations (such as the examples mentioned) have established standards that provide guidance by outlining what the profession expects of its members; promoting guides and directing professional nursing practice; and giving nurses a framework for developing competencies. The other choices may also prove correct for the nurse but would not be the primary advantage. They would follow after the nurse has proven to be capable of achieving the required competencies.

Question 3

An ambulatory care nurse provides telehealth care to a section of the state where the nurse lives. Which action should the nurse prioritize if the nurse is informed the health agency will be offering services to close communities across state lines?

A)Ensure the neighboring state will allow the nurse to provide care there.
B)Check the organization's policies to ensure they are updated to include this action.
C)Visit the new communities to assess their needs and available sources.
D)Determine if additional training will be needed to provide care in the other state.

Ensure the neighboring state will allow the nurse to provide care there.

Accepted Answer

The priority will be to confirm that the neighboring state will recognize the nurse's licensure from a different state and allow the nurse to continue providing care. If this is not allowed, then the nurse may need to also obtain licensure in the new state. The other choices would then be completed, if needed. It may not be necessary for the nurse to visit the new communities. If the nurse needs to obtain a license in the new state, then additional training may be necessary depending on the new state's requirements. It would also be prudent for the nurse to ensure the organization's policies have been updated to include these new functions.

Question 4

An ambulatory care nurse has learned that the state board of nursing is requesting input concerning updating the state's regulations concerning the scope of practice. How can the nurse best assist with this process?

A)Volunteer to be a part of the group determining the changes.
B)Send written suggestions to the state board of nursing.
C)Encourage colleagues to also get involved.
D)Meet with the politicians involved to lobby for specific changes.

Accepted Answer

It is of utmost importance for nurses to become much more involved with health policy leadership. Involvement in these decisions is considered an important aspect of patient advocacy and can ensure that the importance of activities by ambulatory care nurses is inherently reflected in public policy. The nurse can best achieve this by becoming involved in the group making the changes. The other choices may also be completed and will help, but being involved and present when the changes are being considered will ensure the best results.

Deck 3: Nursing Practice: Regulation and Advocacy