Deck 6: Becoming a Nurse: Defining Nursing and Socialization into Professional Practice

Question 1

A nursing student asks, "Since I work as a nurse technician in psychiatric nursing, may I spend part of my clinical rotation with a psychiatric home visiting nurse?" In which stage of Cohen's model of professional socialization is this student?

A) Stage I: Unilateral dependence
B) Stage II: Negativity/independence
C) Stage III: Dependence/mutuality
D) Stage IV: Interdependence

Answer 1

Stage IV: Interdependence

Question 2

Benner describes five stages of nursing proficiency as students develop into expert nurses. Which of the following is not a stage of development described by Benner?

A) Novice
B) Inexpert beginner
C) Competent practitioner
D) Expert practitioner

Answer 2

Inexpert beginner

Question 3

A nursing student says to the clinical faculty, "I know I will be able to care for this patient given your directions." In which stage of Cohen's model of professional socialization is this student?

A) Stage I: Unilateral dependence
B) Stage II: Negativity/independence
C) Stage III: Dependence/mutuality
D) Stage IV: Interdependence

Answer 3

Stage I: Unilateral dependence

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of Henderson's definition of nursing?

A) Performing a hearing screening in preschool children
B) Interacting with depressed men to learn new strategies for reducing their symptoms
C) Setting goals for weight loss with a patient
D) Teaching a person with frequent constipation about high-fiber foods

Question 5

A nursing student asks, "Why do I have to go to clinical in obstetrics when I know I'll never work with women and children?" In which stage of Cohen's model of professional socialization is this student?

A) Stage I: Unilateral dependence
B) Stage II: Negativity/independence
C) Stage III: Dependence/mutuality
D) Stage IV: Interdependence

Question 6

A new graduate nurse is in the fifth week of working on a busy surgical unit. The nurse tells a friend about witnessing some patient care that was "appalling." What should the nurse do?

A) Return to school to obtain a master's of science in nursing (MSN) and leave bedside nursing.
B) Talk to the other nurses involved in the situation about the concerns.
C) Report the behavior to the nurse manager of the unit.
D) Accept that this is the reality of nursing in a busy unit.

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of Orem's self-care theory?

A) Assuring proper fresh air and ventilation
B) Demonstrating good handwashing techniques
C) Assisting a disoriented patient with a bath
D) Performing a visual screening exam

Question 8

Which early nursing theorist recognized therapeutic milieu, assessment skills, and a unique body of knowledge in her definition of nursing?

A) Dorothea Orem
B) Virginia Henderson
C) Hildegard Peplau
D) Florence Nightingale

Question 9

The legal definition of nursing for any particular state can be found in the

A) state legislature's official newsletter.
B) state board of nursing's bylaws.
C) governor's official papers.
D) state's nurse practice act.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of formal socialization into the profession of nursing?

A) Unplanned observation of a nurse comforting a child after a painful procedure
B) Hearing two nurses discussing how to organize patient care more effectively
C) Starting an intravenous (IV) line in the simulation laboratory under faculty guidance
D) Participating in a student nurses' association meeting

Question 11

A mother asks the nurse if her 5-year-old can visit his twin brother in the PICU after cardiac surgery. The nurse knows that hospital policy states that children younger than 12 years of age are not allowed to visit the PICU. After considering the needs of the patient and his brother, the nurse suggests that the brother can visit for 5 minutes. This illustrates which of Benner's stages of nursing proficiency?

A) Advanced beginner
B) Competent practitioner
C) Proficient practitioner
D) Expert practitioner

Question 12

A mother asks the nurse if her 5-year-old can visit his twin brother in the PICU after cardiac surgery. The nurse knows that hospital policy states that children younger than 12 years of age are not allowed to visit the PICU. The nurse grants the request. This illustrates which of Benner's stages of nursing proficiency?

A) Advanced beginner
B) Competent practitioner
C) Proficient practitioner
D) Expert practitioner

Question 13

Which early nursing theorist defined nursing in interpersonal terms by stating that nursing is a significant, therapeutic, and interpersonal process?

A) Virginia Henderson
B) Hildegard Peplau
C) Martha Rogers
D) Dorothea Orem

Question 14

A mother asks the nurse if her 5-year-old can visit his twin brother in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) after cardiac surgery. The nurse denies the request because hospital policy states that children younger than 12 years of age are not allowed to visit the PICU. This illustrates which of Benner's stages of nursing proficiency?

A) Novice
B) Advanced beginner
C) Competent practitioner
D) Proficient practitioner

Question 15

A mother asks the nurse if her 5-year-old can visit his twin brother in the PICU after cardiac surgery. The nurse denies the request because hospital policy states that children younger than 12 years of age are not allowed to visit the PICU but suggests that the mother visit with the child in the visitor's lounge and talk to him about what is happening with his brother. This illustrates which of Benner's stages of nursing proficiency?

A) Novice
B) Advanced beginner
C) Competent practitioner
D) Proficient practitioner

Question 16

A nursing student says, "I can now see how developing care plans helps organize my thoughts and patient care." In which stage of Cohen's model of professional socialization is this student?

A) Stage I: Unilateral dependence
B) Stage II: Negativity/independence
C) Stage III: Dependence/mutuality
D) Stage IV: Interdependence

Question 17

A nurse observes a new graduate nurse being harassed by co-workers when asking questions or requesting help. What action by the nurse is best?

A) Do not intervene, because it will only invite more harassment.
B) Ask the nursing manager to intervene on behalf of the new nurse.
C) Respectfully confront the staff and explain that this behavior is not part of nursing.
D) Teach the new nurse to stand up for himself or herself when harassed. This is bullying behavior by the staff, and often the new nurse cannot handle it alone. If the new nurse cannot manage this with mentoring of the seasoned nurse, the other nurse should help the new nurse report this behavior to the management staff.

Question 18

Which of the following illustrates an effective strategy for a registered nurse student returning for a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN)?

A) Get reacquainted with the library; expect to spend many hours there doing research.
B) Be open to information that does not seem to be readily applicable to your current position.
C) Start a program only if you have a great deal of free time to devote to classes on campus.
D) Use your co-workers as a sounding board to relieve frustration.

Question 19

A 5-year-old with a twin brother is admitted to the PICU after cardiac surgery. Hospital policy does not allow individuals younger than 12 years of age to visit the PICU. The nurse recognizes the needs of the patient and his brother and suggests that the mother bring her son to visit his brother briefly in the afternoon when the unit is usually quiet. This illustrates which of Brenner's stages of nursing proficiency?

A) Advanced beginner
B) Competent practitioner
C) Proficient practitioner
D) Expert practitioner

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of informal socialization into a profession?

A) Nurses discussing a patient care issue in the presence of other nurses
B) Taking an extra class for an elective
C) Performing your first physical assessment in a client
D) Teaching a patient about warfarin (Coumadin)

Question 21

Which of the following strategies may help to overcome reality shock in the novice nurse?

A) Participating in a preceptorship
B) Returning to school immediately after graduation
C) Moving frequently from job to job
D) Becoming emotionally involved with patients

Question 22

Black illustrates concepts of preventing burnout by using the example of a flight attendant instructing persons to "put your own oxygen mask on first." What does this statement mean?

A) Oxygen is the most important element of life.
B) Airway is always a priority in patient care.
C) Taking care of yourself will enable you to be a better nurse.
D) Ask others for help if you feel overwhelmed by your first position as a nurse.

Question 23

Which of the following behaviors of a student indicate that the student has taken responsibility for his or her own professional socialization? (Select all that apply.)

A) Projecting a professional appearance in class
B) Attending class, quietly listening to the lectures
C) Taking responsibility to request alternative dates for examinations in order to work
D) Taking responsibility to learn the expectations of the faculty in each course
E) Accepting constructive criticism without becoming defensive

Question 24

A definition of nursing is essential because it (Select all that apply.)

A) differentiates nursing from other health occupations.
B) guides educational preparation and theory development.
C) helps state nurse practice acts reflect the changing roles of nurses.
D) clarifies the purposes and functions of the nurses.
E) informs potential students of exactly what nurses do.