ch claywell

A nursing advisor is meeting with a student who is interested in earning her RN degree. She knows that LPN/LVNs who enter nursing school to become RNs come into the learning environment with prior knowledge and understanding. Which statement by the nursing advisor best describes her understanding of the effect experience may have on learning?

• “Experience may be a source of insight or a barrier.”

• “Experience is usually a stumbling block for LPN/LVNs.”

• “Experience never makes learning more difficult.”

• “Once something is learned, it can never be truly modified.”

Answer explanation

Experience accentuates differences among learners and serves as a source of insight and motivation, but it can also be a barrier. Experience can serve as a foundation for defining the self.

There is a test on the cardiovascular system on Friday morning, and it is now Wednesday night. The student has already taken a vacation day from work Thursday night so that she can stay home and study. She is considering skipping her exercise class on Thursday morning to go to the library to prepare for the test. Which response best identifies the student’s outcome priority?

• Exercise class

• Going to the library

• Avoiding work by taking a vacation

• Doing well on the test on Friday

Answer explanation

The outcome priority is the most important goal, and other tasks are prioritized in order based on their importance toward meeting the identified goal.

A nurse who has been an LPN/LVN for 10 years is meeting with an advisor to discuss the possibility of taking classes to become an RN. The advisor interprets which statement by the nurse as the driving force for returning to school?

• “I’ll need to schedule time to attend classes.”

• “I’ll have to budget for paying tuition.”

• “I’ll have to rearranging my schedule.”

• “There is a possibility of advancement into administration.”

Answer explanation

Driving forces are those that tend to lead toward making the change, as opposed to restraining forces, which are those that usually present a challenge that needs to be overcome for the change to take place or present a negative effect the change may initiate.

An RN is caring for a diabetic patient. The patient appears interested in changing her lifestyle and has been asking questions about eating better. The nurse can interpret this behavior as which stage of Lewin’s Change Theory?

• Moving

• Unfreezing

• Action

• Refreezing

Answer explanation

The patient is in the first phase of Lewin’s Change Theory, known as unfreezing. This phase involves determining that a change needs to occur and deciding to take action. Moving is the second phase and involves actively planning changes and taking action on them. Refreezing is the last stage, and it occurs when the change has become a part of the person’s life.

An LPN is talking with her clinical instructor about her decision to return to school to become an RN. The clinical instructor interprets the LPNs outcome priority based on which statement?

• “My family wanted me to go back to school.”

• “I want to better my financial situation.”

• “I really enjoy school.”

• “I would like to advance to a teaching role someday.”

Answer explanation

The outcome priority is the essential need that must be addressed, determined by internal and external factors, such as needing to better a financial situation. The other statements indicate reasons for returning to school, but they are not essential needs or issues to be addressed.

A nurse notices a posting for a management position for which she is qualified. If the nurse is in the moving phase of Lewin’s Change Theory, which statement reflects the action she is most likely to take?

• Does nothing to obtain the position

• Applies for the position

• Identifies that change is needed

• Settles into the routine of her job

Answer explanation

Unfreezing begins when reasons for change are identified. The moving phase involves active planning and action. Refreezing occurs after the change has become routine.

An Orthopedic Nurse is contemplating changes in her professional life and identifying goals. Which action should the nurse take if she is interested in pursuing a long-term goal?

• Studies for a telemetry exam scheduled for next week

• Enrolls in a Nurse Practitioner program

• Attends a seminar to become a charge nurse

• Continues to work on the orthopedic floor full-time

Answer explanation

A short-term goal is one that can be attained in a period of 6 months or less. Short-term goals include becoming a charge nurse and passing the telemetry exam. A long-term goal is attained in greater than 6 months and includes studying to become a Nurse Practitioner. Continuing to work on the orthopedic floor does not represent either a short-term or a long-term goal.

A group of cardiac nurses with common experiences meet monthly for a staff meeting to discuss ways to improve patient care. This group is known as a:

• scheme.

• cohort.

• team.

• unit.

Answer explanation

A cohort is a group of people who share common experiences with each other. A scheme is a web of connections, a team is a group linked together for common purposes, and a unit consists of groups or individuals that make up a whole.

Although experience may be a source of motivation for the adult learner, it may also serve as a(n) __________ to new learning.

• stepping stone

• barrier

• avenue

• detour

Answer explanation

Experience accentuates differences among learners, serves as a source of insight and motivation, can be a barrier to new learning, and serves as a foundation for defining the self.

A student nurse and the staff RN are discussing recent changes on the nursing unit. Which of the following are examples of change processes? (Select all that apply.)

• Coercive

• Collaborative

• Technocratic

• Planned

Answer explanation

Coercive is a type of change that is forced or pushed on another. A decision for change made by the most knowledgeable person is known as technocratic. Planned change involves careful thought and decision making. Collaborative and organized are not considered to be types of change.