Which societal changes have promoted the nurse’s return to school and

QUESTION

Which societal changes have promoted the nurse’s return to school and further education? (Select all that apply.)

1. Patients have increasingly more complex and varied health needs.
2. Previously unknown diseases are being identified.
3. New technologies are being developed that require continual knowledge updates.
4. Patients are staying longer in the hospital.
5. There is a relative increase in the number of children in the population.

ANSWER:

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3

Changes in society have placed new demands on nurses. The population is aging and these older patients have more complex and varied health problems. New diseases related to social and environmental problems are being identified. Scientific discoveries and new technologies require the nurse to continually update his or her knowledge base in order to provide safe and competent care. Patients are going home from the hospital earlier (not staying longer), so much more care is being provided in community and outpatient settings. The population is aging so there is not a relative increase in the number of children in the population.