Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What frame of reference is used when a nurse suggests medication to a patient pacing on the unit?

1. Linear causality

2. Circular causality

3. Systemic theory

4. Dynamic equilibrium

The correct answer is: Linear causality

The correct choice is rooted in the concept of linear causality, which refers to a straightforward cause-and-effect relationship between events. When a nurse suggests medication to a patient who is pacing, it implies a direct action aimed at addressing a specific behavior (pacing) that may be associated with a particular condition (such as anxiety or agitation). The suggestion of medication is seen as a direct intervention to alleviate symptoms or modify behavior, following a sequential approach: the nurse observes a behavior, determines a possible cause, and proposes a solution (the medication). Using linear causality helps underscore the nurse’s role in identifying the relationship between the patient's observable symptoms and the proposed treatment approach. It emphasizes a rational and structured way of thinking about how to manage a patient's condition. On the other hand, circular causality suggests a more complex interplay where behaviors and reactions feed back into each other, complicating straightforward relationships. Systemic theory encompasses broader interactions within systems, which may include familial, social, or environmental factors, not just the immediate behavior and intervention. Dynamic equilibrium refers to the state of balance that can exist within a system but does not directly apply to the step of suggesting medication in response to a specific behavior.