Select the meaning of the underlined word in the following sentence.The night nursing staff is accountable for those records.
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A
Receptive
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B
Notorious
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C
Responsible
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D
Preoccupied with
Being accountable for records means being responsible, bearing professional obligation for their accuracy, completeness, and proper maintenance.
A) Receptive
Receptiveness denotes openness to input, willingness to receive information rather than obligation to maintain it.
B) Notorious
Notoriety denotes infamous reputation, negative public recognition unrelated to professional obligation.
C) Responsible
Responsibility precisely captures accountability's essence: obligation to answer for outcomes within one's domain of control. Accountable (ad + computare, "to count toward") implies answerability for record integrity, exactly matching responsible's burden of professional duty.
D) Preoccupied with
Preoccupation denotes excessive mental absorption, psychological state rather than professional obligation. Accountable staff should focus on records, but preoccupation implies unhealthy fixation potentially impairing performance.
Conclusion
Accountability denotes professional obligation to answer for outcomes, distinct from receptivity, notoriety, or preoccupation. Responsible alone captures accountability's essential character: the burden of answerability requiring explanation for documentation integrity.
Topic Flashcards
Click to FlipWhat is fiduciary responsibility?
A legal and ethical duty to act in the best interest of another party, often involving trust and accountability for assets.
What is the opposite of being accountable, meaning not required to explain or justify actions?
Unaccountable
What is the meaning of culpable?
Deserving blame; at fault. (This is stronger than accountable, implying wrongdoing).
What does liable mean?
Legally responsible for something; subject to legal obligation.
What is a direct synonym for accountable in a professional context?
Responsible or answerable.