Why are we taught conflicting or incorrect information?

[bxpansive]

Why are we taught in nursing school conflicting or incorrect information with such certainty and authority?

For example:

We do a mini-case study in a respiratory module on a man presenting with tachypnea, O2 sat just below 90%, shortness of breath, T=wnl, and the guy is sitting in forward leaning, propped up position.

One question is: What diagnostic test would confirm that this is COPD? The answer given: arterial blood gases would differentiate between COPD and emphysema.

I have a problem with this answer because 1) we have a powerpoint presentation used in class that defines COPD as emphysema and chronic bronchitis and that the two usually go together and 2) because when I research differential diagnoses for COPD, presentations from the likes of the Am Assoc of Fam Physicians don't even mention ABGs as part of a diagnosis and 3) because ABGs indicate respiratory alterations that could come from various medical diagnoses.

Another example would be: a written document teaches to wear gloves when preparing and administering injections but the instructors say that it isn't necessary and others say with a sneer that "we don't use gloves when giving injections."

Another example is when within the space of an hour two instructors give conflicting information about the meaning and conclusions to be drawn from assessment data and each one is so certain in their conclusions that they flat out dismiss the other one's conclusions.

[krisiepoo]

There is a difference between book learning and the real world (the gloves example)... it's that way with every profession I'd imagine

The other issues sound like issues within your school that you should be questioning the instructors about and if you're not getting satisfactory answers, bring to the dean. We've had issues with instructors not liking each other and maybe that's part of what is going on here.

What did the instructor say when you asked about the COPD question?

[its_meee]

My mother was diagnosed with COPD because of her chronic asthma, however she did not have emphysema. COPD covers many disorders, but you need not have them all for a diagnosis. (that is my understanding anyway) :)

[its_meee]

With the glove issue... the instructors are required to teach by the textbook. There have been many times that my instructors have agreed that sometimes textbook and "real" life will differ, but for testing purposes always choose the textbook answer.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Suggest you ask the COPD question of the instructor the next time he or she asks, "Are there any questions?"