A bad workman always......?

Appeared in: NVS Staff Nurse - 2022

Explanation

This question tests knowledge of a common English proverb.
The correct completion is 'blames his tools,' forming the proverb 'A bad workman always blames his tools.'.
The proverb's meaning is that people who are not skilled at a task tend to blame external factors or their equipment for their poor performance, rather than accepting their own lack of competence.
This behavior is a way of deflecting responsibility for one's own mistakes.

Option A: While a bad workman likely does a shoddy job, this is the result of their lack of skill, not the specific action described in the proverb. The proverb focuses on how they react to their failure.
Option C: Making mistakes is a characteristic of a bad workman, but the proverb is not about the mistakes themselves. It's about the person's refusal to take ownership of those mistakes.
Option D: Getting less work is a likely long-term consequence for a bad workman. However, the proverb describes a characteristic behavior, not the outcome of that behavior.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain English Proverbs and Professional Accountability as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In nursing, accountability is a cornerstone of safe and ethical practice. Blaming equipment or circumstances for errors without self-reflection can endanger patients and prevent professional growth.
A culture of blame can lead to staff hiding mistakes, which is a major patient safety risk. A just culture encourages reporting errors to improve systems, not to punish individuals.
What if? - If a piece of equipment is genuinely faulty, an accountable nurse doesn't just blame it. They take immediate action: remove the device from service, report it according to hospital policy (e.g., to biomedical engineering), and find a working alternative to ensure patient care is not compromised. The focus is on patient safety and system improvement, not just deflecting personal responsibility.

How to Approach the Question

Recognize that this is a question about a common English proverb or idiom.
Recall the full proverb: 'A bad workman always blames his tools.'
Select the option that correctly completes this saying.
If unsure of the proverb, analyze the options. The concept of a 'bad workman' implies someone who is not skilled. Options A, C, and D are consequences of being unskilled. Option B describes a behavior—deflecting blame—which is a common theme in proverbs about character.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 476-478

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 1 p. 236-238

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.