Final answer:
The correct answer is option C) Improved patient outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around the impact of higher levels of education in nursing and allied health professions on various aspects of healthcare delivery and economics. Given the increase in demand for nurses, and the resulting higher salaries due to a decrease in supply as nurses retire, the primary focus here is to deduce the outcome of such an educational enhancement on health care.
Notably, the answer we are seeking from the options provided would be Improved patient outcomes (C), as more educated nurses typically have a better skill set, critical thinking abilities, and can provide higher quality of care, which directly correlates with patient outcomes. While higher education might lead to higher labor costs, it is generally accepted that the investment in education pays off in the form of better patient care and safety, which is a fundamental goal of healthcare systems.