Nursing Elites

1. As a type of quality indicator, an example of a structure standard is:

• A. a written philosophy.
• B. a procedure for a straight catheterization.
• C. a protocol for treatment of a client with chest pain.
• D. the diagnostic work-up for a client with abdominal pain.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'a written philosophy.' Structure standards define the conditions needed to operate a system and do not directly involve client care. Examples include philosophy, objectives, goals, hours of operation, and management responsibility. Choices B, C, and D involve specific procedures and protocols related to client care, which are not structure standards.

2. How can the nurse best communicate to a client that he or she has been listening?

• A. restating the main feeling or thought the client has expressed
• B. making a judgment about the client's problem
• C. offering a leading question such as, 'And then what happened?'
• D. saying, 'I understand what you're saying.'

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best way for the nurse to communicate to a client that he or she has been listening is by restating the main feeling or thought the client has expressed. Restating helps the client validate the nurse's understanding of the communication, demonstrating active listening skills. Making judgments about the client's problem, as suggested in Choice B, can hinder effective communication by introducing bias and potential misinterpretation. Offering a leading question like in Choice C is not ideal for confirming understanding; it rather seeks more information. Choice D, simply saying 'I understand what you're saying,' may not convey active listening as effectively as restating the client's main feelings or thoughts, as it lacks the validation component present in restating.

3. Several clients are admitted to the emergency room following a three-car vehicle accident. Which clients can be assigned to share a room in the emergency department during the disaster?

• A. The schizophrenic client experiencing visual and auditory hallucinations and the client with ulcerative colitis
• B. The client who is 6 months pregnant with abdominal pain and the client with facial lacerations and a broken arm
• C. A child with fixed and dilated pupils and his parents, and the client with a frontal head injury
• D. The client who arrives with a large puncture wound to the abdomen and the client with chest pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assign the client who is 6 months pregnant with abdominal pain and the client with facial lacerations and a broken arm to share a room. The pregnant client needs close monitoring due to the abdominal pain, and the client with facial lacerations and a broken arm requires immediate attention for wound care and possible fracture management. Choice A should not be assigned together as the schizophrenic client experiencing visual and auditory hallucinations needs a separate room for privacy and safety, and the client with ulcerative colitis may require isolation due to the risk of infection. Choice C is incorrect because the child with fixed and dilated pupils is likely in a critical condition and should be in a private room with parents, while the client with a frontal head injury needs a separate room for focused care. Choice D is also incorrect as the client with a large puncture wound to the abdomen needs immediate attention in a separate room, and the client with chest pain requires evaluation and monitoring in a separate setting as well.

4. The licensed practical nurse is working with a registered nurse and a patient care assistant. Which of the following clients should be cared for by the registered nurse?

• A. A client 2 days post-appendectomy
• B. A client 1 week post-thyroidectomy
• C. A client 3 days post-splenectomy
• D. A client 2 days post-thoracotomy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is a client 2 days post-thoracotomy because this client is the most critical and requires the expertise of a registered nurse. Clients A and B are stable and ready for discharge after their respective surgeries (appendectomy and thyroidectomy). Client C, who is 3 days post-splenectomy, is also stable enough to be cared for by a licensed practical nurse as they are in a stable condition and do not have immediate critical needs. Therefore, the registered nurse should care for the client 2 days post-thoracotomy due to the critical nature of the procedure and the immediate postoperative care required.

5. All of the following are common reasons that nurses are reluctant to delegate except:

• A. lack of self-confidence
• B. desire to maintain authority
• C. confidence in subordinate
• D. getting trapped in the 'I can do it better myself' mindset

Correct answer: C

Rationale: If a delegator has confidence in their subordinates and believes a task will be performed correctly, they are more likely to delegate. Reasons nurses may be reluctant to delegate include their own lack of self-confidence, the desire to maintain authority, and getting trapped in the 'I can do it better myself' mindset. Therefore, 'confidence in subordinate' is the exception as it actually encourages delegation. The other choices are common barriers to delegation in healthcare settings.

Similar Questions