Nursing Elites

1. While supervising the care of several clients, which action requires intervention by the charge nurse?

• A. A nurse photocopies a client's diagnostic test results.
• B. An assistive personnel documents the client's vital signs on the client's paper-based graphic record.
• C. The unit secretary faxes a client's laboratory results to the provider.
• D. An RN stays with a client to discuss her understanding of her vital signs that were requested.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The charge nurse should intervene when a nurse photocopies a client's diagnostic test results as it violates patient confidentiality and privacy. This action breaches HIPAA regulations, and sensitive patient information should not be photocopied without proper authorization. The other actions are within the scope of practice and do not raise concerns regarding patient privacy or confidentiality.

2. In a unionized hospital, nurses receive compensatory pay for working holidays based on the hours worked with no extra compensation. Despite management refusing to consider changes to the compensatory pay system suggested by nurses during the annual employee satisfaction survey, a trend member listened to both parties and made non-legally binding recommendations. What is this type of settlement known as?

• A. Collective bargaining
• B. Mediation
• C. Grievance
• D. Binding arbitration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Mediation involves a neutral third party who assists in resolving disputes by providing non-legally binding recommendations. In this scenario, the trend member acted as a mediator by listening to both nurses and management and offering suggestions without the authority to enforce them as a legally binding decision. Collective bargaining refers to negotiations between labor unions and employers to determine terms of employment. Grievance is a formal complaint by an employee against an employer. Binding arbitration involves a neutral third party making a final and legally binding decision to resolve a dispute.

3. What is a major source of stress on the current U.S. healthcare system?

• A. Rising cost of providing healthcare to all citizens
• B. Lack of adequate education for healthcare professionals
• C. Inadequate number of hospital beds across the country
• D. Increasing cost of malpractice insurance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The increasing cost of providing healthcare to all citizens is a major source of stress on the current U.S. healthcare system. This rise in costs impacts various aspects of the system, including accessibility, quality of care, and financial sustainability. It affects healthcare providers, patients, insurance companies, and the government, making it a critical issue that needs to be addressed to ensure a more efficient and effective healthcare system. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because although lack of education for healthcare professionals, inadequate number of hospital beds, and increasing malpractice insurance costs can be challenges within the healthcare system, they are not the primary source of stress that affects the system as a whole.

4. Which statement about the U.S. healthcare system made by the nurse is untrue and inaccurate?

• A. There is no central agency governing the healthcare system.
• B. Access to healthcare is available to all persons regardless of ability to pay.
• C. Legal risk must be considered when providing healthcare.
• D. High-tech equipment is available but payment for its use is troublesome to the system.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Access to healthcare is not universally available to all persons in the U.S.; it is often influenced by the ability to pay. Choice A is accurate as there is no single central agency governing the entire U.S. healthcare system. Choice C is a valid consideration as legal risks are important in healthcare provision. Choice D highlights a common issue in the U.S. healthcare system where high-tech equipment is available, but the payment for its use can be problematic.

5. On what basis does the U.S. healthcare system operate?

• A. Healthcare is a basic right provided to all equally.
• B. Ability to pay determines access to care.
• C. Only the rich are entitled to healthcare.
• D. Health insurance is required to obtain care.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In the U.S., the healthcare system operates on a model where access to healthcare services is largely determined by an individual's ability to pay for care. This means that those with more financial resources have greater access to a wider range of healthcare services, while those with limited financial means may face barriers to accessing necessary care. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because healthcare in the U.S. is not universally provided as a basic right to all equally, it is not exclusively for the rich, and while health insurance is common, it is not the sole determinant of access to care.

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