Nursing Elites

1. A manager is prioritizing the following issues. Of the following issues, which should be considered urgent and important?

• A. The manager of physical therapy calls and complains about inappropriate behaviors of one of the staff nurses with one of his therapists.
• B. A staff nurse reports a pattern of malfunctioning IV pumps on the unit during her current shift, resulting in overdosing of medications.
• C. One of the staff nurses, who would have been an extra nurse for the next shift, calls in sick.
• D. A small group of staff nurses request a meeting to discuss initiating a scheduling committee.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because patient safety is a critical concern in healthcare settings. Malfunctioning IV pumps leading to medication overdosing poses a direct threat to patient safety and must be addressed urgently. Choice A involves interpersonal issues between staff members which are important but can be addressed in a less urgent manner compared to patient safety concerns. Choice C, a staff nurse calling in sick, is important for staffing but can be managed through existing protocols. Choice D, initiating a scheduling committee, is a routine operational matter that can be addressed at a later time and does not pose an immediate risk to patient safety.

2. Politics is defined as the art of influencing the allocation of scarce resources. An example of a scarce resource allocated by the manager of a patient care unit is:

• A. Raises for the staff.
• B. Patient supplies in the utility room.
• C. Staffing that minimizes overtime.
• D. Paper for the printer.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a healthcare setting, scarce resources can include money, time, personnel, and materials. Staffing decisions directly impact the allocation of personnel resources and can affect overtime costs, making it a critical resource managed by the unit manager. Patient supplies in the utility room and paper for the printer are important, but staffing decisions have a more direct impact on resource allocation within the unit. Raises for staff are typically granted by the institution and are not directly controlled by the unit manager.

3. An RN�s client with terminal pancreatic cancer asks questions about a do not resuscitate order. Which of the following statements should be included in the RN�s teaching to the client?

• A. When a heart ceases to beat, the client is pronounced clinically dead.
• B. Physicians must write do not resuscitate (DNR) orders.
• C. A DNR order can be written after the health-care provider has discussed it with the client and family.
• D. A DNR requires a court decision.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A DNR order can be written after the health-care provider has discussed it with the client and family.

4. A nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of terminal cancer. Which of the following statements by the client should indicate to the nurse that the client is ready to hear information regarding palliative care?

• A. "I am ready to learn about chemotherapy to help cure my cancer."
• B. "I just want you to give me something to get this over with soon."
• C. "I want you to tell me about measures available to keep me comfortable."
• D. "I know that many people have recovered fully from cancer, and so will I."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer because the client expressing a desire to know about measures available to keep comfortable indicates readiness for palliative care. Palliative care focuses on providing comfort, symptom management, and improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses such as terminal cancer. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A indicates a desire for chemotherapy to cure the cancer, which does not align with palliative care goals. Choice B expresses a wish to end the situation quickly, which may not be in line with palliative care that focuses on comfort and quality of life. Choice D shows optimism about a full recovery, which may not be realistic for a client with terminal cancer who needs palliative care.

5. What is the main focus of a risk management program in healthcare?

• A. To reduce hospital readmissions
• B. To manage financial resources
• C. To ensure compliance with healthcare regulations
• D. To improve clinical outcomes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main focus of a risk management program in healthcare is to improve clinical outcomes. By identifying and mitigating risks, healthcare organizations aim to enhance patient safety, quality of care, and overall health outcomes. Option A is incorrect because reducing hospital readmissions is a specific goal within healthcare but not the primary focus of risk management. Option B is incorrect as managing financial resources, while important, is more aligned with financial management rather than risk management. Option C is incorrect as ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations is vital but falls under compliance management rather than the primary focus of risk management, which is to improve clinical outcomes.

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