Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is preparing to delegate client care tasks to an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following tasks should the healthcare professional delegate?

• A. Confirming that a client's pain has decreased after receiving an analgesic
• B. Ambulating a client who is postoperative
• C. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter for a client
• D. Demonstrating the use of an incentive spirometer to a client

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is option A: 'Confirming that a client's pain has decreased after receiving an analgesic.' This task involves assessing the effectiveness of the medication, which can be delegated to the assistive personnel. Options B, C, and D involve skills that should be performed by licensed healthcare professionals due to their complexity and potential risks if not done correctly. Ambulating a postoperative client requires monitoring for signs of distress or complications, inserting a urinary catheter involves an invasive procedure with infection risks, and demonstrating the use of medical devices like an incentive spirometer requires specialized knowledge to ensure correct usage.

2. Through which of the following methods are values learned?

• A. Reading books
• B. Formal degrees
• C. Continuous reinforcement
• D. Meeting diverse individuals

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Values are learned through continuous reinforcement, where behaviors are positively reinforced to instill values. Reading books (choice A) may expose individuals to different perspectives but doesn't necessarily lead to internalizing values. Formal degrees (choice B) provide education but may not directly teach values. Meeting diverse individuals (choice D) can broaden perspectives but doesn't guarantee learning specific values through reinforcement.

3. Politics is a means for influencing events and the decisions of others. The nurse manager who consistently reminds the staff that 'there is no I in team' and periodically brings treats for the staff is using:

• A. Image enhancement
• B. Political skills
• C. Reward power
• D. Expert power

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Political skills. Politics involve interpersonal endeavors, collective activities, analysis, planning, and managing image. In this scenario, the nurse manager is skillfully building team morale and influencing staff dynamics by emphasizing teamwork ('there is no I in team') and boosting morale through occasional treats. This demonstrates the use of political skills to influence and manage relationships within the team. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the manager's actions are not solely focused on image enhancement, reward power, or expert power. Instead, they are aimed at fostering teamwork and boosting staff morale.

4. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a female client who has hypovolemia. Which of the following laboratory results would be a priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

• A. BUN 21 mg/dL (10 to 20 mg/dL)
• B. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L)
• C. Creatinine 1.4 mg/dL (0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL)
• D. Sodium 132 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with hypovolemia, the nurse should prioritize reporting the elevated potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L to the provider. Hypovolemia can lead to electrolyte imbalances, and hyperkalemia (potassium level above 5.0 mEq/L) is a serious condition that can result in cardiac arrhythmias and requires immediate attention. The other laboratory results, BUN, creatinine, and sodium, are also important in assessing renal function and fluid balance, but the priority in this case is the elevated potassium level due to its potential life-threatening complications.

5. Which of the following strategies is most effective for improving staff morale?

• A. Increasing workload
• B. Increasing salaries
• C. Providing feedback
• D. Offering incentives

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Providing feedback is the most effective strategy for improving staff morale. Feedback helps employees understand their performance, areas of improvement, and areas of strength, fostering a sense of recognition and growth. Increasing workload (choice A) can lead to burnout and decreased morale. While increasing salaries (choice B) and offering incentives (choice D) can be motivating, they may not address underlying issues or provide the same level of personal development and recognition that feedback offers.

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