Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is reviewing a client's clinical pathway upon discharge following hip arthroplasty. Which of the following information can assist in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of the care?

• A. the age of the client
• B. the availability of community support groups
• C. the length of the client's stay
• D. the type of insurance the client carries

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'the length of the client's stay.' The length of the client's stay is a critical factor in determining the cost-effectiveness of care after hip arthroplasty. Shorter stays typically result in lower costs as they reduce resource utilization and associated expenses. Choices A, B, and D are not directly related to evaluating cost-effectiveness in this scenario. The age of the client, availability of community support groups, and the type of insurance carried may impact other aspects of care but do not directly assess the cost-effectiveness of the care provided.

2. When considering factors like high risk for falls, infection protocols, and special communication needs to determine the mix and number of staff needed on a telemetry unit, what is being utilized?

• A. diagnostic related groups
• B. clinical pathways
• C. case management
• D. Patient classification system

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse is using a Patient Classification System, which helps in determining the appropriate staffing levels based on the acuity and care requirements of the patients in the telemetry unit. By considering factors like high risk for falls, infection protocols, and special communication needs, the nurse can allocate the right mix and number of staff to provide safe and effective care. The other choices are incorrect because diagnostic related groups are used for billing purposes, clinical pathways are standard care plans for specific diagnoses, and case management involves coordinating care and services for patients.

3. How does the high degree of professionalism among nurses impact their willingness to engage in organized strikes?

• A. Nurses often find union activities such as strikes in conflict with the need to serve and protect clients and their profession
• B. Nurses use evidence-based studies that reflect both management and labor views to support participation in unionization
• C. Nurses who strike can be legally punished for abandonment and negligence considered to be professional misconduct
• D. Nurses most often turn to collective bargaining strategies such as strikes to emphasize client's safety initiatives

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The high level of professionalism among nurses, as recognized in Gallup polls, often leads them to perceive organized strikes as conflicting with their duty to care for patients and uphold their professional standards. This conflict of interest can cause nurses to be hesitant or reluctant to participate in strikes. Choice B is incorrect because nurses' decision to engage in strikes is more influenced by professional values and patient care rather than evidence-based studies on management and labor views. Choice C is incorrect because while legal consequences may be a concern, the primary factor influencing nurses' decision on strikes is their professional commitment to patient care. Choice D is incorrect as nurses' focus during strikes is more on advocating for patient safety rather than emphasizing safety initiatives.

4. If a nurse accepts the role of charge nurse on the evening shift, what effect will unionization have on the nurse's new position?

• A. The nurse can file a grievance that will be arbitrated automatically by the Union
• B. Charge nurse is part of the management team, so Union participation would be a conflict of interest
• C. The nurse is not eligible for collective bargaining activities dealing with unfair labor practices
• D. The nurse can be represented by the union because charge nurses are not considered part of the management team

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choosing answer B is correct because charge nurses are typically considered part of the management team. As part of the management team, the charge nurse has decision-making responsibilities that align with the interests of the organization. Therefore, participating in a union would create a conflict of interest. Options A, C, and D are incorrect. Option A is incorrect because union arbitration is not typically applicable to management positions. Option C is incorrect because charge nurses, as part of the management team, would not be eligible for collective bargaining activities like frontline staff. Option D is incorrect because charge nurses, due to their managerial responsibilities, are generally not represented by unions for collective bargaining purposes.

5. 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.

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