Nursing Elites

1. A Nurse Manager completes an interruption log and identifies two staff members who take an inordinate amount of time with drop-in issues that are not urgent. What are some methods to address this behavior in an attempt to better manage time? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Designate specific time slots for drop-in visits.
• B. Position the desk chair so it is not facing the hallway.
• C. Communicate with staff about using e-mail for non-urgent matters to improve time management.
• D. When staff members drop in, the manager should stand and remain standing during the conversation.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Designating specific time slots for drop-in visits helps in managing interruptions effectively by consolidating them into designated periods. This approach allows the Nurse Manager to allocate focused time for addressing these issues without disrupting workflow. Option B, repositioning the desk chair, is not a standard strategy for managing time or interruptions. Option C, promoting the use of e-mail for non-urgent matters, may help in some cases but may not entirely address the behavior of extended drop-in visits. Option D, standing during conversations, may not be practical for longer discussions and does not provide a structured approach to address time management issues.

2. A 27-year-old patient admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has a serum glucose level of 732 mg/dL and serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which action prescribed by the healthcare provider should the nurse take first?

• A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor
• B. Administer IV potassium supplements
• C. Obtain urine glucose and ketone levels
• D. Start an insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/hr

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the initial priority is to assess for any cardiac arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalances. Since the patient has a low serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L, placing the patient on a cardiac monitor is crucial to monitor for any potential cardiac complications. Administering IV potassium supplements (Choice B) may be needed, but it is not the first action to take. Obtaining urine glucose and ketone levels (Choice C) and starting an insulin infusion (Choice D) are important interventions in managing DKA, but ensuring patient safety by monitoring for arrhythmias takes precedence.

3. After a violent incident, staff needs to discuss what occurred. Several actions need to be taken following the incident:

• A. Debrief the staff and complete incident reports and verify that all staff are safe
• B. Reassure the violent patient that hurting staff when ill is not cause for concern
• C. Avoid any interactions
• D. Standing close to the patient while talking

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: After a violent incident, it is crucial to debrief the staff and complete incident reports to document what occurred and ensure proper follow-up actions. Verifying that all staff are safe is essential for their well-being and security. This process allows professionals to assess the situation, learn from it, and be better prepared to handle similar incidents in the future. Choice B is incorrect because reassuring a violent patient that hurting staff is not a cause for concern may diminish the seriousness of the incident. Choice C is incorrect as avoiding interactions does not address the need for proper communication and resolution. Choice D is incorrect as standing close to a patient who has been violent may escalate the situation and compromise safety.

4. The changes brought forth by the state boards of nursing are an example of which type of change agent?

• A. Resistance
• B. Empirical–rational
• C. Normative–reeducative
• D. Power–coercive

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The changes implemented by state boards of nursing typically fall under the category of Power–coercive change agents. State boards of nursing have the authority to enforce changes through regulations and policies, making use of their legitimate power. Resistance (choice A) is not the correct answer as it refers to opposition to change rather than the entity driving change. Empirical–rational (choice B) focuses on convincing individuals through empirical evidence and rational arguments, which is not reflective of the state boards' authority. Normative–reeducative (choice C) involves persuading individuals to change based on shared values and beliefs, which is not the primary approach of state boards of nursing.

5. What quality is observed among individuals who strive to find the best way to do their job?

• A. Punctuality
• B. Strictness
• C. Honesty
• D. Motivation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Motivation is the driving force that compels individuals to strive to find the best way to do their job. It encompasses determination, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to continuously improve and excel in their work. Being motivated is essential for individuals in any profession to seek innovative solutions, achieve excellence, and make a meaningful impact. Punctuality, while important, refers to being on time rather than the drive to find the best way to do a job. Strictness relates to enforcing rules or discipline, not necessarily to seeking the best way. Honesty is about truthfulness and integrity, which are crucial but not directly related to the pursuit of excellence in job performance.

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