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. 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. As part of Magnet Recognition, you are asked to present your evidence-based practice poster at a national conference. The health care facility supports your participation. Where would information about your participation in the conference need to be communicated? (Select all that apply.)

• A. In a communication to all staff nurses to inspire them.
• B. At a conference within the health care facility.
• C. In an email to a friend.
• D. In a presentation with select individuals.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Sharing information about your participation in the conference with all staff nurses is essential to inspire them, promote a culture of evidence-based practice, and encourage professional development. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to a conference within the health care facility, not the national conference. Choice C is incorrect as informing a friend does not align with the professional impact and growth objectives of presenting at a national conference. Choice D is also incorrect as sharing the information with select individuals limits the reach and impact of the achievement.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled to be transferred to a long-term care facility. The client's family questions the nurse about the reasons for the transfer. Which of the following responses made by the nurse is appropriate?

• A. The transfer of your family member is being done because the provider knows what's best.
• B. Would you like us to discuss the transfer with your family member?
• C. Why are you so concerned about this transfer?
• D. I know how you feel. My parent had to be transferred to a long-term care facility.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is A because it provides a professional and reassuring explanation for the transfer, focusing on the expertise of the healthcare provider. Choice B offers to include the family member in the discussion, which may not address their concerns directly. Choice C appears defensive and does not address the family's inquiry. Choice D shifts the focus to the nurse's personal experience, which may not be relevant or helpful to the family seeking information about their own situation.

5. After receiving change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?

• A. 19-year-old with type 1 diabetes who has a hemoglobin A1C of 12%
• B. 23-year-old with type 1 diabetes who has a blood glucose of 40 mg/dL
• C. 40-year-old who is pregnant and has an oral glucose tolerance test result of 202 mg/dL
• D. 50-year-old who uses exenatide (Byetta) and is complaining of acute abdominal pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the patient with a blood glucose level of 40 mg/dL (hypoglycemia) needs immediate attention. Hypoglycemia is an emergency situation that requires prompt intervention to prevent adverse effects such as seizures or loss of consciousness. Assessing and managing this patient first is crucial to prevent further deterioration. Choices A, C, and D do not present immediate life-threatening situations requiring urgent intervention like severe hypoglycemia does. While a high hemoglobin A1C level (choice A), an abnormal oral glucose tolerance test result (choice C), and acute abdominal pain (choice D) are important issues, they do not pose an immediate threat to the patient's life compared to severe hypoglycemia.

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