Nursing Elites

1. A nurse manager has two out of six staff nurses call in sick for one shift. Because of reduced availability of staff, the manager decides to manage the unit with the three remaining nurses, which keeps the unit at minimal staffing standards. What type of decision-making strategy would this be?

• A. Satisficing
• B. Routine
• C. Adaptive
• D. Rationalizing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Satisficing. Satisficing is a decision-making strategy where the person chooses an alternative that is good enough given the circumstances. In this scenario, the nurse manager is making a satisfactory decision by managing the unit with the three remaining nurses to meet minimal staffing standards despite the reduced availability of staff. Choice B, Routine, does not apply as the decision made in the scenario is not part of a regular or standard procedure. Choice C, Adaptive, is not the best fit as the decision is more about making do with the available resources rather than adapting to a new situation. Choice D, Rationalizing, does not align with the scenario as it refers to justifying decisions rather than making a practical choice under constraints.

2. In the scenario where a family member slips on the wet floor and hits her head, what hospital process requires completion of an incident report?

• A. Risk management
• B. Outcome management
• C. Quality management
• D. Peer review

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In healthcare settings, completing an incident report is a crucial aspect of risk management. Risk management aims to identify, assess, and mitigate risks to prevent harm to patients, visitors, or staff. Incident reports provide valuable data for analyzing events, implementing corrective actions, and improving patient safety within the healthcare facility. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because outcome management focuses on achieving desired results, quality management concentrates on maintaining high standards of care, and peer review involves evaluating the performance of healthcare providers, none of which directly relate to the completion of an incident report due to an accident.

3. How does decision making differ from problem solving?

• A. Decision making always involves selecting from a set of alternatives.
• B. Problem solving always involves selecting one of several alternatives.
• C. Problem solving never involves decision making.
• D. Decision making always involves solving a problem.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because decision making always involves selecting from a set of alternatives, while problem solving involves diagnosing a problem. Option B is incorrect as problem solving involves diagnosing a problem rather than selecting one of several alternatives. Option C is incorrect because decision making is often a part of problem-solving processes. Option D is incorrect as decision making may involve selecting from alternatives, not necessarily solving a problem.

4. When addressing a policy violation, what is one of the initial steps to take?

• A. Terminate the employee.
• B. Confront the employee.
• C. Discipline the employee immediately.
• D. Determine whether the employee is aware of the policy.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When addressing a policy violation, one of the initial steps should be to determine whether the employee is aware of the policy. This step allows for clarification, feedback, and potential training if needed. Terminating the employee (Choice A) or disciplining immediately (Choice C) without assessing awareness can lead to unfair treatment and legal issues. Confronting the employee (Choice B) may be necessary but should come after establishing awareness and providing necessary support or education.

5. When lifting a bedside cabinet to move it closer to a client, what action should the nurse take to prevent self-injury?

• A. Keep the feet close together.
• B. Use the back muscles for lifting.
• C. Stand close to the cabinet when lifting it.
• D. Bend at the waist.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Keep the feet close together.' When lifting a heavy object such as a bedside cabinet, it is essential to maintain a wide base of support by keeping the feet close together. This provides better stability and reduces the risk of injury. Choice B is incorrect because using the back muscles for lifting can lead to back strain and injury; it is recommended to use the legs instead. Choice C is incorrect as standing close to the cabinet may cause the nurse to lose balance and strain the back. Choice D is incorrect because bending at the waist increases the risk of back injury. Therefore, the safest and most appropriate action is to keep the feet close together to ensure stability and prevent self-injury.

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