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. Which of the following is an example of a sentinel event?

• A. A patient fall with no injury
• B. A medication error that results in no harm
• C. A patient suicide while in a healthcare facility
• D. A near miss incident

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, a patient suicide while in a healthcare facility. A sentinel event is an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury. Choices A, B, and D do not meet the criteria for sentinel events as described by The Joint Commission, as they do not involve death or serious harm to the patient.

3. In order to minimize or avoid negative outcomes as a result of the violation and disciplinary action, the employee should offer which of the following?

• A. Excuses
• B. Discipline
• C. Suggestions
• D. Rules

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In order to minimize or avoid negative outcomes resulting from a violation and disciplinary action, the employee should offer suggestions. By providing suggestions, the employee demonstrates a willingness to improve and prevent future occurrences. Offering excuses (choice A) may deflect responsibility and not address the issue at hand. Discipline (choice B) is the action taken by the employer, not the employee. Rules (choice D) are guidelines to follow, but in this context, offering suggestions for improvement is more relevant.

4. The decades between the 1960s and 1980s brought about many changes in nursing. Which of the following contributed to advances in nursing?

• A. Decreased demand for health care
• B. Development of specialty care disciplines
• C. Gender discrimination
• D. Advances in technology leading to more generalized care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the development of specialty care disciplines, such as intensive care, neurosurgical techniques, and cardiothoracic surgery, played a significant role in advancing nursing during the specified decades. Choice A is incorrect as decreased demand for health care would not drive advances in nursing. Choice C is also incorrect as gender discrimination, while an issue in the past, does not directly relate to the advancements in nursing during this period. Choice D is incorrect because advances in technology usually lead to more specialized care rather than generalized care.

5. An active 28-year-old male with type 1 diabetes is being seen in the endocrine clinic. Which finding may indicate the need for a change in therapy?

• A. Hemoglobin A1C level 6.2%
• B. Blood pressure 146/88 mmHg
• C. Heart rate at rest 58 beats/minute
• D. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) level 65 mg/dL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In a young adult with type 1 diabetes, a blood pressure of 146/88 mmHg may indicate the need for a change in therapy as it is above the recommended target levels. High blood pressure can increase the risk of cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients. Choices A, C, and D are within normal ranges and do not necessarily indicate the need for an immediate change in therapy. A Hemoglobin A1C level of 6.2% is generally considered good control for a diabetic patient, a resting heart rate of 58 beats/minute is normal for an active individual, and an HDL level of 65 mg/dL is considered to be in the desirable range for heart health.

Similar Questions