Nursing Elites

1. A recent ethical issue has resulted in uneasiness and discomfort for several nurses on a unit. The unit manager has decided to discuss the issues at the next team meeting. The situation has resulted in which of the following for some of the nurses?

• A. Moral suffering
• B. Moral distress
• C. Ethical dilemma
• D. Veracity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, moral distress. Moral distress occurs when one knows the ethically correct action to take but feels constrained in their ability to take that action due to institutional, hierarchical, or other constraints. In this scenario, the nurses are experiencing uneasiness and discomfort due to an ethical issue, which aligns with the definition of moral distress. Choice A, moral suffering, is not the most appropriate term in this context as moral distress better describes the situation. Choice C, ethical dilemma, refers to a situation where a person is faced with two equally undesirable alternatives, which does not fully capture the nurses' current experience. Choice D, veracity, is unrelated to the nurses' situation and does not fit the context of the scenario.

2. The staff nurse delegates AM care for two patients to the UAP (Unlicensed Assistive Person). What principle of delegation is the nurse following?

• A. Delegation requires a situation with clearly defined superiors.
• B. Delegation can only exist with a subordinate.
• C. Delegation is a tool used by various healthcare professionals.
• D. You can delegate only those tasks.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'You can delegate only those tasks.' Delegation in nursing involves transferring responsibility for the performance of a task while retaining accountability for the outcome. The principle of delegation does not require a situation with clearly defined superiors (choice A). Delegation can exist not only with a subordinate but also with colleagues or other healthcare team members (choice B). Delegation is not exclusive to nurses and is a tool used by various healthcare professionals (choice C). Therefore, the best choice is D as it accurately reflects the principle of delegation in nursing.

3. A nurse is admitting a new client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take while performing medication reconciliation?

• A. Compare the client's home medications with the provider's prescriptions
• B. Place the client's home medication bottles in a secure location
• C. Call the pharmacy to determine whether the client's medications are available
• D. Verify the client's name on their identification bracelet with the medication administration record

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. During medication reconciliation, the nurse should compare the client's home medications with the provider's prescriptions to ensure accurate and safe administration. This process helps identify any discrepancies or potential interactions. Choice B is incorrect because placing the client's home medication bottles in a secure location is not part of medication reconciliation. Choice C is incorrect as calling the pharmacy to determine medication availability is not related to reconciling medications. Choice D is incorrect as verifying the client's name on their identification bracelet with the medication administration record is part of the identification process, not medication reconciliation.

4. An RN is reviewing professional behavior expectations with a group of new nurses. Which of the following statements should be included in the teaching?

• A. It is not OK to discuss your days at work on social media.
• B. When you are passionate about a topic, speak up in professional platforms.
• C. Your behavior outside of the practice setting can impact your license.
• D. Nurses may lose their licenses for unprofessional actions.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement to include in the teaching is that nurses may lose their licenses for unprofessional actions. This is an important reminder to new nurses about the serious consequences of unprofessional behavior in the healthcare field. Choice A is incorrect because discussing work on social media can breach patient confidentiality. Choice B is incorrect as speaking up in blogs and forums may not always align with professional conduct standards. Choice C is incorrect as behavior outside the practice setting, if unprofessional, can indeed impact a nurse's license.

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

• A. A patient falling in the hospital without injury
• B. A near-miss medication error
• C. An unexpected patient death unrelated to the natural course of illness
• D. A patient developing an infection during a hospital stay

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A sentinel event in healthcare is an unexpected patient death unrelated to the natural course of illness. These events are serious occurrences that warrant immediate investigation and response to prevent their recurrence and ensure patient safety. Choices A, B, and D do not fit the definition of a sentinel event. While choices A, B, and D are serious incidents, they do not involve an unexpected patient death unrelated to the natural course of illness, which is the defining characteristic of a sentinel event.

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