Nursing Elites

1. A registered nurse (RN) administered a patient’s morning insulin as the breakfast tray arrived at 0800. The RN performed a complete assessment at the same time. Then, the RN got busy with her other patients and did not check on the patient until 1400. At that time, she found the patient unresponsive with a blood glucose of 23. Both the breakfast and lunch tray were at the bedside untouched. Which of the following could the RN be charged with?

• A. Quasi-intentional tort
• B. Misdemeanor
• C. Negligence
• D. Juvenile offense

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The RN could be charged with negligence.

2. One of the most important driving forces behind health care policy changes is which of the following?

• A. New technology
• B. Outsourcing of services
• C. Emerging role of nurse practitioners
• D. Ability to pay for health care

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Ability to pay for health care.' One of the primary factors influencing health care policy changes is the financial aspect, as the ability to afford healthcare services affects access, quality, and equity. While new technology, outsourcing of services, and the emerging role of nurse practitioners may also impact health care policies, the fundamental driver often revolves around individuals' and societies' financial capacity to pay for healthcare.

3. 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.

4. The nurse is interviewing a new patient with diabetes who receives rosiglitazone (Avandia) through a restricted access medication program. What is most important for the nurse to report immediately to the health care provider?

• A. The patient's blood pressure is 154/92.
• B. The patient has a history of emphysema
• C. The patient's blood glucose is 86 mg/dL.
• D. The patient has chest pressure when walking

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Chest pressure while walking may indicate heart-related issues such as angina or a heart attack. Rosiglitazone (Avandia) has been associated with increased risks of cardiovascular events like heart failure. Given these risks, chest pressure is an urgent symptom that must be reported immediately to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

5. Which of the following statements is true regarding nursing ethics?

• A. Nursing ethics focus on the organizational level at the workplace.
• B. Nursing ethics focus on the duties and rules of behavior for professional nurses.
• C. Nursing ethics focus on the moral character of nurses.
• D. Nursing ethics focus on the experiences and needs of nurses.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Nursing ethics focus on the duties and rules of behavior for professional nurses.' Nursing ethics primarily revolve around the principles and standards that guide the actions and decisions of nurses in their professional roles. Choice A is incorrect as nursing ethics are not limited to the organizational level but extend to individual conduct. Choice C is incorrect as while moral character is important, nursing ethics encompass more than just character traits. Choice D is incorrect as nursing ethics are centered on professional responsibilities rather than personal experiences and needs.

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