Nursing Elites

1. A unit director at a local hospital knows even leadership may face ethical dilemmas. Which of the following should the director take into consideration when dealing with an employee who is incompetent?

• A. The situation should be tolerated for as long as possible because of the amount of time and paperwork required to terminate an incompetent nurse.
• B. Incompetence only impacts the individual nurse.
• C. The director should follow her institution�s formal process for reporting and handling practices that jeopardize patient safety.
• D. Most nurse practice acts direct how to handle incompetent nurses.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The director should follow her institution�s formal process for reporting and handling practices that jeopardize patient safety.

2. What is the primary goal of patient education?

• A. To enhance clinical skills
• B. To ensure patient safety
• C. To empower patients to take control of their health
• D. To improve patient compliance

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To empower patients to take control of their health.' Patient education aims to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to actively participate in managing their health conditions. Choice A, 'To enhance clinical skills,' is incorrect as patient education focuses on empowering patients, not enhancing healthcare providers' skills. Choice B, 'To ensure patient safety,' is incorrect because while patient safety is crucial, the primary goal of patient education is to empower patients. Choice D, 'To improve patient compliance,' is also incorrect as the main aim is to empower patients to make informed decisions and take an active role in their healthcare.

3. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a root cause analysis (RCA)?

• A. Identify the person responsible for an error
• B. Determine who should be disciplined
• C. Discover the underlying causes of an error
• D. Evaluate the effectiveness of a new policy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Discover the underlying causes of an error.' Root cause analysis (RCA) focuses on identifying the fundamental reason(s) that led to an error or problem rather than placing blame on individuals. Choice A and B are incorrect as RCA is not about pinpointing a specific person to blame or determining disciplinary actions. Choice D is also incorrect as the primary goal of RCA is not to evaluate policy effectiveness but to uncover the root causes of issues for effective problem-solving.

4. One of the perceptions of turnover is:

• A. Poor management
• B. Rejection of the job
• C. Loss of poor performers
• D. Poor job atmosphere

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Rejection of the job.' According to Steers and Stone, turnover can be perceived by coworkers as a rejection of the job. Choice A, 'Poor management,' is incorrect because turnover perception is more related to individual feelings about the job rather than management. Choice C, 'Loss of poor performers,' is incorrect as it focuses on the outcome of turnover rather than the perception. Choice D, 'Poor job atmosphere,' is incorrect as it describes a cause of turnover rather than a perception.

5. A manager has been given a deadline to complete an assignment by the end of the day. It will take every minute left of the afternoon to complete. Which interventions illustrate assertiveness to minimize interruptions in order to meet the deadline? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Allowing voicemail to answer all incoming calls or turning off email notification
• B. Delegating a discharge planning issue for a patient to one of the staff nurses
• C. Placing a 'Do Not Disturb for the Afternoon' sign on the office door
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: All the interventions listed are appropriate ways to minimize interruptions. By allowing voicemail to answer calls or turning off email notifications, the manager can focus solely on the assignment. Delegating tasks to staff nurses frees up the manager's time. Placing a 'Do Not Disturb for the Afternoon' sign on the office door sends a clear message to minimize interruptions and focus on the deadline. Therefore, all of the above interventions illustrate assertiveness to meet the deadline by minimizing interruptions.

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