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. You believe that you are working harder than other nurses and that you take care of patients that are more complex. You are angry that other staff nurses have less complex and lower acuity patients, but you __________ .

• A. Avoid discussing the situation because you do not want to be perceived as a complainer.
• B. Know that you need to discuss the inequity with the nurse manager because you are resenting the work and becoming more dissatisfied in your job
• C. A & B
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Professionals communicate their views in a respectful and direct manner. In discussing the situation with the manager, professionals may gain insights about their reactions to stress and how they can cope with the intense demands of the healthcare environment. Choice A is incorrect because avoiding discussing the situation does not address the underlying issue and may lead to increased frustration. Choice B is correct as it emphasizes the importance of addressing the inequity with the nurse manager to find a constructive solution. Choice D is incorrect as it does not provide any guidance on how to handle the situation effectively.

3. If the nurse and nurse manager did not resolve the situation related to the physician's report about the nurse's performance, what is the length of time allowed for the nurse to submit an appeal?

• A. 10 days
• B. 15 days
• C. 20 days
• D. 30 days

Correct answer: A

Rationale: If the informal discussion between the nurse and nurse manager does not resolve the issue regarding the physician's report on the nurse's performance, the nurse can submit a written appeal within 10 days, according to the healthcare facility policy. This 10-day timeframe ensures a prompt resolution of disputes and maintains clear communication channels within the healthcare setting. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they exceed the time limit allowed for the nurse to submit an appeal, which is specified to be 10 days.

4. A nurse is planning an educational program for a group of older adults at a senior living center. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse include?

• A. You should receive a pneumococcal vaccine when you are 65 years old.
• B. You should receive a shingles vaccine when you are 70 years old.
• C. You should receive a tetanus booster every 5 years.
• D. You should have an eye examination every 2 years.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The CDC recommends a pneumococcal vaccine for all adults aged 65 years and older. This vaccine helps protect against serious pneumococcal disease. Choice B is incorrect as the shingles vaccine is recommended for adults aged 50 years and older, not specifically at 70 years. Choice C is incorrect because a tetanus booster is recommended every 10 years, not every 5 years. Choice D is incorrect as the general recommendation for eye examinations in older adults is annually, not every 2 years.

5. Which of the following best describes the concept of evidence-based practice (EBP)?

• A. Clinical expertise as the primary basis for decision making
• B. Research findings as the sole basis for decision making
• C. Combining clinical expertise with the best available research evidence
• D. Following institutional guidelines for patient care

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Combining clinical expertise with the best available research evidence.' Evidence-based practice (EBP) emphasizes integrating clinical expertise with the most current and relevant research evidence when making decisions about patient care. Choice A is incorrect because EBP does not rely solely on clinical expertise. Choice B is incorrect as EBP considers research evidence alongside clinical expertise, not as the sole basis. Choice D is incorrect because EBP is not about blindly following institutional guidelines, but rather about integrating research evidence with clinical judgment to provide the best possible care.

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