Nursing Elites

1. An expensive variable in salary budgets is overtime pay. Which of the following is a viable option to reduce overtime?

• A. Limiting overtime for highly paid workers
• B. Reducing the number of beds
• C. Using per diem workers
• D. Refusing to pay overtime

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Using per diem workers. By utilizing per diem workers, organizations can flexibly adjust staffing levels based on demand without incurring overtime costs. This approach helps in managing overtime budgets effectively. Choice A is incorrect because limiting overtime for highly paid workers may not address the root cause of overtime expenses. Choice B is incorrect as reducing the number of beds does not directly impact overtime costs. Choice D is not a practical solution as refusing to pay overtime can lead to legal issues and employee dissatisfaction.

2. After change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?

• A. 19-year-old with type 1 diabetes who was admitted with possible dawn phenomenon
• B. 35-year-old with type 1 diabetes whose most recent blood glucose reading was 230 mg/dL
• C. 60-year-old with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome who has poor skin turgor and dry oral mucosa
• D. 68-year-old with type 2 diabetes who has severe peripheral neuropathy and complains of burning foot pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome who presents with poor skin turgor and dry oral mucosa requires immediate attention. These signs indicate severe dehydration and potential electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to serious complications. Assessing this patient first allows for prompt intervention and monitoring to stabilize their condition. Choice A is less urgent as the patient has possible dawn phenomenon, which is a common early-morning rise in blood glucose levels. Choice B, with a blood glucose reading of 230 mg/dL, indicates hyperglycemia but does not present with signs of severe dehydration like the patient in choice C. Choice D, with peripheral neuropathy and foot pain, is important but not as urgent as addressing severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in the patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome.

3. Which of the following is an example of a clinical decision support system (CDSS)?

• A. Electronic health record (EHR)
• B. Barcode medication administration
• C. Smart infusion pumps
• D. Automated drug dispensing system

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, smart infusion pumps. Smart infusion pumps are an example of a clinical decision support system (CDSS) as they help ensure accurate medication delivery by providing alerts and dosage calculations. Choice A, electronic health record (EHR), is not a CDSS but rather a digital version of a patient's paper chart. Choice B, barcode medication administration, involves scanning barcodes to verify medication administration but is not a CDSS. Choice D, automated drug dispensing system, automates the medication dispensing process but is not specifically a CDSS.

4. A nurse is discussing the responsibility of caring for clients with clostridium difficile infection. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Have family members wear a gown and gloves when visiting.
• B. Clean contaminated surfaces in the client's room with a bleach solution.
• C. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when leaving the client's room.
• D. Assign the client to a room with a private bathroom.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for clients with clostridium difficile infection, it is important to prevent the spread of the bacteria. Having family members wear a gown and gloves when visiting helps reduce the risk of transmission. Cleaning contaminated surfaces with a bleach solution, not phenol, is recommended to effectively kill the C. difficile spores. Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not sufficient, as it may not be effective against C. difficile spores. Assigning the client to a room with a private bathroom is more beneficial than a negative airflow system, as it helps prevent the spread of bacteria to other clients.

5. Which of the following best describes the role of a nurse leader?

• A. Managing patient care directly
• B. Enforcing healthcare policies
• C. Inspiring and motivating the healthcare team
• D. Ensuring regulatory compliance

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Inspiring and motivating the healthcare team.' Nurse leaders play a crucial role in fostering a positive and collaborative work environment by motivating and inspiring their team members. Choice A is incorrect because managing patient care directly is typically the responsibility of staff nurses, while nurse leaders focus on leadership and coordination. Choice B is incorrect as enforcing healthcare policies is usually a function of compliance officers or administrators. Choice D is also incorrect as ensuring regulatory compliance is important but is usually overseen by compliance officers or regulatory affairs specialists, not specifically the role of a nurse leader.

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