Nursing Elites

1. An RN is working through an ethical dilemma involving a patient on his unit. He has just identified the decision-makers involved. Which step best describes the current stage the RN is working through?

• A. Assessment
• B. Diagnosis
• C. Planning
• D. Implementation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Planning. In the ethical decision-making process, after identifying the decision-makers involved, the next step is typically planning. During the planning stage, the RN will consider the available options, weigh the ethical principles involved, and develop a course of action to address the ethical dilemma. Choice A, Assessment, involves gathering information and data about the situation. Choice B, Diagnosis, involves analyzing the gathered information to identify the ethical issue. Choice D, Implementation, comes after planning and involves putting the chosen course of action into practice.

2. What behaviors can be observed before a person becomes violent? (EXCEPT)

• A. Wandering
• B. Tense shoulders and clenched fists
• C. Blank stare
• D. Positioned with one foot in back and an arm pulled back

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Before a person becomes violent, observable behaviors may include tense shoulders, clenched fists, a blank stare, and being positioned with one foot in back and an arm pulled back. Wandering is not typically associated with threatening behaviors signaling imminent violence. DelBel (2003) suggests that strategies such as relaxed body language, maintaining physical distance, and silence can help de-escalate an agitated individual's response.

3. A client experiences difficulty breathing after the change of shift. The nurse on duty discovers that the IVFs were infusing at a rate 10 times the calculated normal. After notifying the physician and correcting the rate, what should be the next step in the client's care?

• A. Notify family
• B. Discipline the previous nurse
• C. Complete an incident report
• D. Obtain legal consultation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct next step in the client's care after notifying the physician and correcting the rate of IVFs is to complete an incident report. This report is essential for documenting the adverse event, analyzing the cause, and implementing preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future. Notifying the family, disciplining the previous nurse, and obtaining legal consultation are not immediate priorities in this situation. Family notification may follow the incident report, disciplining the previous nurse is a separate administrative process, and legal consultation is usually not required for a medical error corrected promptly.

4. When planning a budget, the nurse manager knows that costs depend on and change in direct proportion to patient volume and activity. What type of costs are these?

• A. Variable costs
• B. Indirect costs
• C. Fixed costs
• D. Direct costs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Variable costs vary in direct proportion to patient volume and activity. These costs increase or decrease based on the level of patient care provided. Indirect costs are not directly tied to patient volume, fixed costs remain constant regardless of patient volume, and direct costs are directly attributable to patient care but may not vary with patient volume and activity. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Variable costs.'

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

• A. To provide direct patient care
• B. To manage healthcare facilities
• C. To advocate for patient rights
• D. To coordinate long-term care services

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'To coordinate long-term care services.' A nurse case manager's primary role is to coordinate and manage long-term care services for patients, ensuring continuity and quality of care. Choice A is incorrect because providing direct patient care is typically the responsibility of nurses, not nurse case managers. Choice B is incorrect as managing healthcare facilities is a role usually fulfilled by healthcare administrators. Choice C is incorrect as advocating for patient rights is important but not the primary role of a nurse case manager.

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