Nursing Elites

1. As a new nurse on a pediatric unit, you must work nights and you have minimal time to spend with your children. Your colleague observes that you speak abruptly with parents and you become easily annoyed when the patients cry or when they are demanding. You realize you are becoming increasingly more distressed and that you have no time with your children and, as a result you: (Select all that apply.)

• A. Express negative comments to colleagues about patients and parents who annoy you.
• B. Ask the nurse manager to have a schedule with an equal number of day and night shifts so that you can be with your children.
• C. Call off sick as frequently as you can without violating policies so that you have more time with your children.
• D. Minimize your communication with patients and parents so you do not offend them.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Asking the nurse manager for a schedule with an equal number of day and night shifts is a proactive and constructive approach to address the issue of having minimal time with your children. This solution aims to balance work and personal life effectively. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Expressing negative comments about patients and parents (Choice A) is unprofessional and can create a negative work environment. Calling off sick frequently (Choice C) is irresponsible and violates work policies, leading to potential disciplinary actions. Minimizing communication with patients and parents (Choice D) is not a suitable approach as effective communication is essential in healthcare to provide optimal care and support to patients and their families.

2. An unresponsive patient with type 2 diabetes is brought to the emergency department and diagnosed with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS). The nurse will anticipate the need to

• A. give a bolus of 50% dextrose.
• B. insert a large-bore IV catheter.
• C. initiate oxygen via nasal cannula.
• D. administer glargine (Lantus) insulin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS), severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are common. To address these issues, the priority intervention is to insert a large-bore IV catheter for fluid resuscitation and electrolyte replacement. Giving a bolus of 50% dextrose would worsen the hyperglycemia. Initiating oxygen via nasal cannula may be beneficial for respiratory support but is not the priority in this scenario. Administering glargine (Lantus) insulin is not the initial treatment for HHS as it does not address the underlying severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

3. A nurse is focusing on improving the ability to multitask without losing focus and to turn problems into opportunities. Which of the following leadership theories describes the nurse’s focus?

• A. Emotional intelligence
• B. Motivation theory
• C. Situational leadership theory
• D. Transformational leadership theory

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Transformational leadership theory describes the nurse’s focus.

4. The unit manager of a 32-bed medical-surgical unit allows the staff nurses to do self-governance for scheduling, client care assignments, and committee work. The manager would be considered which type of leader?

• A. Autocratic
• B. Democratic
• C. Bureaucratic
• D. Laissez-faire

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Laissez-faire. In a laissez-faire leadership style, the manager exerts very little control and allows the staff to have a high degree of autonomy in decision-making and problem-solving. This type of leader provides guidance when needed but largely leaves the decision-making process to the staff. Autocratic leadership (choice A) is characterized by centralizing decision-making authority, democratic leadership (choice B) involves shared decision-making, and bureaucratic leadership (choice C) relies on adherence to rules and procedures.

5. Characteristics that an interviewer will be most interested in when selecting a new staff will be: (EXCEPT)

• A. Your confidence in your clinical skills.
• B. How many hours of overtime you will work.
• C. Your ability to work as a team member.
• D. Your clinical competence.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. When selecting new staff, interviewers are primarily interested in candidates' confidence in clinical skills, ability to work as a team member, and clinical competence. They are not concerned with how many hours of overtime a candidate is willing to work. Overtime hours may be important at times, but it is not a characteristic that an interviewer would prioritize when selecting new staff. Choices A, C, and D are essential qualities that interviewers look for in potential staff as they contribute to providing professional nursing care.

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