Nursing Elites

1. Factors that may contribute to workplace violence in a health care setting include:

• A. Lack of armed security
• B. Continuous loud noises and/or poorly monitored entrances
• C. Poor staff interactions
• D. Tense shoulders and clenched fists

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Continuous loud noises and poorly monitored entrances can contribute to workplace violence by creating a chaotic environment that can escalate tensions. Factors like lack of armed security (choice A) may not be as significant in triggering violence as environmental factors. Poor staff interactions (choice C) can contribute to a negative work culture but may not directly lead to violence. Tense shoulders and clenched fists (choice D) may indicate stress or anger in an individual but are not factors that contribute to workplace violence in general.

2. A nurse manager who tells the staff to 'come to me with any problem' but then keeps the office door closed is using what type of communication?

• A. Intrasender conflict
• B. Diagonal communication
• C. Metacommunication
• D. Upward communication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Intrasender conflict. Intrasender conflict happens when there is a discrepancy between verbal and nonverbal communication. In this scenario, the nurse manager's verbal message encourages staff to communicate openly, but the closed office door sends a conflicting nonverbal message, creating intrasender conflict. Metacommunication involves nonverbal behaviors like gestures or facial expressions that support or contradict verbal communication. Upward communication refers to the flow of information from staff to management or lower to upper management. Diagonal communication involves communication between individuals or departments at different hierarchical levels.

3. A manager is prioritizing the following issues. Of the following issues, which should be considered urgent and important?

• A. The manager of physical therapy calls and complains about inappropriate behaviors of one of the staff nurses with one of his therapists.
• B. A staff nurse reports a pattern of malfunctioning IV pumps on the unit during her current shift, resulting in overdosing of medications.
• C. One of the staff nurses, who would have been an extra nurse for the next shift, calls in sick.
• D. A small group of staff nurses request a meeting to discuss initiating a scheduling committee.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because patient safety is a critical concern in healthcare settings. Malfunctioning IV pumps leading to medication overdosing poses a direct threat to patient safety and must be addressed urgently. Choice A involves interpersonal issues between staff members which are important but can be addressed in a less urgent manner compared to patient safety concerns. Choice C, a staff nurse calling in sick, is important for staffing but can be managed through existing protocols. Choice D, initiating a scheduling committee, is a routine operational matter that can be addressed at a later time and does not pose an immediate risk to patient safety.

4. 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.

5. Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between ethical principles and laws?

• A. The government enforces ethics.
• B. Laws guide decision making by setting standards.
• C. Ethics are highly detailed.
• D. Ethical principles can serve as the foundation for laws.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The statement 'Ethical principles can serve as the foundation for laws' is correct. Ethical principles act as a standard for evaluating actions and behaviors. While ethical principles may influence the creation of laws, they are not laws themselves. Choice A is incorrect as ethics are usually upheld through societal norms and personal values rather than government enforcement. Choice B is incorrect because laws do provide standards, but those standards are legal rather than ethical. Choice C is incorrect as ethics are broad guidelines for behavior, not highly detailed rules.

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