Nursing Elites

1. How do accrediting agencies such as the Joint Commission ensure quality care?

• A. Imposing maximum staffing levels
• B. Stipulating nurse-patient ratios
• C. Confirming delivery of satisfactory care
• D. Requiring a specific staff mix

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Accrediting agencies such as the Joint Commission primarily focus on confirming the delivery of satisfactory care rather than imposing specific staffing levels, nurse-patient ratios, or staff mix. They do not dictate the exact staffing levels or ratios but rather evaluate if the care provided meets established quality standards. While adequate staffing levels and appropriate nurse-patient ratios are essential for quality care, accrediting agencies like the Joint Commission assess the outcomes and overall quality of care delivered by healthcare facilities.

2. To form a core support group of nurses, where should the nurse organizer conduct meetings to gather initial information?

• A. Away from the work site with a group of managers to learn both sides of the situation
• B. In homes or local businesses with staff nurses
• C. At the facility to discuss nursing concerns
• D. At the work site with staff nurses who are respected leaders

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct approach is to conduct meetings in homes or local businesses with staff nurses. This location ensures confidentiality, prevents management influence, and allows the focus to be on gathering support for forming a core support group. Choice A is incorrect as involving managers may compromise the independence and authenticity of the group. Choice C is incorrect as conducting meetings at the facility may not provide a secure and unbiased environment for open discussions. Choice D is incorrect because holding meetings at the work site with respected leaders may lead to biased opinions and hinder open communication.

3. Which statement about the U.S. healthcare system made by the nurse is untrue and inaccurate?

• A. There is no central agency governing the healthcare system.
• B. Access to healthcare is available to all persons regardless of ability to pay.
• C. Legal risk must be considered when providing healthcare.
• D. High-tech equipment is available but payment for its use is troublesome to the system.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Access to healthcare is not universally available to all persons in the U.S.; it is often influenced by the ability to pay. Choice A is accurate as there is no single central agency governing the entire U.S. healthcare system. Choice C is a valid consideration as legal risks are important in healthcare provision. Choice D highlights a common issue in the U.S. healthcare system where high-tech equipment is available, but the payment for its use can be problematic.

4. A patient is admitted with pneumonia. My case manager refers to a plan of care that specifically identifies dates when supplemental oxygen should be discontinued, positive pressure ventilation with bronchodilators should be changed to self-administer inhalers, and antibiotics should be changed from intravenous to oral treatment, based on assessment findings. This plan of care is referred to by what term?

• A. patient classification system
• B. patient-centered plan of care
• C. diagnosis-related group
• D. clinical pathway

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A clinical pathway is a structured, evidence-based plan that outlines the expected course of treatment and interventions for a specific diagnosis or procedure, in this case, pneumonia. It includes guidelines on the timing of interventions and transitions in care based on assessment findings, promoting standardized care and improved outcomes for patients. The other choices are incorrect: A) patient classification system categorizes patients based on similar characteristics; B) patient-centered plan of care focuses on individual patient needs and preferences; C) diagnosis-related group is a classification system used for billing purposes.

5. What is a major source of stress on the current U.S. healthcare system?

• A. Rising cost of providing healthcare to all citizens
• B. Lack of adequate education for healthcare professionals
• C. Inadequate number of hospital beds across the country
• D. Increasing cost of malpractice insurance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The increasing cost of providing healthcare to all citizens is a major source of stress on the current U.S. healthcare system. This rise in costs impacts various aspects of the system, including accessibility, quality of care, and financial sustainability. It affects healthcare providers, patients, insurance companies, and the government, making it a critical issue that needs to be addressed to ensure a more efficient and effective healthcare system. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because although lack of education for healthcare professionals, inadequate number of hospital beds, and increasing malpractice insurance costs can be challenges within the healthcare system, they are not the primary source of stress that affects the system as a whole.

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