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. When caring for a patient who just received a terminal diagnosis and is tearful and frightened, what is the best action to demonstrate caring?

• A. Call the patient's spiritual leader to talk to the patient.
• B. Call the patient's family and ask them to come sit with the patient.
• C. Cry with the patient while sympathizing with their situation.
• D. Sit with the patient and listen to their fears.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In situations where a patient receives a terminal diagnosis and is emotionally distressed, it is essential to provide empathy and support. Sitting with the patient and actively listening to their fears allows the patient to express their emotions and concerns. This action demonstrates genuine care and compassion, showing the patient that their feelings are acknowledged and valued. It creates a therapeutic environment that fosters trust and emotional well-being, helping the patient cope with the distressing news. Calling the patient's spiritual leader (Choice A) may not address the immediate emotional needs of the patient. Calling the patient's family (Choice B) can be comforting but might not directly address the patient's fears. Crying with the patient (Choice C) can blur professional boundaries and may not be as beneficial as actively listening and providing support.

3. What does valuing respect for the individual as defining high-quality patient care describe about the nurse's approach to patient care?

• A. Critical thinking
• B. Caritas
• C. Paradigm
• D. Hierarchy of needs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Valuing respect for the individual as defining high-quality patient care describes the nurse's paradigm, which is the overall way of thinking and approaching patient care that guides their actions and decisions. It reflects their fundamental beliefs and values regarding patient interactions and care delivery. Critical thinking involves analyzing information objectively and evaluating situations to make informed decisions. Caritas refers to acts of loving kindness and compassionate care in nursing practice. The hierarchy of needs is a theory that describes the hierarchical nature of human needs, such as physiological needs, safety needs, and social needs.

4. How can the nurse best advocate for a patient who will be discharged from acute care to home?

• A. Arranging for Meals on Wheels to provide in-home meals
• B. Administering pain medication prior to discharge
• C. Teaching the patient how to take medications at home
• D. Taking the patient by wheelchair to the car

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Arranging for in-home support services like Meals on Wheels is crucial for ensuring the patient receives proper nutrition and support after discharge. This goes beyond simply administering medications or providing transportation. By arranging for in-home meals, the nurse addresses the patient's nutritional needs, promotes their overall well-being, and supports their ongoing care requirements. Administering pain medication or teaching medication management, while important, do not directly address the patient's need for nutritional support. Taking the patient by wheelchair to the car is focused on physical transportation and does not encompass the holistic care approach needed for a successful transition to home care.

5. A healthcare provider is caring for a patient who is to receive an antibiotic drug that causes severe skin damage when infiltrated. The order reads 'Infuse over one hour by port-a-cath.' When the healthcare provider assesses the personal digital assistant that lists the steps to access a port-a-cath, which type of computer software is being used?

• A. Data management
• B. Electronic health records
• C. Point-of-care technology
• D. Telehealth

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Point-of-care technology refers to the use of devices like personal digital assistants that allow healthcare providers to access and input data directly at the patient's bedside. It aids in providing timely and accurate information for patient care management. In this scenario, the healthcare provider is using the personal digital assistant for immediate access to information on accessing a port-a-cath, demonstrating the use of point-of-care technology. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because data management typically involves organizing and storing data, electronic health records focus on patient health information management, and telehealth involves providing healthcare services remotely, none of which directly apply to the situation described.

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