Nursing Elites

1. How does decision making differ from problem solving?

• A. Decision making always involves selecting from a set of alternatives.
• B. Problem solving always involves selecting one of several alternatives.
• C. Problem solving never involves decision making.
• D. Decision making always involves solving a problem.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because decision making always involves selecting from a set of alternatives, while problem solving involves diagnosing a problem. Option B is incorrect as problem solving involves diagnosing a problem rather than selecting one of several alternatives. Option C is incorrect because decision making is often a part of problem-solving processes. Option D is incorrect as decision making may involve selecting from alternatives, not necessarily solving a problem.

2. What is the primary function of discipline?

• A. To punish
• B. To evaluate
• C. To teach
• D. To ridicule

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of discipline is to teach individuals appropriate behavior and help them learn from their mistakes. Discipline is meant to guide individuals towards self-improvement and understanding of rules and expectations. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because discipline is not primarily about punishment, evaluation, or ridicule. While consequences may be a part of discipline, the main goal is to educate and promote positive behavior.

3. What is a common barrier to effective delegation?

• A. Lack of trust in team members
• B. Lack of communication
• C. Inadequate training
• D. Lack of resources

Correct answer: A

Rationale: One of the common barriers to effective delegation is a lack of trust in team members. Delegating tasks involves entrusting responsibilities to others, and without trust in the team members' capabilities, the delegator may struggle to effectively assign tasks. Trust is essential for successful delegation as it allows for empowerment and accountability within the team. While lack of communication is crucial for effective delegation, the lack of trust has a more profound impact as it directly affects the ability to delegate tasks. Inadequate training and lack of resources, although important factors, are not as fundamental as trust in team members when it comes to effective delegation.

4. 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.

5. A 48-year-old male patient screened for diabetes at a clinic has a fasting plasma glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L). The nurse will plan to teach the patient about

• A. self-monitoring of blood glucose
• B. using low doses of regular insulin
• C. lifestyle changes to lower blood glucose
• D. effects of oral hypoglycemic medications

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient has a fasting plasma glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L), indicating prediabetes, the initial approach is focused on lifestyle modifications to lower blood glucose levels. These changes may include dietary adjustments, increased physical activity, and weight management. Self-monitoring of blood glucose, insulin therapy, and oral hypoglycemic medications are not typically the first-line interventions for patients with prediabetes. Educating the patient about lifestyle changes to lower blood glucose is the most appropriate action at this stage.

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