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. The staff in the emergency department has presented the nurse leader with a suggestion for streamlining the triage process, cutting down on wait times. Which of the following qualities does the leader specifically need to implement the suggestion?

• A. Courage
• B. Integrity
• C. Energy
• D. Initiative

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Initiative is the correct quality needed in this situation. The staff has provided a suggestion for improvement, and the leader must take the initiative to implement it. Courage, integrity, and energy are valuable qualities as well but in this context, the most essential quality is initiative to drive the change forward and improve the triage process efficiently.

3. A client who is nonambulatory notifies the nurse that their trash can is on fire. After the nurse confirms the presence of the fire, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?

• A. Activate the emergency fire alarm.
• B. Extinguish the fire.
• C. Evacuate the client.
• D. Confine the fire.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this situation, the nurse's priority should be to confine the fire. By confining the fire, the nurse can prevent it from spreading further and causing more harm. Activating the emergency fire alarm (choice A) is important but should come after confining the fire. Extinguishing the fire (choice B) might not be safe for the nurse to do without proper equipment and training. Evacuating the client (choice C) can be considered once the fire is confined to ensure the client's safety.

4. A client experiences difficulty breathing after the change of shift. The nurse on duty discovers that the IVFs were infusing at a rate 10 times the calculated normal. After notifying the physician and correcting the rate, what should be the next step in the client's care?

• A. Notify family
• B. Discipline the previous nurse
• C. Complete an incident report
• D. Obtain legal consultation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct next step in the client's care after notifying the physician and correcting the rate of IVFs is to complete an incident report. This report is essential for documenting the adverse event, analyzing the cause, and implementing preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future. Notifying the family, disciplining the previous nurse, and obtaining legal consultation are not immediate priorities in this situation. Family notification may follow the incident report, disciplining the previous nurse is a separate administrative process, and legal consultation is usually not required for a medical error corrected promptly.

5. As a new nurse at a healthcare organization offering a nurse residency program, what would benefit you the most?

• A. Avoiding challenging patient assignments to minimize the risk of errors.
• B. Relying on your clinical preceptor, similar to your relationship with your nurse faculty.
• C. Establishing professional goals based on your clinical knowledge.
• D. Engaging in evidence-based practice projects immediately.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: As a new nurse joining a nurse residency program, the most beneficial action would be to establish professional goals based on your clinical knowledge. Setting clear goals allows you to focus on your learning needs, competency development, and guidance from your clinical preceptor. This proactive approach helps you maximize your learning opportunities, shape your professional growth, and enhance your skills as a novice nurse. Choice A is incorrect because avoiding challenging patient assignments may hinder your learning and skill development. Choice B is incorrect as while the clinical preceptor is essential, solely relying on them without personal professional goals may limit your growth. Choice D is incorrect because engaging in evidence-based practice projects immediately may be overwhelming for a new nurse without first establishing foundational goals.

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