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. A unit manager has been working to decrease the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections on his unit, spending extra time on the unit researching best practices and conducting training. Having completed training, the manager decides to take a couple of days off. Which of the following leadership traits is this unit manager displaying?

• A. Perseverance
• B. Balance
• C. Generosity
• D. Ability to handle stress

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Balance.' The unit manager is displaying balance by recognizing the importance of taking time off to rest and recharge after working diligently to decrease infections. 'Perseverance' is not the correct choice because the manager is taking time off, not persisting in the face of challenges. 'Generosity' and 'Ability to handle stress' are also incorrect as they do not align with the situation described.

3. After examining her client's abdomen and noting assessment of significant findings, even though the client says it doesn't hurt, the nurse says to a colleague, 'I think something is going on here; I am going to investigate further.' This nurse is using:

• A. Deductive reasoning.
• B. Intuition.
• C. Trial and error.
• D. Modified scientific method.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Intuition. In this scenario, the nurse is relying on intuition, which refers to a 'gut feeling' or instinctive understanding without the conscious use of reasoning. Deductive reasoning (choice A) involves drawing specific conclusions from general principles. Trial and error (choice C) is a problem-solving method that involves trying various methods until the correct one is found. The modified scientific method (choice D) refers to a structured approach to conducting experiments in a scientific setting, which is not applicable in this situation where the nurse is relying on a hunch or intuition.

4. A 26-year-old female with type 1 diabetes develops a sore throat and runny nose after caring for her sick toddler. The patient calls the clinic for advice about her symptoms and a blood glucose level of 210 mg/dL despite taking her usual glargine (Lantus) and lispro (Humalog) insulin. The nurse advises the patient to

• A. use only the lispro insulin until the symptoms are resolved
• B. limit calorie intake until the glucose is less than 120 mg/dL
• C. monitor blood glucose every 4 hours and notify the clinic if it continues to rise
• D. decrease carbohydrate intake until glycosylated hemoglobin is less than 7%

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should advise the patient to monitor her blood glucose every 4 hours and notify the clinic if it continues to rise. This is important because the patient is experiencing symptoms of an illness (sore throat and runny nose) that can lead to fluctuations in blood glucose levels. By monitoring frequently, any significant rise in blood glucose can be detected early, enabling prompt intervention. Choice A is incorrect because abruptly stopping glargine (Lantus) insulin can lead to uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Choice B is incorrect as limiting calorie intake is not the appropriate immediate action for managing high blood glucose levels. Choice D is also incorrect as adjusting carbohydrate intake based on glycosylated hemoglobin levels is not the immediate action needed in this acute situation.

5. A client experiences an air emboli, resulting in a stroke, during an IV start. This can be classified as which type of risk?

• A. Patient dissatisfaction
• B. Medical-legal incident
• C. Medication error
• D. Diagnostic procedure

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Diagnostic procedure.' When a client experiences an air emboli leading to a stroke during an IV start, it falls under the category of a diagnostic procedure risk. This incident occurred during a procedure intended for diagnosis or evaluation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Patient dissatisfaction refers to a client's discontent with care, service, or outcomes; a medical-legal incident involves legal issues related to healthcare practices; and a medication error pertains to mistakes in medication administration.

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