Nursing Elites

1. Nonverbal messages in communication, including body language and environmental factors, are called ___________.

• A. lateral communication
• B. upward communication
• C. metacommunications
• D. downward communication

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Nonverbal messages in communication, such as body language and environmental factors, are termed metacommunications. Choice A, lateral communication, refers to communication between individuals or groups on the same hierarchical level. Choice B, upward communication, involves the flow of information from lower levels to higher levels in an organization. Choice D, downward communication, relates to the transmission of information from higher levels to lower levels within an organization. Therefore, the correct term for nonverbal messages in communication is metacommunications.

2. Which of the following is an essential element of a quality improvement (QI) program?

• A. Blame and punishment
• B. Employee satisfaction
• C. Continual monitoring
• D. Strict adherence to policies

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The essential element of a quality improvement (QI) program is continual monitoring. Continual monitoring allows for the ongoing assessment of processes, identification of areas for improvement, and tracking of progress. Option A, 'Blame and punishment,' is incorrect as QI programs focus on systemic issues rather than individual blame. Option B, 'Employee satisfaction,' while important for organizational culture, is not an essential element of QI programs. Option D, 'Strict adherence to policies,' is valuable but not the core essential element, which is continual monitoring to drive improvement.

3. 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.

4. Under which category does a violation of the nurse practice act fall?

• A. Juvenile offenses
• B. Felonies
• C. Misdemeanors
• D. Torts

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A violation of the nurse practice act falls under the category of tort. Tort refers to civil wrongs that cause harm or loss to another person, and a violation of the nurse practice act can result in a civil lawsuit against the nurse for negligence or malpractice. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because a violation of the nurse practice act does not fall under juvenile offenses, felonies, or misdemeanors, but rather under civil wrongs known as torts.

5. Which of the following is a common characteristic of a high reliability organization (HRO)?

• A. Flexibility
• B. Reluctance to simplify
• C. Preoccupation with failure
• D. Deference to expertise

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A common characteristic of a high reliability organization (HRO) is a preoccupation with failure. HROs focus on identifying and addressing potential failure points to prevent errors and maintain high levels of safety and reliability. This mindset helps them anticipate and mitigate risks proactively, leading to better outcomes and performance. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While flexibility, reluctance to simplify, and deference to expertise may be important in various contexts, they are not the primary defining characteristics of a high reliability organization. The core focus of HROs is on continuously monitoring for potential failures and working to prevent them.

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