Nursing Elites

1. One of the most important driving forces behind health care policy changes is which of the following?

• A. New technology
• B. Outsourcing of services
• C. Emerging role of nurse practitioners
• D. Ability to pay for health care

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Ability to pay for health care.' One of the primary factors influencing health care policy changes is the financial aspect, as the ability to afford healthcare services affects access, quality, and equity. While new technology, outsourcing of services, and the emerging role of nurse practitioners may also impact health care policies, the fundamental driver often revolves around individuals' and societies' financial capacity to pay for healthcare.

2. What is the primary role of a nurse in palliative care?

• A. To provide emotional support to patients and families
• B. To coordinate patient care and provide pain management
• C. To administer medications and treatments
• D. To conduct research on end-of-life care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In palliative care, a nurse's primary role is to coordinate patient care and provide pain management. While emotional support (Choice A) is a crucial aspect of palliative care, it is not the primary role of a nurse in this setting. Administering medications and treatments (Choice C) is part of the nurse's responsibilities but not the primary role. Conducting research (Choice D) is important for advancing palliative care but is not the primary role of a nurse providing direct patient care in this context.

3. Which of the following is an example of a sentinel event?

• A. A patient fall with no injury
• B. A medication error that results in no harm
• C. A patient suicide while in a healthcare facility
• D. A near miss incident

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, a patient suicide while in a healthcare facility. A sentinel event is an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury. Choices A, B, and D do not meet the criteria for sentinel events as described by The Joint Commission, as they do not involve death or serious harm to the patient.

4. Which of the following best describes the purpose of benchmarking in healthcare?

• A. To compare performance metrics across organizations
• B. To identify best practices and implement them
• C. To ensure compliance with standards
• D. To develop new clinical guidelines

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To identify best practices and implement them.' Benchmarking in healthcare aims to compare performance metrics across organizations to identify the most effective practices and implement them. This helps healthcare providers improve their performance and outcomes by adopting proven successful strategies. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while benchmarking may involve comparing performance metrics and ensuring standards compliance, its primary purpose is to identify and implement best practices.

5. Which of the following strategies is most effective for reducing medication errors on a nursing unit?

• A. Increasing the nurse-to-patient ratio
• B. Providing ongoing education on safe medication practices
• C. Using barcoding technology for medication administration
• D. Increasing the use of PRN medications

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most effective strategy for reducing medication errors on a nursing unit is using barcoding technology for medication administration. Barcoding technology helps to ensure the right medication is given to the right patient in the right dose at the right time. Increasing the nurse-to-patient ratio (choice A) may help in preventing errors due to workload, but it may not address the root cause of medication errors. Providing ongoing education (choice B) is important but may not be as effective as implementing technology to directly prevent errors during administration. Increasing the use of PRN medications (choice D) can actually increase the risk of errors if not carefully monitored and controlled.

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