Nursing Elites

1. One of the most useful tools to determine reasons for turnover is:

• A. Questioning.
• B. Surveys.
• C. Employee forums.
• D. Telephone calls.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Surveys are one of the most effective tools to determine reasons for turnover because they allow employees to provide feedback anonymously, leading to more truthful responses. While questioning can be part of the process, surveys provide a structured and standardized way to collect data. Employee forums may not always elicit honest responses due to peer pressure or fear of repercussions. Telephone calls may not reach all employees and do not guarantee anonymity, potentially leading to biased or incomplete information.

2. What is a benefit of effective delegation?

• A. It increases the manager's workload
• B. It allows the manager to make all the decisions
• C. It empowers staff to make decisions
• D. It decreases staff involvement

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'It empowers staff to make decisions.' Effective delegation involves entrusting tasks and decisions to staff, which not only lightens the manager's load but also empowers employees, enhancing their skills and confidence. Choice A is incorrect because effective delegation should reduce the manager's workload by distributing tasks appropriately. Choice B is incorrect as effective delegation involves empowering staff to make decisions rather than the manager making all decisions. Choice D is incorrect as effective delegation actually increases staff involvement by giving them more responsibilities and decision-making power.

3. Which of the following laws govern nursing practice?

• A. Statutory laws
• B. Common laws
• C. Administrative laws
• D. Constitutional laws

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Statutory laws govern nursing practice. These laws are enacted by legislative bodies and regulate various aspects of nursing practice, including licensure requirements, scope of practice, and patient care standards. Common laws, administrative laws, and constitutional laws may also impact nursing practice, but statutory laws specifically outline the legal framework for nursing professionals to follow. Common laws are based on court decisions and precedents, not specific to nursing practice. Administrative laws deal with regulations set by administrative agencies. Constitutional laws relate to the fundamental rights and principles outlined in the constitution, not specifically governing nursing practice.

4. An RN is working through an ethical dilemma involving a patient on his unit. He has just identified the decision makers involved. Which step best describes the current stage the RN is working through?

• A. Assessment
• B. Diagnosis
• C. Planning
• D. Implementation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Planning. In the planning phase of addressing an ethical dilemma, the goals of treatment are established, decision makers are identified, and all available options are reviewed. The assessment phase involves collecting data and information, the diagnosis phase involves analyzing the information to identify the problem, and the implementation phase involves carrying out the chosen plan of action. Therefore, in this scenario, where decision makers are being identified, the RN is in the planning stage.

5. A 27-year-old patient admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has a serum glucose level of 732 mg/dL and serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which action prescribed by the healthcare provider should the nurse take first?

• A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor
• B. Administer IV potassium supplements
• C. Obtain urine glucose and ketone levels
• D. Start an insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/hr

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the initial priority is to assess for any cardiac arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalances. Since the patient has a low serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L, placing the patient on a cardiac monitor is crucial to monitor for any potential cardiac complications. Administering IV potassium supplements (Choice B) may be needed, but it is not the first action to take. Obtaining urine glucose and ketone levels (Choice C) and starting an insulin infusion (Choice D) are important interventions in managing DKA, but ensuring patient safety by monitoring for arrhythmias takes precedence.

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