Nursing Elites

1. Penalties should be __________ .

• A. Determining the employee's awareness of the policy
• B. Describing the staff nurse's behavior that violated the policy
• C. Progressive
• D. Confrontation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Penalties for policy violations should be progressive. This means that the disciplinary actions should escalate based on the severity or frequency of the violation. For minor infractions, like smoking in an unauthorized area, a progressive approach may include oral warnings, written warnings, suspension, and termination if the behavior persists. In contrast, major violations, such as theft, may warrant immediate and severe consequences like suspension or termination. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not address the concept of progressively escalating penalties based on the violation's severity or recurrence.

2. A manager is prioritizing the following issues. Of the following issues, which should be considered urgent and important?

• A. The manager of physical therapy calls and complains about inappropriate behaviors of one of the staff nurses with one of his therapists.
• B. A staff nurse reports a pattern of malfunctioning IV pumps on the unit during her current shift, resulting in overdosing of medications.
• C. One of the staff nurses, who would have been an extra nurse for the next shift, calls in sick.
• D. A small group of staff nurses request a meeting to discuss initiating a scheduling committee.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because patient safety is a critical concern in healthcare settings. Malfunctioning IV pumps leading to medication overdosing poses a direct threat to patient safety and must be addressed urgently. Choice A involves interpersonal issues between staff members which are important but can be addressed in a less urgent manner compared to patient safety concerns. Choice C, a staff nurse calling in sick, is important for staffing but can be managed through existing protocols. Choice D, initiating a scheduling committee, is a routine operational matter that can be addressed at a later time and does not pose an immediate risk to patient safety.

3. What type of staffing involves scheduling a certain number of people per day consistently?

• A. Flexible
• B. Mixed
• C. Block
• D. Creative

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Block staffing. Block staffing involves scheduling a consistent number of staff per day. This method ensures a predictable workforce on each shift, allowing for better planning and allocation of resources. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not specifically refer to the consistent scheduling of a certain number of staff per day as seen in block staffing.

4. Which of the following is an example of a conflict of interest in nursing?

• A. A nurse accepting gifts from a patient
• B. A nurse working for two competing healthcare organizations
• C. A nurse disclosing patient information without consent
• D. A nurse delegating tasks improperly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A nurse working for two competing healthcare organizations represents a conflict of interest as it may affect impartiality. Choice A is incorrect as accepting gifts from a patient may be a violation of ethical standards, but it is not a conflict of interest. Choice C is incorrect as disclosing patient information without consent is a breach of confidentiality, not a conflict of interest. Choice D is incorrect as delegating tasks improperly relates to professional competence, not a conflict of interest.

5. A nurse manager is preparing the budget for the year. The budgeted amounts have been set without regard to changes that may occur during the year. What type of budget is the manager preparing?

• A. Fixed budget
• B. Zero-based budget
• C. Variable budget
• D. Operating budget

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fixed budget. A fixed budget is one where the budgeted amounts are set without considering changes that may occur during the year. This type of budget is based on the assumption that the business environment will remain stable. Choice B, Zero-based budget, involves setting the budget at zero and justifying all expenses. Choice C, Variable budget, adjusts based on changes in activity levels. Choice D, Operating budget, is a comprehensive projection of all revenue and expenses for the upcoming period.

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