Nursing Elites

1. Politics is a means for influencing events and the decisions of others. The nurse manager who consistently reminds the staff that 'there is no I in team' and periodically brings treats for the staff is using:

• A. Image enhancement
• B. Political skills
• C. Reward power
• D. Expert power

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Political skills. Politics involve interpersonal endeavors, collective activities, analysis, planning, and managing image. In this scenario, the nurse manager is skillfully building team morale and influencing staff dynamics by emphasizing teamwork ('there is no I in team') and boosting morale through occasional treats. This demonstrates the use of political skills to influence and manage relationships within the team. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the manager's actions are not solely focused on image enhancement, reward power, or expert power. Instead, they are aimed at fostering teamwork and boosting staff morale.

2. What is a common barrier to effective delegation?

• A. Lack of trust in team members
• B. Lack of communication
• C. Inadequate training
• D. Lack of resources

Correct answer: A

Rationale: One of the common barriers to effective delegation is a lack of trust in team members. Delegating tasks involves entrusting responsibilities to others, and without trust in the team members' capabilities, the delegator may struggle to effectively assign tasks. Trust is essential for successful delegation as it allows for empowerment and accountability within the team. While lack of communication is crucial for effective delegation, the lack of trust has a more profound impact as it directly affects the ability to delegate tasks. Inadequate training and lack of resources, although important factors, are not as fundamental as trust in team members when it comes to effective delegation.

3. During a home safety assessment, a nurse is evaluating a client who is receiving supplemental oxygen. Which observation should the nurse identify as a proper safety protocol?

• A. The client has a weekly inspection checklist for oxygen equipment.
• B. The client stores an extra oxygen tank on its side under their bed.
• C. The client identifies the location of a fire extinguisher.
• D. The client uses a wool blanket on their bed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because having a weekly inspection checklist for oxygen equipment ensures that the client can monitor the safety and functionality of the oxygen equipment regularly. This is crucial for maintaining a safe environment. Choice B is incorrect because storing an extra oxygen tank on its side under the bed can pose a safety hazard, as tanks should be stored upright. Choice C is a good safety practice, but it is not directly related to oxygen use. Choice D is incorrect because wool blankets are flammable and should not be used by clients receiving supplemental oxygen due to the increased risk of fire.

4. What is the primary purpose of a nurse staffing committee?

• A. To oversee patient safety initiatives
• B. To develop staffing policies and procedures
• C. To coordinate patient care
• D. To manage nurse recruitment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of a nurse staffing committee is to develop staffing policies and procedures to ensure adequate nurse-to-patient ratios. By establishing these guidelines, the committee aims to optimize patient care by ensuring appropriate staffing levels, which in turn can enhance patient safety and coordination of care. While overseeing patient safety initiatives and managing nurse recruitment are important aspects of healthcare management, the core function of a nurse staffing committee is to create and implement policies that govern the allocation and distribution of nursing staff to meet patient care needs effectively. Therefore, choices A, C, and D, though relevant to healthcare, do not align with the primary purpose of a nurse staffing committee as outlined in the question.

5. What should the nurse do after a 36-year-old patient treated with intramuscular glucagon for hypoglycemia regains consciousness?

• A. Assess the patient for symptoms of hyperglycemia.
• B. Give the patient a snack of peanut butter and crackers.
• C. Have the patient drink a glass of orange juice or nonfat milk.
• D. Administer a continuous infusion of 5% dextrose for 24 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After a patient treated with intramuscular glucagon for hypoglycemia regains consciousness, providing a snack of peanut butter and crackers is essential to prevent another episode of hypoglycemia. Peanut butter and crackers contain a combination of protein and carbohydrates, which can help stabilize the patient's blood glucose levels. This choice is the most appropriate immediate action to prevent recurrence of hypoglycemia in this scenario. Assessing for symptoms of hyperglycemia (choice A) is not the immediate priority after treating hypoglycemia. While orange juice or nonfat milk (choice C) can help raise blood sugar, they lack the sustained effect of protein found in peanut butter. Administering a continuous infusion of dextrose (choice D) is excessive and not indicated after the patient has already regained consciousness.

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