Nursing Elites

1. Politics is defined as the art of influencing the allocation of scarce resources. An example of a scarce resource allocated by the manager of a patient care unit is:

• A. Raises for the staff.
• B. Patient supplies in the utility room.
• C. Staffing that minimizes overtime.
• D. Paper for the printer.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a healthcare setting, scarce resources can include money, time, personnel, and materials. Staffing decisions directly impact the allocation of personnel resources and can affect overtime costs, making it a critical resource managed by the unit manager. Patient supplies in the utility room and paper for the printer are important, but staffing decisions have a more direct impact on resource allocation within the unit. Raises for staff are typically granted by the institution and are not directly controlled by the unit manager.

2. How will working in a high-volume, noisy emergency room in an urban area with a high incidence of assault victims affect staff?

• A. Feelings of extreme overload.
• B. Fear of failure.
• C. A pessimistic sense about the world.
• D. Inability to separate intense work situations from personal situations.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Working in a high-volume, noisy emergency room in an urban area with a high incidence of assault victims can lead to feelings of extreme overload, a pessimistic sense about the world, and an inability to separate intense work situations from personal situations. Fear of failure is not specifically mentioned in the context of the question, so it is the correct answer. The constant noises and intense emotional situations can create tension, stress, and negative reactions among staff. Managers can help by assessing the environment, labeling situations, and debriefing with staff to make them more aware of how stressors impact their behaviors.

3. A healthcare professional is caring for a client who has a sodium level of 125 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L). Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Positive Chvostek's sign
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Numbness of the extremities
• D. Abdominal cramping

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A sodium level of 125 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which can lead to abdominal cramping. Abdominal cramping is a common symptom of hyponatremia due to an imbalance in electrolytes. While other options like Chvostek's sign, bradycardia, and numbness of the extremities can be associated with other electrolyte imbalances, they are not typically seen with low sodium levels. Chvostek's sign is related to hypocalcemia, bradycardia can be seen in hyperkalemia, and numbness of the extremities can be a symptom of hypocalcemia or hypokalemia, but not directly related to hyponatremia.

4. What is the main purpose of recruitment activities?

• A. Assess an applicant's motivation
• B. Generate a pool of qualified applicants
• C. Assess an applicant's skills
• D. Assess an applicant's ability

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main purpose of recruitment activities is to generate a pool of qualified applicants. Recruitment aims to attract a diverse range of candidates and create a talent pool from which the organization can select the most suitable individuals. Option A is incorrect as assessing motivation is typically part of the selection process rather than the recruitment phase. Option C focuses more on skill assessment, which is also generally done during the selection process. Option D is too broad and overlaps with assessing skills and qualifications rather than the primary purpose of recruitment.

5. A nurse supervisor is planning an educational session for her staff regarding improving teamwork among different generations. Which of the following recommendations will reduce potential generational conflicts?

• A. Involve only millennials in technology decisions.
• B. Focus on the team as a whole, rather than individual generations.
• C. Involve only the baby boomers in technology decisions.
• D. Practice active and assertive communication techniques.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Active and assertive communication will assist each generation to value the others� skills and perspectives.

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