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. Which of the following types of HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) contracts with two or more IPAs (Independent Practice Associations)?

• A. Staff model
• B. Point of service model
• C. Network model
• D. Group model

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the Network model. This type of HMO contracts with two or more IPAs. In a Network model, multiple IPAs work together to provide healthcare services to the members. Choice A, the Staff model, involves physicians who are employees of the HMO. Choice B, the Point of Service model, allows members to seek care outside the network at a higher cost. Choice D, the Group model, does not specifically contract with IPAs.

3. A nurse manager has two out of six staff nurses call in sick for one shift. Because of reduced availability of staff, the manager decides to manage the unit with the three remaining nurses, which keeps the unit at minimal staffing standards. What type of decision-making strategy would this be?

• A. Satisficing
• B. Routine
• C. Adaptive
• D. Rationalizing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Satisficing is the correct decision-making strategy in this scenario. The nurse manager is not aiming for the best solution but rather choosing an alternative that is good enough given the circumstances of staff shortage. Choice B, Routine, does not apply here as the situation is not part of the manager's regular tasks. Choice C, Adaptive, involves adjusting to new conditions, which is not the primary focus in this scenario. Choice D, Rationalizing, does not fit as the decision made is more about finding an acceptable solution rather than justifying it.

4. Which of the following best defines the role of a nurse practitioner (NP)?

• A. Provide direct patient care under the supervision of a physician
• B. Diagnose and treat medical conditions independently
• C. Assist with administrative tasks in a healthcare setting
• D. Specialize in a specific area of nursing practice

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Diagnose and treat medical conditions independently.' Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who are qualified to diagnose and treat medical conditions without direct supervision from a physician. Choice A is incorrect because NPs have the autonomy to provide care independently. Choice C is incorrect as NPs focus on clinical care rather than administrative tasks. Choice D is incorrect as specializing in a specific area of nursing practice refers to a different aspect of advanced nursing roles, such as becoming a clinical nurse specialist.

5. 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.

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