Nursing Elites

1. Professionalism has historically been difficult to define. Early definitions of professionalism included which of the following characteristics?

• A. Expertise
• B. Empathy
• C. Ethical and moral values
• D. Honesty

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Expertise.' Historically, professionalism was defined by one's knowledge and expertise in a particular field. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because early definitions of professionalism did not focus on qualities like empathy, ethical and moral values, or honesty, but rather on the individual's level of skill and competence in their area of work.

2. Lippitt's phases of change are important factors in the change process. The phase that involves key people in data collection is known as:

• A. Assess the motivation.
• B. Choose a change agent.
• C. Diagnose the problem.
• D. Maintain the change.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Diagnose the problem.' In Lippitt's phases of change, the first step is to diagnose the problem, which involves key people in data collection and problem-solving. This step is crucial as it helps identify the root causes of the issues that need to be addressed. Assessing the motivation (A) comes later in the change process once the problem has been diagnosed. Choosing a change agent (B) and maintaining the change (D) are also important steps in the change process but do not specifically involve key people in data collection as in the diagnosis phase.

3. 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.

4. What is the primary goal of evidence-based practice (EBP)?

• A. Reduce healthcare costs
• B. Improve patient outcomes
• C. Enhance clinical decision making
• D. Ensure patient safety

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of evidence-based practice (EBP) is to enhance clinical decision making by integrating the best available evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. While improving patient outcomes is a significant result of EBP, the ultimate aim is to ensure that healthcare decisions are based on the most current, relevant, and reliable evidence. While reducing healthcare costs and ensuring patient safety are important in healthcare, they are not the primary goals of evidence-based practice.

5. The nurse manager can use several strategies to improve communication when giving directions. Asking the subordinate to repeat the instructions would be which of the following strategies?

• A. Verifying through feedback
• B. Follow-up communication
• C. Getting positive attention
• D. Knowing the context of the instruction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Asking the subordinate to repeat the instructions is a strategy known as verifying through feedback. This approach ensures that the receiver has understood the request correctly. Choice B, 'Follow-up communication,' refers to checking in after the initial communication, not necessarily asking for repetition. Choice C, 'Getting positive attention,' is unrelated to confirming understanding. Choice D, 'Knowing the context of the instruction,' deals with understanding the background or reasons behind the instructions, not confirming comprehension.

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