Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is developing a critical pathway for congestive heart failure (CHF). Which components are essential to include? (Select ONE that does not apply.)

• A. Expected length of stay
• B. Assigned staff healthcare provider
• C. Patient outcomes
• D. Medical diagnosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Critical pathways are designed to outline the expected sequence and timing of interventions to achieve optimal patient outcomes for a specific medical condition. Components such as the expected length of stay, patient outcomes, and medical diagnosis are crucial in developing a critical pathway for congestive heart failure. However, the assigned staff healthcare provider is not typically a fixed component of a critical pathway as it may vary based on staffing schedules and rotations. Therefore, the assigned staff healthcare provider is the component that does not apply.

2. Quality management and benchmarking are two approaches used to improve the quality of care. The major difference between these two approaches is which of the following?

• A. Quality management is not useful in the outpatient setting
• B. Benchmarking compares outcomes in a variety of settings and disciplines
• C. Quality management is used only in the primary care setting
• D. Benchmarking looks only at outcomes specific to nursing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The major difference between quality management and benchmarking is that benchmarking compares outcomes in a variety of settings and disciplines. Choice A is incorrect because quality management can be applied in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Choice C is incorrect as quality management is not limited to primary care and can be implemented across various healthcare settings. Choice D is incorrect as benchmarking does not solely focus on nursing outcomes but rather compares outcomes across different disciplines and settings.

3. Which of the following statements about ethical principles and laws is true?

• A. The government holds the power to enforce ethics.
• B. Laws provide standards that assist in decision making.
• C. Ethics are very specific.
• D. As a standard for measuring actions, ethical principles may be the basis for laws.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'As a standard for measuring actions, ethical principles may be the basis for laws.' This statement is true as ethical principles can influence the creation and implementation of laws. Ethical principles often serve as a foundation for laws by reflecting societal values and moral standards. Choice A is incorrect because while the government may enforce laws, ethics are typically guided by moral principles rather than government enforcement. Choice B is incorrect because laws provide legal standards, not ethical standards, for decision-making. Choice C is incorrect because ethics are not always very specific; they can be broad and encompass various moral values and principles.

4. While interviewing for a position at City Hospital, the nurse asks about the organizational structure of the institution. She is told that the hospital is organized into departments based on specialty (e.g., nursing, dietary, pharmacy, etc.). Based on what you know about organizational structure, select the structure in this example.

• A. Parallel
• B. Functional
• C. Service-integrated
• D. Matrix

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Functional. In functional structures, employees are grouped into departments based on specialty, allowing individuals with similar skills and tasks to work together efficiently. In this scenario, organizing the hospital into departments such as nursing, dietary, and pharmacy based on their specialties exemplifies a functional organizational structure. Choice A, Parallel structure, involves independent units working on similar tasks, which is not the case here. Choice C, Service-integrated structure, emphasizes cross-functional teamwork across various departments, which is not the main focus in the scenario. Choice D, Matrix structure, involves employees reporting to multiple managers for different projects or tasks, which is not described in the scenario.

5. Which of the following is a positive benefit of conflict within an organization?

• A. Conflict leads to compromise of values and beliefs.
• B. Conflict leads to intergroup collaboration.
• C. Conflict helps people recognize differences and motivates them towards improved performance.
• D. Conflict always results in a win-win resolution.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Conflict within an organization can have positive outcomes as it helps individuals recognize legitimate differences, fostering diversity of thought and perspectives. This recognition can serve as a motivator for individuals to enhance their performance in order to address and adapt to these differences effectively, ultimately leading to improved organizational outcomes. Choice A is incorrect because conflict should not lead to compromising core values and beliefs. Choice B is incorrect as conflict typically leads to competition rather than collaboration. Choice D is incorrect because conflict does not always result in a win-win resolution; in reality, conflicts often involve compromise and trade-offs rather than everyone winning.

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