Nursing Elites

1. The process by which registered nurses assess and judge the performance of peers against some predetermined standard is called:

• A. Group evaluation.
• B. Peer review.
• C. Forced distribution evaluation.
• D. Essay evaluation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Peer review. Peer review is a process in which professional peers assess and judge the performance of their colleagues against predetermined standards. Essay evaluations involve describing an employee's performance through a detailed written narrative. Forced distribution evaluation is a method where employees are rated based on a fixed distribution, similar to grading on a curve. Group evaluation, on the other hand, involves managers comparing individual and group performance against organizational standards.

2. A 34-year-old has a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. The nurse will discuss the need to schedule a dilated eye exam

• A. every 2 years
• B. as soon as possible
• C. when the patient is 39 years old
• D. within the first year after diagnosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B' - as soon as possible. Patients with type 2 diabetes should have a dilated eye exam shortly after diagnosis to check for any signs of diabetic retinopathy, a common complication of diabetes. Waiting for 2 years (choice A) may lead to missing early signs of eye damage. Choice C is incorrect as there is no specific age requirement mentioned for the eye exam. Choice D is also incorrect because early detection and intervention are crucial in diabetic eye disease.

3. What is the primary purpose of clinical pathways in healthcare?

• A. Reduce hospital readmissions
• B. Standardize care
• C. Provide individualized care
• D. Streamline care processes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary purpose of clinical pathways in healthcare is to provide individualized care. While clinical pathways do involve standardizing treatment plans, their main goal is to tailor these plans to the individual needs of patients. This customization ensures that patients receive care that is specific to their condition and requirements, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because although reducing hospital readmissions, standardizing care, and streamlining care processes can be benefits of clinical pathways, they are not the primary purpose. The main focus is on delivering personalized treatment paths to enhance patient outcomes.

4. One of the most important driving forces behind health care policy changes is which of the following?

• A. New technology
• B. Outsourcing of services
• C. Emerging role of nurse practitioners
• D. Ability to pay for health care

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Ability to pay for health care.' One of the primary factors influencing health care policy changes is the financial aspect, as the ability to afford healthcare services affects access, quality, and equity. While new technology, outsourcing of services, and the emerging role of nurse practitioners may also impact health care policies, the fundamental driver often revolves around individuals' and societies' financial capacity to pay for healthcare.

5. A few weeks after an 82-year-old with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes has been placed on metformin (Glucophage) therapy and taught about appropriate diet and exercise, the home health nurse makes a visit. Which finding by the nurse is most important to discuss with the healthcare provider?

• A. Hemoglobin A1C level is 7.9%.
• B. Last eye exam was 18 months ago.
• C. Glomerular filtration rate is decreased.
• D. Patient has questions about the prescribed diet.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important finding to discuss with the healthcare provider is the decreased glomerular filtration rate. In patients on metformin therapy, monitoring kidney function is crucial as metformin is primarily excreted through the kidneys. A decreased glomerular filtration rate can lead to metformin accumulation in the body, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis, a serious adverse effect. The hemoglobin A1C level being 7.9% indicates poor diabetes control but can be addressed through medication adjustments and lifestyle modifications. The patient needing an eye exam after 18 months is important but not as urgent as discussing the decreased glomerular filtration rate. Patient questions about the prescribed diet can be addressed during the visit without the need for immediate healthcare provider intervention.

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