Nursing Elites

1. Verbal interventions with an agitated patient may be calming. These interventions include:

• A. Holding and reassuring the patient
• B. Encouraging other staff to distract the patient
• C. Remaining calm and keeping an arm's distance
• D. Standing close to the patient while talking

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Remaining calm and keeping an arm's distance. Agitated individuals benefit from minimal verbal and physical stimulation. They respond to their environment based on how nurses interact with them. If an individual feels threatened or cornered, the response will generally be self-protective and reactive. Standing close to the patient (choice D) can be perceived as invasive and may escalate the situation. Holding and reassuring the patient (choice A) may not be effective if the patient perceives it as intrusive. Encouraging other staff to distract the patient (choice B) may introduce unnecessary stimulation. Therefore, the recommended approach is to remain calm and keep a safe distance to provide a non-threatening environment for the agitated patient.

2. A Staff Nurse submits a six-week notice of resignation. The Nurse Manager prepares a request to immediately post the position and begin interviews. This action is best described as which of the following?

• A. Delegation
• B. A time-waster
• C. Reactive management
• D. Proactive management

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Proactive management. Proactive management involves taking steps to prevent issues from occurring rather than just reacting to them. In this scenario, the Nurse Manager is being proactive by preparing to fill the position before the Staff Nurse leaves, thereby preventing short staffing. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Delegation refers to assigning tasks to others, not preparing to fill a vacant position. Calling it a time-waster is subjective and not reflective of the manager's proactive approach. Reactive management would involve waiting until the Nurse leaves and then trying to fill the position, causing short staffing.

3. Which of the following is a common characteristic of a high reliability organization (HRO)?

• A. Flexibility
• B. Reluctance to simplify
• C. Preoccupation with failure
• D. Deference to expertise

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A common characteristic of a high reliability organization (HRO) is a preoccupation with failure. HROs focus on identifying and addressing potential failure points to prevent errors and maintain high levels of safety and reliability. This mindset helps them anticipate and mitigate risks proactively, leading to better outcomes and performance. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While flexibility, reluctance to simplify, and deference to expertise may be important in various contexts, they are not the primary defining characteristics of a high reliability organization. The core focus of HROs is on continuously monitoring for potential failures and working to prevent them.

4. Which of the following is considered voluntary turnover?

• A. Desire to leave
• B. Termination
• C. Forced resignation
• D. Floating

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'Desire to leave.' Voluntary turnover occurs when an employee chooses to leave the organization. In this case, it is a direct function of the nurse's desire to leave. Termination and forced resignation are involuntary processes where the decision is made by the employer, not the employee. 'Floating' refers to the reassignment of a nurse to a unit different from their usual work unit and is not directly related to turnover.

5. When addressing a policy violation, what is one of the initial steps to take?

• A. Terminate the employee.
• B. Confront the employee.
• C. Discipline the employee immediately.
• D. Determine whether the employee is aware of the policy.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When addressing a policy violation, one of the initial steps should be to determine whether the employee is aware of the policy. This step allows for clarification, feedback, and potential training if needed. Terminating the employee (Choice A) or disciplining immediately (Choice C) without assessing awareness can lead to unfair treatment and legal issues. Confronting the employee (Choice B) may be necessary but should come after establishing awareness and providing necessary support or education.

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