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 recent ethical issue has resulted in uneasiness and discomfort for several nurses on a unit. The unit manager has decided to discuss the issues at the next team meeting. The situation has resulted in which of the following for some of the nurses?

• A. Moral suffering
• B. Moral distress
• C. Ethical dilemma
• D. Veracity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Moral suffering occurs when a situation results in a feeling of uneasiness or concern because of behaviors or circumstances that challenge one�s own morals and beliefs.

3. Which of the following is an example of a conflict of interest in nursing?

• A. A nurse accepting gifts from a patient
• B. A nurse working for two competing healthcare organizations
• C. A nurse disclosing patient information without consent
• D. A nurse delegating tasks improperly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A nurse working for two competing healthcare organizations represents a conflict of interest as it may affect impartiality. Choice A is incorrect as accepting gifts from a patient may be a violation of ethical standards, but it is not a conflict of interest. Choice C is incorrect as disclosing patient information without consent is a breach of confidentiality, not a conflict of interest. Choice D is incorrect as delegating tasks improperly relates to professional competence, not a conflict of interest.

4. A manager is prioritizing the following issues. Of the following issues, which should be considered urgent and important?

• A. The manager of physical therapy calls and complains about inappropriate behaviors of one of the staff nurses with one of his therapists.
• B. A staff nurse reports a pattern of malfunctioning IV pumps on the unit during her current shift, resulting in overdosing of medications.
• C. One of the staff nurses, who would have been an extra nurse for the next shift, calls in sick.
• D. A small group of staff nurses request a meeting to discuss initiating a scheduling committee.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because patient safety is a critical concern in healthcare settings. Malfunctioning IV pumps leading to medication overdosing poses a direct threat to patient safety and must be addressed urgently. Choice A involves interpersonal issues between staff members which are important but can be addressed in a less urgent manner compared to patient safety concerns. Choice C, a staff nurse calling in sick, is important for staffing but can be managed through existing protocols. Choice D, initiating a scheduling committee, is a routine operational matter that can be addressed at a later time and does not pose an immediate risk to patient safety.

5. When in opposition to an immediate superior, a nurse manager should use which important strategy in a confrontation?

• A. Using 'I' language
• B. Using absolutes
• C. Using 'why' questions
• D. Using negative assertions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When in a confrontation, using 'I' language is crucial for a nurse manager. This approach allows the manager to express personal feelings without sounding accusatory, which can help reduce defensiveness and promote open communication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Using absolutes can come off as rigid and may escalate the conflict. 'Why' questions can be perceived as confrontational and may put the other person on the defensive. Negative assertions can lead to a more hostile exchange rather than fostering a constructive dialogue.

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