Nursing Elites

1. What factor has had the greatest impact on the current nursing shortage?

• A. Later age at which women have children
• B. Decrease in the number of women being born
• C. Overall unemployment rate
• D. Increased employment options for women

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The increased employment options for women have had a significant impact on the current nursing shortage. With more career choices available to women, there is a decrease in the number of individuals pursuing nursing as a profession, contributing to the shortage. This is because women are choosing diverse career paths due to increased opportunities. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. A later age at which women have children and the decrease in the number of women being born are not directly related to the nursing shortage. The overall unemployment rate, while influencing job availability, is not the primary factor driving the shortage of nurses.

2. When a nurse reads a peer-reviewed nursing journal article recommending a change in caring for a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter, which action demonstrates critical thinking?

• A. Implementing the article's recommendations in caring for a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter
• B. Presenting the journal article to the nurse manager and proposing a revision of the procedure
• C. Seeking additional peer-reviewed articles that corroborate the author's recommendation
• D. Disregarding the article and adhering to the facility's existing procedure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Critical thinking involves evaluating information from various sources. In this scenario, the nurse displays critical thinking by seeking additional peer-reviewed articles that support the author's recommendation. This action ensures that decisions are based on a comprehensive understanding of the topic rather than relying solely on one source. By exploring other peer-reviewed articles, the nurse can validate the proposed change and make informed decisions regarding patient care. Choice A, implementing the article's recommendations, may not encompass a thorough evaluation of the information presented. Choice B, presenting the article to the nurse manager, is a valid step but does not directly involve critical analysis of the information. Choice D, disregarding the article, goes against the essence of critical thinking, which emphasizes the evaluation and consideration of various perspectives.

3. How does the nurse apply Maslow's hierarchy of needs in care?

• A. Judging the patient's behavior
• B. Improving the skillfulness of care
• C. Understanding the patient's behavior
• D. Improving communication skills

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a framework that helps nurses understand the different levels of human needs and prioritize care accordingly. By applying this framework, nurses can better understand the patient's behavior in the context of their unmet needs. This understanding allows nurses to provide holistic and patient-centered care that addresses not just the physical but also the emotional, social, and psychological needs of the patient. Choice A is incorrect because applying Maslow's hierarchy is about understanding, not judging, the patient's behavior. Choice B is incorrect as it does not directly relate to the application of Maslow's hierarchy. Choice D is also incorrect as improving communication skills, although important, is not the primary focus when applying Maslow's hierarchy of needs in care.

4. Nurses on a unit provide personal hygiene, administer medications, educate patients, and provide emotional support. The nurses are providing patient care based on which nursing delivery system?

• A. total patient care
• B. team nursing
• C. functional nursing
• D. partnership nursing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, total patient care. Total patient care refers to a nursing delivery system where one nurse is responsible for providing all aspects of care to the patient. In this system, the nurse assumes full responsibility for the patient's care, including personal hygiene, medication administration, patient education, and emotional support, ensuring comprehensive and individualized care. Choice B, team nursing, involves a team of healthcare providers working together to provide care to a group of patients. Choice C, functional nursing, divides tasks among different team members based on their skills and expertise. Choice D, partnership nursing, does not represent a recognized nursing delivery system, making it an incorrect option.

5. How can the nurse best advocate for a patient who will be discharged from acute care to home?

• A. Arranging for Meals on Wheels to provide in-home meals
• B. Administering pain medication prior to discharge
• C. Teaching the patient how to take medications at home
• D. Taking the patient by wheelchair to the car

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Arranging for in-home support services like Meals on Wheels is crucial for ensuring the patient receives proper nutrition and support after discharge. This goes beyond simply administering medications or providing transportation. By arranging for in-home meals, the nurse addresses the patient's nutritional needs, promotes their overall well-being, and supports their ongoing care requirements. Administering pain medication or teaching medication management, while important, do not directly address the patient's need for nutritional support. Taking the patient by wheelchair to the car is focused on physical transportation and does not encompass the holistic care approach needed for a successful transition to home care.

Similar Questions