Nursing Elites

1. What is a major source of stress on the current U.S. healthcare system?

• A. Rising cost of providing healthcare to all citizens
• B. Lack of adequate education for healthcare professionals
• C. Inadequate number of hospital beds across the country
• D. Increasing cost of malpractice insurance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The increasing cost of providing healthcare to all citizens is a major source of stress on the current U.S. healthcare system. This rise in costs impacts various aspects of the system, including accessibility, quality of care, and financial sustainability. It affects healthcare providers, patients, insurance companies, and the government, making it a critical issue that needs to be addressed to ensure a more efficient and effective healthcare system. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because although lack of education for healthcare professionals, inadequate number of hospital beds, and increasing malpractice insurance costs can be challenges within the healthcare system, they are not the primary source of stress that affects the system as a whole.

2. What theme of critical thinking is demonstrated by the belief that continuous learning contributes to the ongoing process?

• A. Critical thinking is a productive and positive activity.
• B. Critical thinking is a process, not an outcome.
• C. Manifestations of critical thinking vary, depending on the context in which they occur.
• D. Critical thinking is triggered by both positive and negative events.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The belief that continuous learning contributes to the ongoing process aligns with the theme that critical thinking is a process, not an outcome. This suggests that critical thinking involves a continuous, dynamic process of evaluating information, making connections, and adapting one's thinking over time, rather than being a fixed end result. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D do not directly address the continuous nature of critical thinking or its ongoing development, making them incorrect.

3. Which action directly resulted from the contribution made by Linda Richards?

• A. Using an antiseptic before administering an injection
• B. Exploring the psychosocial needs of the patient
• C. Documenting patient care in the medical record
• D. Listening to a patient describe his or her symptoms

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Documenting patient care in the medical record. Linda Richards' contribution was developing a system for recording patient details and care, leading to modern medical records. This innovation directly resulted in the practice of documenting patient care in medical records, ensuring accurate and organized patient information for effective healthcare delivery. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not directly stem from Richards' specific contribution related to medical records.

4. 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.

5. A client with a terminal illness is concerned about performing self-care after discharge. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. A social worker will address your concerns after discharge.
• B. You should plan to go to a skilled nursing facility after discharge.
• C. Your case manager will coordinate the resources you will need.
• D. You will need hospice care until you feel stronger.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate statement for the nurse to make is that the case manager will coordinate the resources needed for self-care after discharge. Case managers are responsible for organizing and ensuring the provision of necessary resources and services to support the patient's care plan, making this the best option among the choices provided. Social workers typically address psychosocial concerns, skilled nursing facilities are for more intensive care needs, and hospice care is usually for end-of-life care, making them less suitable responses in this context.

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