Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary focus of a performance appraisal for nursing staff?

• A. To identify areas for salary increases
• B. To evaluate overall job performance
• C. To provide feedback on clinical skills
• D. To determine eligibility for promotions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary focus of a performance appraisal for nursing staff is to provide feedback on clinical skills, identify areas for improvement, and support professional development. While salary increases, overall job performance evaluation, and promotions may be factors considered during a performance appraisal, the primary goal is to assess and enhance clinical skills to ensure high-quality patient care.

2. Which of the following is likely to facilitate union activity?

• A. Managers communicating effectively with employees
• B. Managers listening to concerns of employees
• C. Belief that low wages cause job dissatisfaction
• D. Belief that supervisors are not understanding of unionizing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because according to a study by Bilchik (2000), organizations are more likely to unionize if there is a belief that low wages cause job dissatisfaction. Choices A and B focus on effective communication and listening, which may actually prevent union activity by addressing employee concerns directly. Choice D, the belief that supervisors are not understanding of unionizing, may lead to dissatisfaction but doesn't directly facilitate union activity as the belief that low wages cause job dissatisfaction does.

3. Which of the following best describes the concept of shared decision-making in healthcare?

• A. The process by which patients make healthcare decisions on their own
• B. A collaborative process that allows patients and providers to make healthcare decisions together
• C. A method for providers to dictate treatment plans to patients
• D. The use of evidence-based guidelines to make healthcare decisions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Shared decision-making in healthcare involves a collaborative process between patients and providers to make healthcare decisions together. This approach considers the patient's preferences, values, and the best available evidence to reach a decision that aligns with the patient's goals. Choice A is incorrect because shared decision-making does not involve patients making decisions on their own. Choice C is incorrect as it describes a paternalistic approach where providers dictate treatment plans to patients without involving them in the decision-making process. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to the use of evidence-based guidelines, which is important but not the sole focus of shared decision-making.

4. Which of the following strategies is most effective for reducing medication errors on a nursing unit?

• A. Increasing the nurse-to-patient ratio
• B. Providing ongoing education on safe medication practices
• C. Using barcoding technology for medication administration
• D. Increasing the use of PRN medications

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most effective strategy for reducing medication errors on a nursing unit is using barcoding technology for medication administration. Barcoding technology helps to ensure the right medication is given to the right patient in the right dose at the right time. Increasing the nurse-to-patient ratio (choice A) may help in preventing errors due to workload, but it may not address the root cause of medication errors. Providing ongoing education (choice B) is important but may not be as effective as implementing technology to directly prevent errors during administration. Increasing the use of PRN medications (choice D) can actually increase the risk of errors if not carefully monitored and controlled.

5. When a client experiences a major incident, what is the time frame for reporting the incident?

• A. 24 hours.
• B. 36 hours.
• C. 48 hours.
• D. 72 hours.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: '24 hours.' It is crucial to report a major incident within 24 hours of its occurrence to ensure timely and accurate documentation. Reporting incidents promptly allows for a swift response and investigation to prevent future occurrences. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they exceed the recommended time frame for reporting a major incident, which is 24 hours.

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