Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary focus of strategic planning in healthcare organizations?

• A. Financial performance
• B. Staff satisfaction
• C. Patient care quality
• D. Regulatory compliance

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In healthcare organizations, the primary focus of strategic planning is to enhance patient care quality. While financial performance, staff satisfaction, and regulatory compliance are essential aspects in healthcare management, they are secondary to the overarching goal of providing high-quality care to patients. Financial performance ensures sustainability, staff satisfaction impacts productivity and retention, and regulatory compliance maintains legal standards. However, without a core focus on improving patient care quality, the strategic planning efforts may not align with the primary mission of healthcare organizations.

2. Which of the following is an example of a sentinel event in healthcare?

• A. A patient falling in the hospital without injury
• B. A near-miss medication error
• C. An unexpected patient death unrelated to the natural course of illness
• D. A patient developing an infection during a hospital stay

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A sentinel event in healthcare is an unexpected patient death unrelated to the natural course of illness. These events are serious occurrences that warrant immediate investigation and response to prevent their recurrence and ensure patient safety. Choices A, B, and D do not fit the definition of a sentinel event. While choices A, B, and D are serious incidents, they do not involve an unexpected patient death unrelated to the natural course of illness, which is the defining characteristic of a sentinel event.

3. An RN�s client with terminal pancreatic cancer asks questions about a do not resuscitate order. Which of the following statements should be included in the RN�s teaching to the client?

• A. When a heart ceases to beat, the client is pronounced clinically dead.
• B. Physicians must write do not resuscitate (DNR) orders.
• C. A DNR order can be written after the health-care provider has discussed it with the client and family.
• D. A DNR requires a court decision.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Clients may request a DNR order, but they need to be fully informed of all the ramifications of the decision. Therefore, the health-care provider will consult with the client and family before the order is written.

4. When is the first opportunity for a manager to reduce turnover?

• A. When the decision to hire a new employee is made
• B. After one month of employment
• C. After three months of employment
• D. After a certain tenure period

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The manager's first opportunity to reduce turnover occurs after three months of employment. During this period, the manager can assess the employee's performance, engagement, and fit within the organization. It allows the manager to address any concerns, provide support, and intervene early to prevent turnover. Waiting until after a certain tenure period might be too late to effectively mitigate turnover risk, as issues could have already escalated. Therefore, the three-month mark is a critical point for managers to proactively manage turnover. Choices A and B are incorrect because they do not allow sufficient time for the manager to evaluate the employee and take proactive measures to reduce turnover. Choice D is incorrect as it is too vague and does not provide a specific actionable timeframe for addressing turnover concerns.

5. How will working in a high-volume, noisy emergency room in an urban area with a high incidence of assault victims affect staff?

• A. Feelings of extreme overload.
• B. Fear of failure.
• C. A pessimistic sense about the world.
• D. Inability to separate intense work situations from personal situations.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Working in a high-volume, noisy emergency room in an urban area with a high incidence of assault victims can lead to feelings of extreme overload, a pessimistic sense about the world, and an inability to separate intense work situations from personal situations. Fear of failure is not specifically mentioned in the context of the question, so it is the correct answer. The constant noises and intense emotional situations can create tension, stress, and negative reactions among staff. Managers can help by assessing the environment, labeling situations, and debriefing with staff to make them more aware of how stressors impact their behaviors.

Similar Questions