Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary focus of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)?

• A. Patient safety
• B. Cost reduction
• C. Healthcare innovation
• D. Research funding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary focus of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) is patient safety. IHI is renowned for its efforts in developing and implementing evidence-based practices to enhance patient safety and improve the quality of care in healthcare settings. While cost reduction, healthcare innovation, and research funding are important aspects of healthcare, the core mission of the IHI revolves around prioritizing patient safety. Patient safety involves reducing medical errors, improving care processes, and creating a safer environment for patients, which are all fundamental to the work of the IHI.

2. 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.

3. Which of the following is considered voluntary turnover?

• A. Desire to leave
• B. Termination
• C. Forced resignation
• D. Floating

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'Desire to leave.' Voluntary turnover occurs when an employee chooses to leave the organization. In this case, it is a direct function of the nurse's desire to leave. Termination and forced resignation are involuntary processes where the decision is made by the employer, not the employee. 'Floating' refers to the reassignment of a nurse to a unit different from their usual work unit and is not directly related to turnover.

4. Which of the following theories best describes current health care delivery systems?

• A. Open system theory
• B. Closed system theory
• C. Chaos theory
• D. Contingency theory

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The contingency theory best describes the current health care delivery systems. Contingency theory emphasizes that there is no one best way to organize or manage, and the effectiveness of an organization is contingent upon internal and external factors. In healthcare, the delivery systems must often adapt and be flexible in response to various factors like patient needs, technological advancements, and regulatory changes. Open system theory focuses on the interaction between a system and its environment, but it does not capture the dynamic and adaptive nature of current healthcare systems. Closed system theory suggests systems are self-contained and do not interact with the environment, which is not accurate for healthcare systems that constantly interact with patients, providers, and external factors. Chaos theory deals with complex systems and unpredictability, which while relevant to some aspects of healthcare, does not provide a comprehensive framework for understanding healthcare delivery systems.

5. A client who had a stroke resulting in aphasia and dysphagia needs assistance. Which of the following tasks should the nurse assign to an assistive personnel (AP)?

• A. Assist the client with a partial bed bath.
• B. Measure the client's BP after the nurse administers an antihypertensive medication.
• C. Test the client's swallowing ability by providing thickened liquids.
• D. Use a communication board to ask what the client wants for lunch.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because assisting the client with a partial bed bath is within the scope of practice for an assistive personnel and does not require specialized medical knowledge. Choice B involves measuring BP, which requires specific training and assessment skills that an assistive personnel may not have. Choice C involves testing swallowing ability, which should be done by a healthcare provider due to the risks involved in dysphagia. Choice D involves communication, which is crucial but should be done by someone with training in managing aphasia to ensure effective communication with the client.

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