Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary goal of a root cause analysis (RCA) in healthcare?

• A. To assign blame for errors
• B. To prevent future errors by identifying underlying causes
• C. To improve patient satisfaction
• D. To analyze the financial impact of errors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To prevent future errors by identifying underlying causes.' Root cause analysis (RCA) in healthcare aims to delve deep into the factors contributing to an error to prevent its recurrence. Choice A is incorrect as RCA focuses on identifying system issues, not blaming individuals. Choice C is incorrect as while improving patient satisfaction may result from the process, it is not the primary goal. Choice D is incorrect as the main focus of RCA is not financial analysis but rather improving patient safety.

2. There are several pitfalls that should be avoided when using social media of any type. For example, a nurse or student could be found guilty of libel in which of the following scenarios?

• A. Snapping a selfie with a patient
• B. Posting a positive review of the hospital where the student completed clinicals
• C. Creating a closed online forum where students can discuss clinical experiences without providing client information
• D. Complaining about her nurse preceptor on social media, discussing the preceptor�s unprofessional characteristics.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Complaining about her nurse preceptor on social media, discussing the preceptor�s unprofessional characteristics, could be considered libel.

3. As the definition of nursing evolved, which of the following nurse theorists focused on the uniqueness of nursing?

• A. Florence Nightingale
• B. Virginia Henderson
• C. Martha Rogers
• D. Abraham Maslow

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Virginia Henderson�s definition of nursing focused on its uniqueness.

4. A nurse manager who tells the staff to 'come to me with any problem' but then keeps the office door closed is using what type of communication?

• A. Intrasender conflict
• B. Diagonal communication
• C. Metacommunication
• D. Upward communication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Intrasender conflict. Intrasender conflict happens when there is a discrepancy between verbal and nonverbal communication. In this scenario, the nurse manager's verbal message encourages staff to communicate openly, but the closed office door sends a conflicting nonverbal message, creating intrasender conflict. Metacommunication involves nonverbal behaviors like gestures or facial expressions that support or contradict verbal communication. Upward communication refers to the flow of information from staff to management or lower to upper management. Diagonal communication involves communication between individuals or departments at different hierarchical levels.

5. A unit director at a local hospital knows even leadership may face ethical dilemmas. Which of the following should the director take into consideration when dealing with an employee who is incompetent?

• A. The situation should be tolerated for as long as possible because of the amount of time and paperwork required to terminate an incompetent nurse.
• B. Incompetence only impacts the individual nurse.
• C. The director should follow her institution�s formal process for reporting and handling practices that jeopardize patient safety.
• D. Most nurse practice acts direct how to handle incompetent nurses.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Incompetence jeopardizes patient safety. Therefore, the formal process for handling these practices should be followed.

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