Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary role of a nurse in palliative care?

• A. To provide emotional support to patients and families
• B. To coordinate patient care and provide pain management
• C. To administer medications and treatments
• D. To conduct research on end-of-life care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In palliative care, a nurse's primary role is to coordinate patient care and provide pain management. While emotional support (Choice A) is a crucial aspect of palliative care, it is not the primary role of a nurse in this setting. Administering medications and treatments (Choice C) is part of the nurse's responsibilities but not the primary role. Conducting research (Choice D) is important for advancing palliative care but is not the primary role of a nurse providing direct patient care in this context.

2. What term refers to the situation where the pay of newer employees is similar to or higher than that of more experienced employees?

• A. Salary compression
• B. Salary expectations
• C. Salary range
• D. Salary inflation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Salary compression is the term used to describe the situation where the pay of newer employees is similar to or higher than that of more experienced employees. This can happen when newer employees are paid higher salaries to attract them, leading to a compressed salary structure in the organization. Choice B, 'Salary expectations,' does not specifically refer to the scenario described in the question. Choice C, 'Salary range,' is a broader term referring to the range of salaries offered for a particular job or position, not specifically related to the disparity between new and experienced employees. Choice D, 'Salary inflation,' does not accurately describe the situation of newer employees earning higher salaries than more experienced ones; instead, it refers to a general increase in wages across the board.

3. While interviewing for a position at City Hospital, the nurse asks about the organizational structure of the institution. She is told that the hospital is organized into departments based on specialty (e.g., nursing, dietary, pharmacy, etc.). Based on what you know about organizational structure, select the structure in this example.

• A. Parallel
• B. Functional
• C. Service-integrated
• D. Matrix

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Functional. In functional structures, employees are grouped into departments based on specialty, allowing individuals with similar skills and tasks to work together efficiently. In this scenario, organizing the hospital into departments such as nursing, dietary, and pharmacy based on their specialties exemplifies a functional organizational structure. Choice A, Parallel structure, involves independent units working on similar tasks, which is not the case here. Choice C, Service-integrated structure, emphasizes cross-functional teamwork across various departments, which is not the main focus in the scenario. Choice D, Matrix structure, involves employees reporting to multiple managers for different projects or tasks, which is not described in the scenario.

4. Which of the following laws govern nursing practice?

• A. Statutory laws
• B. Common law
• C. Administrative laws
• D. Constitutional laws

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Statutory laws are laws created by legislative bodies, such as state legislatures. In the context of nursing practice, statutory laws govern areas like licensure requirements, scope of practice, and professional standards. Common law, choice B, is based on court decisions and precedents, not specifically related to nursing practice. Administrative laws, choice C, deal with regulations set by administrative agencies rather than governing nursing practice directly. Constitutional laws, choice D, pertain to the fundamental principles outlined in a country's constitution and are not specific to regulating nursing practice.

5. Which of the following is a key component of a successful quality improvement (QI) project?

• A. Standardized care protocols
• B. Employee satisfaction
• C. Ongoing training and education
• D. Financial incentives

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ongoing training and education is the correct answer as it is an essential component of a successful quality improvement project. Continuous training and education help ensure that staff are knowledgeable about and up-to-date with the latest practices, technologies, and methodologies in healthcare. This ongoing learning process contributes to improving the quality of care provided.\nChoice A, standardized care protocols, though important, is more about ensuring consistency in care delivery rather than driving quality improvement initiatives. Choice B, employee satisfaction, while significant for staff morale, is not directly related to the core processes of quality improvement projects. Choice D, financial incentives, although motivating, are not the primary driver for successful quality improvement projects; it is the knowledge and skills gained through training and education that play a more critical role in enhancing quality.

Similar Questions