what is the primary role of a nurse in palliative care

ATI RN

ATI Leadership Proctored Exam 2019 Quizlet

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. A manager is prioritizing the following issues. Of the following issues, which should be considered urgent and important?

A. The manager of physical therapy calls and complains about inappropriate behaviors of one of the staff nurses with one of his therapists.
B. A staff nurse reports a pattern of malfunctioning IV pumps on the unit during her current shift, resulting in overdosing of medications.
C. One of the staff nurses, who would have been an extra nurse for the next shift, calls in sick.
D. A small group of staff nurses request a meeting to discuss initiating a scheduling committee.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because patient safety is a critical concern in healthcare settings. Malfunctioning IV pumps leading to medication overdosing poses a direct threat to patient safety and must be addressed urgently. Choice A involves interpersonal issues between staff members which are important but can be addressed in a less urgent manner compared to patient safety concerns. Choice C, a staff nurse calling in sick, is important for staffing but can be managed through existing protocols. Choice D, initiating a scheduling committee, is a routine operational matter that can be addressed at a later time and does not pose an immediate risk to patient safety.

3. Which of the following are managerial functions, according to Mintzberg? (EXCEPT)

A. Leading and linking at the people level
B. Communicating and controlling at the information level
C. Deciding pay structures
D. Doing at the action level

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Mintzberg believed that managing involves communicating and controlling at the information level, leading and linking at the people level, and doing at the action level. Choice A is correct as it aligns with Mintzberg's concept of leading and linking at the people level. Choice B is correct as it aligns with Mintzberg's concept of communicating and controlling at the information level. Choice D is correct as it aligns with Mintzberg's concept of doing at the action level. Choice C, deciding pay structures, is not a managerial function according to Mintzberg's model, making it the exception.

4. Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between ethical principles and laws?

A. The government enforces ethics.
B. Laws guide decision making by setting standards.
C. Ethics are highly detailed.
D. Ethical principles can serve as the foundation for laws.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The statement 'Ethical principles can serve as the foundation for laws' is correct. Ethical principles act as a standard for evaluating actions and behaviors. While ethical principles may influence the creation of laws, they are not laws themselves. Choice A is incorrect as ethics are usually upheld through societal norms and personal values rather than government enforcement. Choice B is incorrect because laws do provide standards, but those standards are legal rather than ethical. Choice C is incorrect as ethics are broad guidelines for behavior, not highly detailed rules.

5. What is the primary focus of a patient safety program?

A. To reduce healthcare costs
B. To improve clinical outcomes
C. To enhance patient satisfaction
D. To comply with regulatory standards

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary focus of a patient safety program is to enhance patient satisfaction by ensuring safe practices. While reducing healthcare costs and improving clinical outcomes are important aspects influenced by patient safety programs, the main goal is to prioritize patient well-being and satisfaction. Complying with regulatory standards is essential but not the primary focus; it is a means to achieve safe practices for the benefit of patients.