Nursing Elites

1. When a patient with type 2 diabetes is admitted for a cholecystectomy, which nursing action can the nurse delegate to a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)?

• A. Communicate the blood glucose level and insulin dose to the circulating nurse in surgery.
• B. Discuss the reason for the use of insulin therapy during the immediate postoperative period.
• C. Administer the prescribed lispro (Humalog) insulin before transporting the patient to surgery.
• D. Plan strategies to minimize the risk for hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia during the postoperative period.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the administration of prescribed lispro (Humalog) insulin before transporting the patient to surgery is a task that can be safely delegated to a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN). This action is within the scope of practice of an LPN/LVN and does not require independent nursing judgment. Choices A and B involve communicating and discussing important medical information, which are higher-level nursing actions typically performed by registered nurses. Choice D involves planning strategies to manage blood glucose levels postoperatively, which requires critical thinking and assessment skills usually performed by a registered nurse.

2. The nurse manager has two employees with a longstanding conflict that is affecting the group's productivity and cohesiveness. She decides to meet with the employees in private, bring the conflict out into the open, and attempt to resolve it through knowledge and reason. Which conflict management strategy did she employ?

• A. Confrontation
• B. Suppression
• C. Collaboration
• D. Intervention

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse manager employed the conflict management strategy of 'Confrontation.' Confrontation involves bringing the conflict out into the open and attempting to resolve it through knowledge and reason, making it the most effective means of resolving conflict in this scenario. Choice B, 'Suppression,' involves ignoring or avoiding the conflict, which is not what the nurse manager did. Choice C, 'Collaboration,' refers to working together to find a mutually acceptable solution and was not explicitly mentioned in the scenario. Choice D, 'Intervention,' typically involves a third party stepping in to help resolve the conflict, which was not the case here.

3. Which of the following are considered part of the operating expenses within health care organizations? (EXCEPT)

• A. Maintenance costs
• B. Rental fees
• C. Renovation costs
• D. Supplies

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Operating expenses in health care organizations typically include costs like maintenance, rental fees, and supplies as they are necessary for the day-to-day operations. Renovation costs, on the other hand, are considered capital expenses as they involve significant improvements to facilities rather than routine operational expenses. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Choices A, B, and D are part of operating expenses in health care organizations because they directly contribute to the ongoing operational needs.

4. A manager is working on the personnel budget for the year. The manager anticipates needing to replace 832 benefit hours. How many FTEs (Full-Time Equivalents) will be needed for replacement?

• A. 0.40 FTEs
• B. 17.0 FTEs
• C. 0.05 FTEs
• D. 1.0 FTEs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the number of Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) needed for replacement, divide the number of benefit hours (832) by the standard number of hours in a full-time work year (2,080). Therefore, 832 benefit hours ÷ 2,080 = 0.4 FTEs, which is equivalent to 0.40 FTEs. Choice B (17.0 FTEs) is incorrect as it is a significantly high number that does not align with the calculation. Choice C (0.05 FTEs) is incorrect because it is too low for the given number of benefit hours. Choice D (1.0 FTEs) is incorrect as it represents a full-time position, which is not the correct calculation for replacing 832 benefit hours.

5. 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.

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