Nursing Elites

1. When planning a budget, the nurse manager knows that costs depend on and change in direct proportion to patient volume and activity. What type of costs are these?

• A. Variable costs
• B. Indirect costs
• C. Fixed costs
• D. Direct costs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Variable costs vary in direct proportion to patient volume and activity. These costs increase or decrease based on the level of patient care provided. Indirect costs are not directly tied to patient volume, fixed costs remain constant regardless of patient volume, and direct costs are directly attributable to patient care but may not vary with patient volume and activity. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Variable costs.'

2. Which of the following is likely to facilitate union activity?

• A. Managers communicating effectively with employees
• B. Managers listening to concerns of employees
• C. Belief that low wages cause job dissatisfaction
• D. Belief that supervisors are not understanding of unionizing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because according to a study by Bilchik (2000), organizations are more likely to unionize if there is a belief that low wages cause job dissatisfaction. Choices A and B focus on effective communication and listening, which may actually prevent union activity by addressing employee concerns directly. Choice D, the belief that supervisors are not understanding of unionizing, may lead to dissatisfaction but doesn't directly facilitate union activity as the belief that low wages cause job dissatisfaction does.

3. Which finding indicates a need to contact the health care provider before the nurse administers metformin (Glucophage)?

• A. The patient�s blood glucose level is 174 mg/dL.
• B. The patient has gained 2 lb (0.9 kg) since yesterday.
• C. The patient is scheduled for a chest x-ray in an hour
• D. The patient�s blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is 52 mg/dL.

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

4. An expensive variable in salary budgets is overtime pay. Which of the following is a viable option to reduce overtime?

• A. Limiting overtime for highly paid workers
• B. Reducing the number of beds
• C. Using per diem workers
• D. Refusing to pay overtime

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Using per diem workers. By utilizing per diem workers, organizations can flexibly adjust staffing levels based on demand without incurring overtime costs. This approach helps in managing overtime budgets effectively. Choice A is incorrect because limiting overtime for highly paid workers may not address the root cause of overtime expenses. Choice B is incorrect as reducing the number of beds does not directly impact overtime costs. Choice D is not a practical solution as refusing to pay overtime can lead to legal issues and employee dissatisfaction.

5. What is the term for working on a schedule within the unit, involving only those who are working within that unit?

• A. Flexible staffing
• B. Self-staffing
• C. Internal pools
• D. Management scheduling

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, self-staffing. Self-staffing is the model where staff entirely manage staffing and scheduling themselves, without external involvement. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Flexible staffing refers to adjusting staffing levels based on demand. Internal pools involve a group of staff who can be drawn upon for scheduling needs. Management scheduling typically involves supervisors or managers creating and managing schedules for the unit.

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