Nursing Elites

1. When utilizing an internal float pool, which of the following pools is most efficient?

• A. Centralized
• B. Flexible
• C. Mixed
• D. Decentralized

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Centralization is the most efficient option when utilizing an internal float pool because it allows for a pool of nurses to be used anywhere in the hospital. In centralized pools, staff members are not limited to working for only one nurse manager or on only one unit, unlike in decentralized pools. Flexible and mixed pools may offer some advantages, but in terms of efficiency and utilization of resources, centralized pools are the most effective choice.

2. In the grievance process, a nurse disagrees with statements made by a physician about performance and talks to the nurse manager. Which step in the process is this?

• A. First
• B. Second
• C. Third
• D. Fourth

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: First. In the grievance process, the initial step involves the nurse talking to the nurse manager to address the issue informally. Subsequently, step two entails filing a written appeal to the director of nursing or designee. Step three involves a formal meeting with the employee, agent, grievance chairperson, nursing administrator, and director of human resources. The final step, step four, is arbitration, which is initiated when no mutually acceptable solutions can be reached by the involved parties. Therefore, the nurse talking to the nurse manager about the disagreement is the first step in the grievance process.

3. What is the primary reason for conducting a performance appraisal?

• A. Providing constructive feedback.
• B. Imposing punishment.
• C. Identifying issues.
• D. Offering coaching.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary reason for conducting a performance appraisal is to provide constructive feedback to employees. This feedback helps employees understand what is expected of them, how well they are performing, and areas where they can improve. Choice B (Imposing punishment) is incorrect because performance appraisals should focus on development rather than punishment. Choice C (Identifying issues) is not the primary reason but can be a secondary outcome of performance appraisals. Choice D (Offering coaching) is related to providing guidance and support, which is a part of the feedback process but not the primary reason for conducting a performance appraisal.

4. A 27-year-old patient admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has a serum glucose level of 732 mg/dL and serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which action prescribed by the healthcare provider should the nurse take first?

• A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor
• B. Administer IV potassium supplements
• C. Obtain urine glucose and ketone levels
• D. Start an insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/hr

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the initial priority is to assess for any cardiac arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalances. Since the patient has a low serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L, placing the patient on a cardiac monitor is crucial to monitor for any potential cardiac complications. Administering IV potassium supplements (Choice B) may be needed, but it is not the first action to take. Obtaining urine glucose and ketone levels (Choice C) and starting an insulin infusion (Choice D) are important interventions in managing DKA, but ensuring patient safety by monitoring for arrhythmias takes precedence.

5. A resident on night call refuses to answer pages from the staff nurse on the night shift and complains that she calls too often with minor problems. The nurse feels offended and reacts with frequent, middle-of-the-night phone calls to 'get back' at him. The behavior displayed by the resident and the nurse is an example of what kind of conflict?

• A. Perceived conflict
• B. Disruptive conflict
• C. Competitive conflict
• D. Felt conflict

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Disruptive conflict.' In disruptive conflict, the parties involved are engaged in activities to reduce, defeat, or eliminate the opponent. In this scenario, the resident and the nurse are engaging in behaviors that disrupt their professional relationship by intentionally ignoring pages and making excessive retaliatory calls. Perceived conflict refers to a situation where one or more parties believe that a conflict exists, competitive conflict involves striving to achieve personal goals at the expense of others, and felt conflict refers to the emotional involvement in a conflict situation.

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