Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following are essential components of strategic planning?

• A. Values
• B. Vision & Mission statements
• C. Reengineering
• D. A & B

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In strategic planning, values and vision and mission statements play crucial roles. Values guide the organization's culture and decision-making processes, while vision and mission statements outline its long-term goals and purpose. Reengineering, on the other hand, is a separate process focused on restructuring business processes for improved performance efficiency. Therefore, the correct components of strategic planning are values and vision and mission statements, making option D the correct answer. Choices A and B are correct because they are directly related to setting the direction and purpose of the organization in a strategic planning process, while choice C, reengineering, is not typically considered a core element of strategic planning.

2. After change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?

• A. 19-year-old with type 1 diabetes who was admitted with possible dawn phenomenon
• B. 35-year-old with type 1 diabetes whose most recent blood glucose reading was 230 mg/dL
• C. 60-year-old with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome who has poor skin turgor and dry oral mucosa
• D. 68-year-old with type 2 diabetes who has severe peripheral neuropathy and complains of burning foot pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome who presents with poor skin turgor and dry oral mucosa requires immediate attention. These signs indicate severe dehydration and potential electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to serious complications. Assessing this patient first allows for prompt intervention and monitoring to stabilize their condition. Choice A is less urgent as the patient has possible dawn phenomenon, which is a common early-morning rise in blood glucose levels. Choice B, with a blood glucose reading of 230 mg/dL, indicates hyperglycemia but does not present with signs of severe dehydration like the patient in choice C. Choice D, with peripheral neuropathy and foot pain, is important but not as urgent as addressing severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in the patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome.

3. A nurse manager needs to resolve a conflict between the staff nurses and the physical therapy department. What type of power might the manager utilize? (EXCEPT)

• A. Connection and referent power
• B. Reward and punishment power
• C. Legitimate power
• D. Information power

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse manager may utilize various types of power to resolve the conflict between the staff nurses and the physical therapy department. Referent power and connection power are based on respect/admiration and influential links, respectively. Information power is about access to valuable data. Reward power involves offering inducements for cooperation, while punishment power is about imposing penalties for non-compliance. Legitimate power, however, is derived from the manager's authority associated with their job and rank. Since the question asks for the type of power the manager might utilize 'EXCEPT,' legitimate power, being a key type of power often used in managerial roles, is the correct answer. It's important for the nurse manager to understand the dynamics of power and utilize the appropriate types to effectively address interdepartmental conflicts.

4. Penalties should be __________ .

• A. Determining the employee's awareness of the policy
• B. Describing the staff nurse's behavior that violated the policy
• C. Progressive
• D. Confrontation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Penalties for policy violations should be progressive. This means that the disciplinary actions should escalate based on the severity or frequency of the violation. For minor infractions, like smoking in an unauthorized area, a progressive approach may include oral warnings, written warnings, suspension, and termination if the behavior persists. In contrast, major violations, such as theft, may warrant immediate and severe consequences like suspension or termination. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not address the concept of progressively escalating penalties based on the violation's severity or recurrence.

5. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a root cause analysis (RCA)?

• A. Identify the person responsible for an error
• B. Determine who should be disciplined
• C. Discover the underlying causes of an error
• D. Evaluate the effectiveness of a new policy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Discover the underlying causes of an error.' Root cause analysis (RCA) focuses on identifying the fundamental reason(s) that led to an error or problem rather than placing blame on individuals. Choice A and B are incorrect as RCA is not about pinpointing a specific person to blame or determining disciplinary actions. Choice D is also incorrect as the primary goal of RCA is not to evaluate policy effectiveness but to uncover the root causes of issues for effective problem-solving.

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