Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. The staff in the emergency department has presented the nurse leader with a suggestion for streamlining the triage process, cutting down on wait times. Which of the following qualities does the leader specifically need to implement the suggestion?

• A. Courage
• B. Integrity
• C. Energy
• D. Initiative

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Initiative is the correct quality needed in this situation. The staff has provided a suggestion for improvement, and the leader must take the initiative to implement it. Courage, integrity, and energy are valuable qualities as well but in this context, the most essential quality is initiative to drive the change forward and improve the triage process efficiently.

3. Integrated health care systems function in a variety of models. Which of the following is a common characteristic of all systems?

• A. Deliver selective care only
• B. Deliver a whole continuum of care
• C. Treat patients only in the hospital
• D. Provide care only in the primary care setting

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Integrated health care systems are designed to provide a whole continuum of care, which includes preventive, primary, specialty, hospital, and long-term care services. This integration ensures that patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care across different healthcare settings. Choice A is incorrect because integrated systems aim to provide a wide range of services, not selective care only. Choice C is incorrect as integrated systems extend care beyond hospital settings. Choice D is incorrect as these systems offer care across various settings, not limited to primary care only.

4. The changes brought forth by the state boards of nursing are an example of which type of change agent?

• A. Resistance
• B. Empirical–rational
• C. Normative–reeducative
• D. Power–coercive

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The changes implemented by state boards of nursing typically fall under the category of Power–coercive change agents. State boards of nursing have the authority to enforce changes through regulations and policies, making use of their legitimate power. Resistance (choice A) is not the correct answer as it refers to opposition to change rather than the entity driving change. Empirical–rational (choice B) focuses on convincing individuals through empirical evidence and rational arguments, which is not reflective of the state boards' authority. Normative–reeducative (choice C) involves persuading individuals to change based on shared values and beliefs, which is not the primary approach of state boards of nursing.

5. An RN knows that sometimes, when working through an ethical dilemma, the decision makers are unable to arrive at a mutually agreed upon decision. Which of the following is a reason why an agreement cannot be reached?

• A. One or more of the parties may be able to reconcile their values.
• B. The patient’s point of view is recognized as valuable.
• C. The dilemma involves two or more equally unpleasant choices.
• D. The institution is unable to honor the patient’s request.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An agreement cannot be reached because the dilemma involves two or more equally unpleasant choices.

Similar Questions