Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is a benefit of the U.S. health-care system?

• A. With cost savings from technology, more Americans now have health-care insurance.
• B. Quality of care has improved in the United States.
• C. Care in the United States has shifted to a prevention focus rather than an illness focus.
• D. The use of technology is projected to decrease health-care costs and improve clinical outcomes.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the use of technology and electronic health records is projected to decrease health-care costs and improve clinical outcomes, quality, and safety. Choice A is incorrect because it states that very few Americans have no health-care insurance, which is not a benefit of the U.S. health-care system. Choice B may be true, but it does not directly address a benefit of the health-care system. Choice C is not necessarily a benefit but rather a shift in focus, so it is also incorrect.

2. What is the softening and thinning of the cervix during labor known as?

• A. Dilation
• B. Symphysis
• C. Effacement
• D. Hyperplasia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Effacement is the correct term for the softening and thinning of the cervix during labor. It is the process where the cervix becomes thinner, allowing it to stretch and open as labor progresses. Choice A, 'Dilation,' is incorrect as it refers to the opening of the cervix. Choice B, 'Symphysis,' is incorrect as it refers to the joint that connects the two pubic bones. Choice D, 'Hyperplasia,' is incorrect as it refers to an increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue.

3. What is an episiotomy?

• A. A surgical incision of the perineum to prevent tearing during delivery.
• B. Releasing the red plug from the cervix just before crowning occurs.
• C. An incision in the abdomen with which the baby can be delivered through.
• D. The severance of the umbilical cord between mother and child.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An episiotomy is a surgical incision of the perineum to prevent tearing during delivery. This procedure is performed to widen the vaginal opening and facilitate childbirth. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the expulsion of the mucus plug, not an episiotomy. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to a different procedure, a cesarean section, where the baby is delivered through an incision in the abdomen. Choice D is incorrect as it pertains to cutting the umbilical cord, which is not related to an episiotomy.

4. A nurse reviews the electrolyte results of an assigned client and notes that the potassium level is 5.4 mEq/L. Which of the following would the nurse expect to note on the electrocardiogram as a result of the laboratory value?

• A. ST depression
• B. Inverted T wave
• C. Prominent U wave
• D. Tall peaked T waves

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Tall peaked T waves.' Tall peaked T waves are characteristic ECG changes associated with hyperkalemia. In hyperkalemia, the elevated potassium levels affect the myocardium, leading to changes in the ECG. ST depression (Choice A) is more commonly associated with myocardial ischemia or infarction. Inverted T wave (Choice B) is seen in conditions like myocardial ischemia or CNS events. Prominent U wave (Choice C) is typically associated with hypokalemia or certain medications. Therefore, in this scenario, the nurse would expect to note tall peaked T waves on the electrocardiogram due to the elevated potassium level.

5. A nurse is comparing the rate of medication errors on the medical unit to the rate from a medical unit in a magnet hospital. Which of the following quality improvement methods is the nurse using?

• A. Structure audit
• B. Benchmarking
• C. Risk benefit analysis
• D. Root cause analysis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Benchmarking. Benchmarking involves comparing performance metrics with those from other units or institutions, which is exactly what the nurse is doing by comparing the rate of medication errors on their medical unit to the rate from a medical unit in a magnet hospital. Choice A, Structure audit, is not relevant to this scenario as it focuses on assessing the physical, organizational, or procedural structures in a healthcare setting. Choice C, Risk benefit analysis, involves weighing the potential risks and benefits of a particular course of action, not comparing performance metrics. Choice D, Root cause analysis, is a method used to identify the underlying causes of problems or adverse events, not to compare performance metrics between units.

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