Nursing Elites

1. Why is increasing the use of advanced practice nurses encouraged?

• A. A 2010 Institute of Medicine report recommended nurses practice to the full extent of their education.
• B. Advanced practice nurses act as an extension of physicians.
• C. The National League for Nursing advocates for the master of science in nursing (MSN) as the terminal degree for nurse practitioners.
• D. Advanced practice nurses lack the skills to diagnose.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the 2010 Institute of Medicine report recommended that nurses practice to the full extent of their education, which includes utilizing advanced practice nurses. This supports the efficient delivery of healthcare services by leveraging the expertise and skills of advanced practice nurses. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the role of advanced practice nurses rather than providing a reason for increasing their use. Choice C is unrelated to the encouragement of increasing the use of advanced practice nurses as it focuses on the terminal degree for nurse practitioners. Choice D is incorrect as advanced practice nurses do possess the skills necessary to diagnose and provide advanced care, so the statement that they lack diagnostic skills is inaccurate.

2. Which of the following is an essential element of a quality improvement (QI) program?

• A. Blame and punishment
• B. Employee satisfaction
• C. Continual monitoring
• D. Strict adherence to policies

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The essential element of a quality improvement (QI) program is continual monitoring. Continual monitoring allows for the ongoing assessment of processes, identification of areas for improvement, and tracking of progress. Option A, 'Blame and punishment,' is incorrect as QI programs focus on systemic issues rather than individual blame. Option B, 'Employee satisfaction,' while important for organizational culture, is not an essential element of QI programs. Option D, 'Strict adherence to policies,' is valuable but not the core essential element, which is continual monitoring to drive improvement.

3. A 26-year-old female with type 1 diabetes develops a sore throat and runny nose after caring for her sick toddler. The patient calls the clinic for advice about her symptoms and a blood glucose level of 210 mg/dL despite taking her usual glargine (Lantus) and lispro (Humalog) insulin. The nurse advises the patient to

• A. use only the lispro insulin until the symptoms are resolved
• B. limit calorie intake until the glucose is less than 120 mg/dL
• C. monitor blood glucose every 4 hours and notify the clinic if it continues to rise
• D. decrease carbohydrate intake until glycosylated hemoglobin is less than 7%

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should advise the patient to monitor her blood glucose every 4 hours and notify the clinic if it continues to rise. This is important because the patient is experiencing symptoms of an illness (sore throat and runny nose) that can lead to fluctuations in blood glucose levels. By monitoring frequently, any significant rise in blood glucose can be detected early, enabling prompt intervention. Choice A is incorrect because abruptly stopping glargine (Lantus) insulin can lead to uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Choice B is incorrect as limiting calorie intake is not the appropriate immediate action for managing high blood glucose levels. Choice D is also incorrect as adjusting carbohydrate intake based on glycosylated hemoglobin levels is not the immediate action needed in this acute situation.

4. A staff nurse describes the unit manager as 'a born leader.' The nurse ascribes to which theory of leadership?

• A. Trait theories
• B. Behavioral theories
• C. Formal leadership theories
• D. Democratic leadership theories

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Trait theories. The nurse describing the unit manager as 'a born leader' aligns with trait theories of leadership, which suggest that certain inborn characteristics or traits contribute to effective leadership. This theory emphasizes that leaders possess natural qualities that make them suitable for leadership roles. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Behavioral theories focus on the actions and behaviors of leaders, formal leadership theories emphasize organizational structure and roles, and democratic leadership theories pertain to a style of leadership that involves participative decision-making.

5. The complexities of the current health care delivery systems require a variety of leadership styles. Which of the following is one that has emerged in response to these changes?

• A. Quantum
• B. Servant
• C. Autocratic
• D. Democratic

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Quantum. The quantum theory of leadership addresses complexity in organizations, making it suitable for the challenges posed by the current health care delivery systems. Servant leadership (choice B) focuses on serving others rather than traditional hierarchies, but it is not specifically tailored to address complexities. Autocratic leadership (choice C) and Democratic leadership (choice D) are more traditional styles that may not be as effective in handling the intricacies of modern health care systems.

Similar Questions