Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is an example of an ethical dilemma in nursing?

• A. Choosing between two equally undesirable alternatives
• B. Reporting a colleague's unethical behavior
• C. Balancing patient confidentiality with the need to disclose information
• D. Deciding whether to comply with a patient's request that conflicts with professional ethics

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. An ethical dilemma in nursing involves deciding whether to comply with a patient's request that conflicts with professional ethics, balancing competing values and principles. Choices A, B, and C do not directly represent ethical dilemmas in nursing. Choice A describes a general ethical dilemma, choice B involves professional conduct rather than a dilemma, and choice C refers to a confidentiality issue rather than conflicting ethical principles.

2. Characteristics that an interviewer will be most interested in when selecting a new staff will be: (EXCEPT)

• A. Your confidence in your clinical skills.
• B. How many hours of overtime you will work.
• C. Your ability to work as a team member.
• D. Your clinical competence.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. When selecting new staff, interviewers are primarily interested in candidates' confidence in clinical skills, ability to work as a team member, and clinical competence. They are not concerned with how many hours of overtime a candidate is willing to work. Overtime hours may be important at times, but it is not a characteristic that an interviewer would prioritize when selecting new staff. Choices A, C, and D are essential qualities that interviewers look for in potential staff as they contribute to providing professional nursing care.

3. What is the main purpose of a nursing code of ethics?

• A. To protect the rights and dignity of patients
• B. To ensure compliance with healthcare laws
• C. To set standards for clinical practice
• D. To provide a framework for ethical decision-making in nursing practice

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main purpose of a nursing code of ethics is to provide a framework for ethical decision-making in nursing practice. While choice A is important, the primary focus of a nursing code of ethics is not solely to protect the rights and dignity of patients but to guide nurses in making ethical decisions. Choice B is more related to legal requirements, not the ethical aspects covered by a code of ethics. Choice C, setting standards for clinical practice, is important but distinct from the primary purpose of a code of ethics, which is centered on ethical decision-making.

4. A client is admitted to a medical-surgical unit after six hours in the emergency room. He requests that his AM care be delayed to allow him to rest. The nurse complies with his request. This is an example of which type of management philosophy?

• A. Continuous quality improvement
• B. Total quality management
• C. Six Sigma
• D. Quality management

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Total Quality Management (TQM) emphasizes meeting customer needs and satisfaction. In this scenario, by honoring the client's request to delay care to allow for rest, the nurse is aligning with the customer-focused approach of TQM. TQM seeks to continuously improve processes and services to enhance customer experiences and outcomes. Continuous Quality Improvement focuses on incremental improvements in processes and outcomes over time. Six Sigma is a data-driven approach to process improvement that aims to reduce defects and errors. Quality Management is a broader concept that encompasses various strategies to ensure quality standards are met.

5. A unit director at a local hospital knows even leadership may face ethical dilemmas. Which of the following should the director take into consideration when dealing with an employee who is incompetent?

• A. The situation should be tolerated for as long as possible because of the amount of time and paperwork required to terminate an incompetent nurse.
• B. Incompetence only impacts the individual nurse.
• C. The director should follow her institution�s formal process for reporting and handling practices that jeopardize patient safety.
• D. Most nurse practice acts direct how to handle incompetent nurses.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The director should follow her institution�s formal process for reporting and handling practices that jeopardize patient safety.

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