Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following scenarios would be an example of shared governance on a nursing unit?

• A. Staff nurses delegate activities to CNAs.
• B. Procedure manuals are written by a committee of nurse managers.
• C. Staff nurses and CNAs make their own schedules.
• D. A unit manager seeks advice from her supervisor.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Shared governance in a nursing unit involves staff nurses and CNAs having autonomy and decision-making power in aspects like scheduling, which is reflected in them making their own schedules. This scenario aligns with the philosophy of shared governance where nursing practice is best determined by nurses. Choices A, B, and D do not exemplify shared governance as they involve hierarchical delegation, managerial decision-making, and seeking advice from superiors rather than autonomous decision-making by frontline staff.

2. What is the primary focus of a performance appraisal for nursing staff?

• A. To identify areas for salary increases
• B. To evaluate overall job performance
• C. To provide feedback on clinical skills
• D. To determine eligibility for promotions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary focus of a performance appraisal for nursing staff is to provide feedback on clinical skills, identify areas for improvement, and support professional development. While salary increases, overall job performance evaluation, and promotions may be factors considered during a performance appraisal, the primary goal is to assess and enhance clinical skills to ensure high-quality patient care.

3. Two RNs are discussing the benefits of professional liability insurance. Which of the following is a reason for an RN to have a professional liability insurance policy?

• A. No expenses are involved in frivolous lawsuits.
• B. If a nurse is found guilty of malpractice, the institution cannot sue the nurse.
• C. Liability policies may also cover charges of libel, slander, assault, and HIPAA violations.
• D. Only doctors are sued for malpractice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Liability policies can cover charges of libel, slander, assault, and HIPAA violations, in addition to malpractice claims. Choice A is incorrect as there are expenses involved in frivolous lawsuits. Choice B is incorrect because institutions can sue nurses found guilty of malpractice. Choice D is incorrect as nurses, not just doctors, can be sued for malpractice.

4. An RN is writing reminders for good documentation for the nurses on her staff. The purpose is to ensure nursing documentation is legally credible. Which of the following is a recommendation she should include in the reminders?

• A. Use shortcuts in documentation.
• B. Only use approved abbreviations.
• C. Documentation should be subjective.
• D. Document after care is provided.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct recommendation that should be included in the reminders for ensuring legally credible nursing documentation is to 'Only use approved abbreviations.' Using shortcuts in documentation (Choice A) may lead to incomplete or vague information, compromising the credibility of documentation. Documentation should not be subjective (Choice C) but rather objective and based on factual information. While it is important to document after care is provided (Choice D), the immediate documentation following care provision is critical for accuracy and legal credibility.

5. A manager is prioritizing the following issues. Of the following issues, which should be considered urgent and important?

• A. The manager of physical therapy calls and complains about inappropriate behaviors of one of the staff nurses with one of his therapists.
• B. A staff nurse reports a pattern of malfunctioning IV pumps on the unit during her current shift, resulting in overdosing of medications.
• C. One of the staff nurses, who would have been an extra nurse for the next shift, calls in sick.
• D. A small group of staff nurses request a meeting to discuss initiating a scheduling committee.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because patient safety is a critical concern in healthcare settings. Malfunctioning IV pumps leading to medication overdosing poses a direct threat to patient safety and must be addressed urgently. Choice A involves interpersonal issues between staff members which are important but can be addressed in a less urgent manner compared to patient safety concerns. Choice C, a staff nurse calling in sick, is important for staffing but can be managed through existing protocols. Choice D, initiating a scheduling committee, is a routine operational matter that can be addressed at a later time and does not pose an immediate risk to patient safety.

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