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. An RN comes upon a serious motor vehicle accident that has just occurred and no first responders are on the scene. One car has been flipped upside down, and she can see the driver still in the car. The RN decides to stop and help. She knows she is protected from civil liability as long as she does which of the following?

• A. Acts in an ordinary, reasonable, and prudent professional manner
• B. Assures that information obtained is not communicated to anyone else
• C. Does not make any verbal comments that could lead to economic harm
• D. Fails to meet the established standards of practice

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Acts in an ordinary, reasonable, and prudent professional manner.' In emergency situations, healthcare professionals are protected from civil liability as long as they act in a manner that any other reasonable and prudent professional would under similar circumstances. Choice B is incorrect because communication of relevant information is essential for patient care and handover to other healthcare providers. Choice C is incorrect as it pertains to a different issue of preventing economic harm rather than addressing the immediate medical needs of the injured driver. Choice D is incorrect because failing to meet established standards of practice can lead to liability, especially in emergencies where immediate action is required to save lives.

3. What is the primary role of the nurse manager in risk management?

• A. Ensure compliance with regulations
• B. Report incidents to higher authorities
• C. Minimize risks to patients and staff
• D. Educate staff about safe practices

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Minimize risks to patients and staff. Nurse managers play a crucial role in risk management by identifying potential risks, implementing strategies to reduce or eliminate these risks, and ensuring a safe environment for patients and staff. Choice A is incorrect because while ensuring compliance with regulations is important, the primary role of the nurse manager in risk management is to minimize risks. Choice B is incorrect as reporting incidents is part of risk management but not the primary role of a nurse manager. Choice D is also a responsibility of nurse managers, but educating staff about safe practices is not the primary focus when it comes to risk management.

4. One of the most useful tools to determine reasons for turnover is:

• A. Questioning.
• B. Surveys.
• C. Employee forums.
• D. Telephone calls.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Surveys are one of the most effective tools to determine reasons for turnover because they allow employees to provide feedback anonymously, leading to more truthful responses. While questioning can be part of the process, surveys provide a structured and standardized way to collect data. Employee forums may not always elicit honest responses due to peer pressure or fear of repercussions. Telephone calls may not reach all employees and do not guarantee anonymity, potentially leading to biased or incomplete information.

5. An unresponsive patient with type 2 diabetes is brought to the emergency department and diagnosed with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS). The nurse will anticipate the need to

• A. give a bolus of 50% dextrose.
• B. insert a large-bore IV catheter.
• C. initiate oxygen via nasal cannula.
• D. administer glargine (Lantus) insulin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS), severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are common. To address these issues, the priority intervention is to insert a large-bore IV catheter for fluid resuscitation and electrolyte replacement. Giving a bolus of 50% dextrose would worsen the hyperglycemia. Initiating oxygen via nasal cannula may be beneficial for respiratory support but is not the priority in this scenario. Administering glargine (Lantus) insulin is not the initial treatment for HHS as it does not address the underlying severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

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