Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following strategies is most effective for improving staff morale?

• A. Increasing workload
• B. Increasing salaries
• C. Providing feedback
• D. Offering incentives

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Providing feedback is the most effective strategy for improving staff morale. Feedback helps employees understand their performance, areas of improvement, and areas of strength, fostering a sense of recognition and growth. Increasing workload (choice A) can lead to burnout and decreased morale. While increasing salaries (choice B) and offering incentives (choice D) can be motivating, they may not address underlying issues or provide the same level of personal development and recognition that feedback offers.

2. A 27-year-old patient admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has a serum glucose level of 732 mg/dL and serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which action prescribed by the healthcare provider should the nurse take first?

• A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor
• B. Administer IV potassium supplements
• C. Obtain urine glucose and ketone levels
• D. Start an insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/hr

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the initial priority is to assess for any cardiac arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalances. Since the patient has a low serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L, placing the patient on a cardiac monitor is crucial to monitor for any potential cardiac complications. Administering IV potassium supplements (Choice B) may be needed, but it is not the first action to take. Obtaining urine glucose and ketone levels (Choice C) and starting an insulin infusion (Choice D) are important interventions in managing DKA, but ensuring patient safety by monitoring for arrhythmias takes precedence.

3. Which of the following is an example of an outcome measure in healthcare?

• A. Patient satisfaction scores
• B. Length of hospital stay
• C. Healthcare provider performance reviews
• D. Number of diagnostic tests ordered

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Patient satisfaction scores are considered an outcome measure in healthcare because they reflect the patient's experience and perception of the care received. Patient satisfaction scores focus on the quality of care provided and the patient's overall satisfaction with their healthcare experience. Choices B, C, and D are not examples of outcome measures. The length of hospital stay is a process measure, healthcare provider performance reviews are a provider-specific evaluation, and the number of diagnostic tests ordered is more related to resource utilization rather than a direct patient outcome.

4. What is the difference between the amounts that were budgeted for specific revenue or cost and the actual revenue or cost that resulted during the course of activities?

• A. Budget
• B. Variable
• C. Variance
• D. Premiums

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Variance. Variance represents the distinction between the planned budgeted amount for a particular revenue or cost and the actual amount that occurred during the activities. In financial management, variance analysis is crucial for assessing performance and identifying areas that deviate from the budgeted expectations. Choice A, 'Budget,' is incorrect as it refers to the planned amount rather than the difference between planned and actual amounts. Choice B, 'Variable,' does not specifically address the comparison between budgeted and actual figures. Choice D, 'Premiums,' is unrelated to the concept of comparing budgeted and actual values in the context of financial analysis.

5. 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.

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