Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following strategies is most effective for reducing medication errors on a nursing unit?

• A. Increasing the nurse-to-patient ratio
• B. Providing ongoing education on safe medication practices
• C. Using barcoding technology for medication administration
• D. Increasing the use of PRN medications

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most effective strategy for reducing medication errors on a nursing unit is using barcoding technology for medication administration. Barcoding technology helps to ensure the right medication is given to the right patient in the right dose at the right time. Increasing the nurse-to-patient ratio (choice A) may help in preventing errors due to workload, but it may not address the root cause of medication errors. Providing ongoing education (choice B) is important but may not be as effective as implementing technology to directly prevent errors during administration. Increasing the use of PRN medications (choice D) can actually increase the risk of errors if not carefully monitored and controlled.

2. A group of physicians comes into conflict with the nursing staff of a unit over when AM vital signs are recorded. What type of technique might be used that respects the professionalism of both parties?

• A. Accommodating
• B. Collaboration
• C. Avoiding
• D. Competing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate technique to use is collaboration. Collaboration involves working together with mutual attention to the problem, utilizing the talents of all parties involved. This approach respects the professionalism of both physicians and nursing staff by valuing their input and expertise. Choice A, accommodating, involves giving in to the other party's concerns, which may not fully address the conflict. Choice C, avoiding, suggests ignoring or sidestepping the issue, which does not promote a resolution. Choice D, competing, involves pursuing one's own concerns at the expense of the other party's, leading to a win-lose situation, which is not conducive to resolving conflicts in a professional setting.

3. Monitoring the number of times a medication is given utilizing the 'five rights' is an example of which phase of the Six Sigma program?

• A. Measure
• B. Management
• C. Quantitative
• D. Goal

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the Six Sigma program, the 'Measure' phase focuses on monitoring and measuring processes to ensure they meet the desired standards. This includes tracking the number of times a medication is given correctly using the 'five rights' principle. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choice B, 'Management,' does not specifically relate to monitoring processes or data collection, so it is not the correct answer. Choice C, 'Quantitative,' refers to the use of numerical data in decision-making, which is a broader concept and not specific to monitoring processes within the Six Sigma framework. Choice D, 'Goal,' is too general and does not capture the specific phase of Six Sigma that involves monitoring and measuring processes.

4. Politics is defined as the art of influencing the allocation of scarce resources. An example of a scarce resource allocated by the manager of a patient care unit is:

• A. Raises for the staff.
• B. Patient supplies in the utility room.
• C. Staffing that minimizes overtime.
• D. Paper for the printer.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a healthcare setting, scarce resources can include money, time, personnel, and materials. Staffing decisions directly impact the allocation of personnel resources and can affect overtime costs, making it a critical resource managed by the unit manager. Patient supplies in the utility room and paper for the printer are important, but staffing decisions have a more direct impact on resource allocation within the unit. Raises for staff are typically granted by the institution and are not directly controlled by the unit manager.

5. Which statement to a patient newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is correct?

• A. Complications of type 2 diabetes are less serious than those of type 1 diabetes.
• B. Insulin is not used to control blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes.
• C. Changes in diet and exercise may control blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes.
• D. Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed when the patient is admitted with a hyperglycemic coma.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the correct statement to convey to a patient newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle modifications, such as changes in diet and exercise, are essential components of managing type 2 diabetes. These changes can help control blood glucose levels and improve overall health. Options A, B, and D are incorrect statements. While complications of type 2 diabetes can be serious, they are different from those of type 1 diabetes. Some patients with type 2 diabetes may require insulin therapy, but it is not true that insulin is not used at all. Type 2 diabetes is not typically diagnosed during a hyperglycemic coma, as it is usually identified through routine screenings or symptoms unrelated to a coma.

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