Nursing Elites

1. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for additional instruction in administering insulin?

• A. 'I need to rotate injection sites among my arms, legs, and abdomen each day.'
• B. 'I can buy the 0.5 mL syringes because the line markings will be easier to see.'
• C. 'I should draw up the regular insulin first after injecting air into the NPH bottle.'
• D. 'I do not need to aspirate the plunger to check for blood before injecting insulin.'

Correct answer: A

Rationale: This statement indicates a need for additional instruction because while site rotation is essential, it's important to rotate sites within the same anatomical region (such as staying within the abdomen for several injections before moving to a different region). Rotating too frequently between different regions can cause inconsistent insulin absorption, which can affect blood sugar control.

2. When planning to run for the local school board, which of the following sources of power would a nurse find important?

• A. Connection
• B. Reward
• C. Charisma
• D. Expertise

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a nurse is planning to run for the local school board, the important source of power would be 'Connection.' In politics, building relationships and forming connections are crucial for gaining support, forming coalitions, and accessing valuable information. Being charismatic is not a necessary attribute for utilizing power effectively in this context. While expertise is valuable, especially in education-related matters, it is not specified as a primary source of power for a political candidate. Rewards are not typically within the purview of a candidate running for a position such as the local school board.

3. A nurse manager has two out of six staff nurses call in sick for one shift. Because of reduced availability of staff, the manager decides to manage the unit with the three remaining nurses, which keeps the unit at minimal staffing standards. What type of decision-making strategy would this be?

• A. Satisficing
• B. Routine
• C. Adaptive
• D. Rationalizing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Satisficing is the correct decision-making strategy in this scenario. The nurse manager is not aiming for the best solution but rather choosing an alternative that is good enough given the circumstances of staff shortage. Choice B, Routine, does not apply here as the situation is not part of the manager's regular tasks. Choice C, Adaptive, involves adjusting to new conditions, which is not the primary focus in this scenario. Choice D, Rationalizing, does not fit as the decision made is more about finding an acceptable solution rather than justifying it.

4. After working at your job for 10 months and feeling unable to tolerate the tension and stress between staff nurses and the laissez-faire nurse manager who is not a leader, what is the best course of action?

• A. Submit a resignation and leave within 30 days.
• B. Complain to staff about the nurse manager.
• C. Seek another position within the healthcare organization and apply for a transfer.
• D. Inform the chief nursing officer that you are leaving and explain your dissatisfaction with the lack of leadership.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this situation, it is best to seek another position within the healthcare organization and apply for a transfer. Making professional decisions should involve careful evaluation and consideration. It is important to align personal values with the organizational culture. By seeking advice from a mentor or counselor, you can gain valuable insights and consider different perspectives. Resigning abruptly, complaining to staff, or informing the chief nursing officer without exploring other options may not be the most effective or professional approach in this scenario.

5. 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.

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