Nursing Elites

1. While interviewing for a position at City Hospital, the nurse asks about the organizational structure of the institution. She is told that the hospital is organized into departments based on specialty (e.g., nursing, dietary, pharmacy, etc.). Based on what you know about organizational structure, select the structure in this example.

• A. Parallel
• B. Functional
• C. Service-integrated
• D. Matrix

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Functional. In functional structures, employees are grouped into departments based on specialty, allowing individuals with similar skills and tasks to work together efficiently. In this scenario, organizing the hospital into departments such as nursing, dietary, and pharmacy based on their specialties exemplifies a functional organizational structure. Choice A, Parallel structure, involves independent units working on similar tasks, which is not the case here. Choice C, Service-integrated structure, emphasizes cross-functional teamwork across various departments, which is not the main focus in the scenario. Choice D, Matrix structure, involves employees reporting to multiple managers for different projects or tasks, which is not described in the scenario.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and is exhibiting signs of hemorrhagic shock. The nurse notifies the surgeon, who tells the nurse to continue to measure the client's vital signs every 15 min and to report back in 1 hour. Which of the following actions should the nurse take next?

• A. Document the surgeon's instructions in the client's medical record.
• B. Complete an incident report.
• C. Consult the charge nurse.
• D. Notify the nursing manager.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should notify the nursing manager next. The surgeon's instructions are related to the client's condition, and it is crucial to inform the nursing manager about the situation. Option A is incorrect because documenting the surgeon's instructions in the medical record is not the immediate next step. Option B is also incorrect as completing an incident report is not warranted in this situation. Option C is not the best choice as consulting the charge nurse may cause a delay in escalating the situation to higher management, which is necessary in cases of emergency like hemorrhagic shock.

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. Which of the following behaviors would be an early warning sign that you are not handling job stress in a healthy way?

• A. Focusing excessively on patient outcomes
• B. Needing to spend more time alone
• C. Juggling work, studies, and family responsibilities
• D. Awakening in the morning feeling unrested

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Awakening in the morning feeling unrested can be an early warning sign that you are not handling job stress in a healthy way. This may indicate that the stress is impacting your quality of sleep, which is essential for managing stress and maintaining overall well-being. Choices A, B, and C are not necessarily indicative of unhealthy stress management. Focusing excessively on patient outcomes may show dedication to work, needing to spend more time alone could be a personal preference, and juggling work, studies, and family responsibilities could be a common challenge that many individuals face.

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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