Nursing Elites

1. The charge nurse role has negatively affected your relationship with your friends and made you feel tense and isolated. You decide that you will delegate more time-consuming tasks to staff who are not your friends, who then complain to your nurse manager about your perceived unfairness. You decide to:

• A. Talk with your friends individually to let them know that you will be assigning patients to all staff in an equitable manner.
• B. Not express your angry feelings.
• C. Talk about staff who are annoying you with staff on other units.
• D. Ignore your feelings of uncertainty, hoping they will diminish.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, it is essential to address the perceived unfairness in task delegation. Talking with your friends individually to explain that patients will be assigned equitably is the most appropriate course of action. This approach promotes transparency and fairness in task allocation, helping to maintain professional relationships. Choices B, C, and D are not suitable responses. Choice B ignores the issue, choice C involves unprofessional behavior by gossiping about colleagues, and choice D neglects addressing the root cause of the problem.

2. An RN is working through an ethical dilemma involving a patient on his unit. He has just identified the decision makers involved. Which step best describes the current stage the RN is working through?

• A. Assessment
• B. Diagnosis
• C. Planning
• D. Implementation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Planning. In the planning phase of addressing an ethical dilemma, the goals of treatment are established, decision makers are identified, and all available options are reviewed. The assessment phase involves collecting data and information, the diagnosis phase involves analyzing the information to identify the problem, and the implementation phase involves carrying out the chosen plan of action. Therefore, in this scenario, where decision makers are being identified, the RN is in the planning stage.

3. A nurse manager is using the nominal group technique to gather input from the staff on a new policy. What is the primary method of exchange in this technique?

• A. Oral presentations
• B. Email exchanges
• C. Written reports
• D. Group discussions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the nominal group technique, the primary method of exchange is through written reports. Participants independently generate ideas in writing, which are then shared and discussed within the group. This structured process allows for equal participation and prevents dominant individuals from influencing the group's outcome. Oral presentations (choice A) involve speaking rather than written communication, making it less suitable for the nominal group technique. Email exchanges (choice B) are also not the primary method as they lack the structured approach of the nominal group technique. Group discussions (choice D) do occur in the nominal group technique but are secondary to the initial written idea generation phase.

4. A nurse has just inserted a nasogastric (NG) tube for a client. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to confirm correct tube placement?

• A. The client reports relief of nausea.
• B. The tube aspirate has a pH less than 5.
• C. Bowel sounds are present on auscultation.
• D. An x-ray shows the end of the tube above the pylorus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The client reports relief of nausea. When the NG tube is correctly placed in the stomach, it can help alleviate feelings of nausea and discomfort. Choice B, a tube aspirate pH less than 5, is incorrect as it indicates gastric placement, not necessarily correct placement. Choice C, bowel sounds on auscultation, and Choice D, visualization of the tube on an x-ray above the pylorus, do not confirm correct NG tube placement; therefore, they are incorrect.

5. Within the fast-paced, changing healthcare environment, job satisfaction will influence your success. What other characteristic is an asset?

• A. Being friendly
• B. Humility
• C. Ability to anticipate consequences
• D. Flexibility

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the fast-paced and evolving healthcare setting, flexibility is a crucial asset. Shaffer (2006) emphasizes the importance of being adaptable to change for professional growth. While being friendly and having humility are positive traits, they may not directly address the need to adapt to the dynamic healthcare environment. Anticipating consequences is valuable but may not encompass the breadth of skills needed to navigate rapid changes effectively.

Similar Questions