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. During a staffing crisis, managers may need to use nurse extenders. These individuals are better known as:

• A. Float RNs.
• B. Unlicensed assistive personnel.
• C. LPNs.
• D. Agency nurses.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a staffing crisis, managers may need to utilize unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs) as nurse extenders. UAPs help free up nurses' time, enabling them to focus more on direct client care. Float RNs (Choice A) refer to registered nurses who work in various units as needed, not specifically as nurse extenders during crises. LPNs (Choice C) are licensed practical nurses, not typically used as nurse extenders. Agency nurses (Choice D) are temporary nurses hired from external agencies, not necessarily designated as nurse extenders.

3. Most evaluations are based on absolute judgment. This is:

• A. A standard set by an external source.
• B. The manager and staff's perceived notion.
• C. Internal standards.
• D. The manager's personal opinion.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The internal standard used in evaluations is the criteria set by the manager, reflecting what they perceive as reasonable and acceptable performance for the employee. Choice A is incorrect because the standard is internal, not set by an external source. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to the collective perception of the manager and staff, rather than the internal standard. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to the manager's personal opinion, which may not always align with the internal standards set for evaluations.

4. What quality is observed among individuals who strive to find the best way to do their job?

• A. Punctuality
• B. Strictness
• C. Honesty
• D. Motivation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Motivation is the driving force that compels individuals to strive to find the best way to do their job. It encompasses determination, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to continuously improve and excel in their work. Being motivated is essential for individuals in any profession to seek innovative solutions, achieve excellence, and make a meaningful impact. Punctuality, while important, refers to being on time rather than the drive to find the best way to do a job. Strictness relates to enforcing rules or discipline, not necessarily to seeking the best way. Honesty is about truthfulness and integrity, which are crucial but not directly related to the pursuit of excellence in job performance.

5. After change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?

• A. 19-year-old with type 1 diabetes who was admitted with possible dawn phenomenon
• B. 35-year-old with type 1 diabetes whose most recent blood glucose reading was 230 mg/dL
• C. 60-year-old with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome who has poor skin turgor and dry oral mucosa
• D. 68-year-old with type 2 diabetes who has severe peripheral neuropathy and complains of burning foot pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome who presents with poor skin turgor and dry oral mucosa requires immediate attention. These signs indicate severe dehydration and potential electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to serious complications. Assessing this patient first allows for prompt intervention and monitoring to stabilize their condition. Choice A is less urgent as the patient has possible dawn phenomenon, which is a common early-morning rise in blood glucose levels. Choice B, with a blood glucose reading of 230 mg/dL, indicates hyperglycemia but does not present with signs of severe dehydration like the patient in choice C. Choice D, with peripheral neuropathy and foot pain, is important but not as urgent as addressing severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in the patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome.

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