Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is caring for a client who has a sodium level of 125 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L). Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Positive Chvostek's sign
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Numbness of the extremities
• D. Abdominal cramping

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A sodium level of 125 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which can lead to abdominal cramping. Abdominal cramping is a common symptom of hyponatremia due to an imbalance in electrolytes. While other options like Chvostek's sign, bradycardia, and numbness of the extremities can be associated with other electrolyte imbalances, they are not typically seen with low sodium levels. Chvostek's sign is related to hypocalcemia, bradycardia can be seen in hyperkalemia, and numbness of the extremities can be a symptom of hypocalcemia or hypokalemia, but not directly related to hyponatremia.

2. Even though this is not easy, facilitating ____________ is a mandatory skill for all nurse managers and is crucial in the success of the manager.

• A. resistance
• B. change
• C. planning
• D. collection of data

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: change.' Facilitating change is a crucial skill for nurse managers as they often need to lead and manage changes in healthcare settings. While managing resistance (choice A) is important, the question focuses on the necessity of facilitating change. Planning (choice C) and collecting data (choice D) are also essential skills for managers, but in this context, the emphasis is on the ability to facilitate change effectively.

3. Healthcare systems primarily have functional structures. Which of the following would be an example of this?

• A. Open communication exists between Physical Therapy and Nursing.
• B. Medicine has authority over nursing.
• C. Laboratory services have little authority.
• D. All nursing tasks fall under nursing service.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. In functional structures, employees are grouped in departments by specialty, with similar tasks being performed by the same group. This means that in a healthcare system with a functional structure, all nursing tasks would fall under the nursing service. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because open communication between departments, one department having authority over another, or the level of authority of a particular department do not necessarily represent a functional structure.

4. A unit director at a local hospital knows even leadership may face ethical dilemmas. Which of the following should the director take into consideration when dealing with an employee who is incompetent?

• A. The situation should be tolerated for as long as possible because of the amount of time and paperwork required to terminate an incompetent nurse.
• B. Incompetence only impacts the individual nurse.
• C.
• D. Most nurse practice acts direct how to handle incompetent nurses.

Correct answer: C

Rationale:

5. Which of the following indicators is viewed as important by the nurse manager in relation to a performance model?

• A. Patient outcomes
• B. Rapport with staff
• C. Daily job performance
• D. Flexibility

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Patient outcomes. In a performance model, one of the key indicators that a nurse manager would focus on is patient outcomes. Patient outcomes are a direct reflection of the quality of care provided by the staff, making it a crucial aspect of evaluating performance. Choice B, rapport with staff, though important for team dynamics, is not directly related to a performance model that primarily assesses job performance. Choice C, daily job performance, is relevant but more of an outcome rather than an indicator itself. Choice D, flexibility, is a valuable trait but not specifically highlighted in the context of a performance model.

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