Nursing Elites

1. A patient is admitted with pneumonia. My case manager refers to a plan of care that specifically identifies dates when supplemental oxygen should be discontinued, positive pressure ventilation with bronchodilators should be changed to self-administer inhalers, and antibiotics should be changed from intravenous to oral treatment, based on assessment findings. This plan of care is referred to by what term?

• A. patient classification system
• B. patient-centered plan of care
• C. diagnosis-related group
• D. clinical pathway

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A clinical pathway is a structured, evidence-based plan that outlines the expected course of treatment and interventions for a specific diagnosis or procedure, in this case, pneumonia. It includes guidelines on the timing of interventions and transitions in care based on assessment findings, promoting standardized care and improved outcomes for patients. The other choices are incorrect: A) patient classification system categorizes patients based on similar characteristics; B) patient-centered plan of care focuses on individual patient needs and preferences; C) diagnosis-related group is a classification system used for billing purposes.

2. In a unionized hospital, nurses receive compensatory pay for working holidays based on the hours worked with no extra compensation. Despite management refusing to consider changes to the compensatory pay system suggested by nurses during the annual employee satisfaction survey, a trend member listened to both parties and made non-legally binding recommendations. What is this type of settlement known as?

• A. Collective bargaining
• B. Mediation
• C. Grievance
• D. Binding arbitration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Mediation involves a neutral third party who assists in resolving disputes by providing non-legally binding recommendations. In this scenario, the trend member acted as a mediator by listening to both nurses and management and offering suggestions without the authority to enforce them as a legally binding decision. Collective bargaining refers to negotiations between labor unions and employers to determine terms of employment. Grievance is a formal complaint by an employee against an employer. Binding arbitration involves a neutral third party making a final and legally binding decision to resolve a dispute.

3. The nurse is caring for a patient transferred from the local prison who was arrested and convicted of child sexual abuse. The nurse feels disgust for the patient's behavior but can avoid being judgmental by understanding what?

• A. Motivation
• B. State laws
• C. The patient's social history
• D. Code of ethics

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse is experiencing negative emotions towards the patient's behavior. By understanding the patient's motivation, the nurse can gain insight into the underlying factors that led to the behavior, helping to avoid being judgmental. This approach allows the nurse to provide care and support without letting personal feelings interfere. Understanding motivation can also aid in developing a therapeutic relationship and providing appropriate care tailored to the patient's needs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as while state laws, the patient's social history, and the code of ethics are important aspects to consider in healthcare, they do not directly address the nurse's feelings of disgust and the need to avoid being judgmental towards the patient's behavior.

4. When a nurse reads a peer-reviewed nursing journal article recommending a change in caring for a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter, which action demonstrates critical thinking?

• A. Implementing the article's recommendations in caring for a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter
• B. Presenting the journal article to the nurse manager and proposing a revision of the procedure
• C. Seeking additional peer-reviewed articles that corroborate the author's recommendation
• D. Disregarding the article and adhering to the facility's existing procedure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Critical thinking involves evaluating information from various sources. In this scenario, the nurse displays critical thinking by seeking additional peer-reviewed articles that support the author's recommendation. This action ensures that decisions are based on a comprehensive understanding of the topic rather than relying solely on one source. By exploring other peer-reviewed articles, the nurse can validate the proposed change and make informed decisions regarding patient care. Choice A, implementing the article's recommendations, may not encompass a thorough evaluation of the information presented. Choice B, presenting the article to the nurse manager, is a valid step but does not directly involve critical analysis of the information. Choice D, disregarding the article, goes against the essence of critical thinking, which emphasizes the evaluation and consideration of various perspectives.

5. The increasing use of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in management positions, especially in long-term care facilities, is an example of what?

• A. Assertive management
• B. A shifting paradigm
• C. Critical thinking
• D. Smarter LPN graduates

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: A shifting paradigm. The increasing use of LPNs in management positions, particularly in long-term care facilities, represents a changing paradigm in healthcare management. This shift indicates a move towards assigning leadership responsibilities to LPNs, signaling a departure from traditional industry roles. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the situation described does not primarily demonstrate assertive management, critical thinking, or the intelligence of LPN graduates. The focus is on the evolving role of LPNs in management, suggesting a broader change in healthcare practices.

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