Nursing Elites

1. A Staff Nurse submits a six-week notice of resignation. The Nurse Manager prepares a request to immediately post the position and begin interviews. This action is best described as which of the following?

• A. Delegation
• B. A time-waster
• C. Reactive management
• D. Proactive management

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Proactive management. Proactive management involves taking steps to prevent issues from occurring rather than just reacting to them. In this scenario, the Nurse Manager is being proactive by preparing to fill the position before the Staff Nurse leaves, thereby preventing short staffing. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Delegation refers to assigning tasks to others, not preparing to fill a vacant position. Calling it a time-waster is subjective and not reflective of the manager's proactive approach. Reactive management would involve waiting until the Nurse leaves and then trying to fill the position, causing short staffing.

2. What is the primary focus of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)?

• A. Patient safety
• B. Cost reduction
• C. Healthcare innovation
• D. Research funding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary focus of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) is patient safety. IHI is renowned for its efforts in developing and implementing evidence-based practices to enhance patient safety and improve the quality of care in healthcare settings. While cost reduction, healthcare innovation, and research funding are important aspects of healthcare, the core mission of the IHI revolves around prioritizing patient safety. Patient safety involves reducing medical errors, improving care processes, and creating a safer environment for patients, which are all fundamental to the work of the IHI.

3. Why is increasing the use of advanced practice nurses encouraged?

• A. A 2010 Institute of Medicine report recommended nurses practice to the full extent of their education.
• B. Advanced practice nurses act as an extension of physicians.
• C. The National League for Nursing advocates for the master of science in nursing (MSN) as the terminal degree for nurse practitioners.
• D. Advanced practice nurses lack the skills to diagnose.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the 2010 Institute of Medicine report recommended that nurses practice to the full extent of their education, which includes utilizing advanced practice nurses. This supports the efficient delivery of healthcare services by leveraging the expertise and skills of advanced practice nurses. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the role of advanced practice nurses rather than providing a reason for increasing their use. Choice C is unrelated to the encouragement of increasing the use of advanced practice nurses as it focuses on the terminal degree for nurse practitioners. Choice D is incorrect as advanced practice nurses do possess the skills necessary to diagnose and provide advanced care, so the statement that they lack diagnostic skills is inaccurate.

4. What is the primary goal of evidence-based practice (EBP)?

• A. Reduce healthcare costs
• B. Improve patient outcomes
• C. Enhance clinical decision making
• D. Ensure patient safety

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of evidence-based practice (EBP) is to enhance clinical decision making by integrating the best available evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. While improving patient outcomes is a significant result of EBP, the ultimate aim is to ensure that healthcare decisions are based on the most current, relevant, and reliable evidence. While reducing healthcare costs and ensuring patient safety are important in healthcare, they are not the primary goals of evidence-based practice.

5. A nurse manager is interested in solving a serious conflict that exists among the nursing staff. He uses a strategy that involves allowing the group to explore a number of solutions and come to a consensus on a solution. What strategy for conflict resolution has the manager used?

• A. Integrative decision-making
• B. Win-win
• C. Competing
• D. Confrontation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Integrative decision-making. Integrative decision-making involves allowing a group to explore various solutions and work together to reach a consensus. This strategy focuses on collaboration and finding a solution that meets the needs of all parties involved. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. 'Win-win' is another term for integrative decision-making, 'Competing' involves pursuing one's own interests at the expense of others, and 'Confrontation' implies a direct conflict rather than a collaborative approach to resolution.

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