Nursing Elites

1. As an RN stands in line for the cafeteria cashier, he overhears the staff in front of him talking about a client the RN took care of earlier in the week. The client�s room number is mentioned along with the diagnosis and prognosis. Which of the following actions should the RN take?

• A. Join in the conversation in case the RN is assigned to care for the client in the future.
• B. Remind the staff members that they are in a public location and sharing this information is a breach of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• C. Correct a statement made by one of the staff members.
• D. Ignore the conversation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Remind the staff members that they are in a public location and sharing this information is a breach of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

2. Which of the following best defines the role of a nurse practitioner (NP)?

• A. Provide direct patient care under the supervision of a physician
• B. Diagnose and treat medical conditions independently
• C. Assist with administrative tasks in a healthcare setting
• D. Specialize in a specific area of nursing practice

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Diagnose and treat medical conditions independently.' Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who are qualified to diagnose and treat medical conditions without direct supervision from a physician. Choice A is incorrect because NPs have the autonomy to provide care independently. Choice C is incorrect as NPs focus on clinical care rather than administrative tasks. Choice D is incorrect as specializing in a specific area of nursing practice refers to a different aspect of advanced nursing roles, such as becoming a clinical nurse specialist.

3. The complexities of the current health care delivery systems require a variety of leadership styles. Which of the following leadership styles would be most effective in this environment?

• A. Autocratic leadership
• B. Laissez-faire leadership
• C. Transactional leadership
• D. Transformational leadership

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In complex health care environments, transformational leadership is the most effective style. This leadership approach focuses on inspiring and motivating staff towards a shared vision. Autocratic leadership (choice A) is too controlling and may not foster innovation and adaptability needed in complex systems. Laissez-faire leadership (choice B) lacks guidance and may lead to confusion in intricate healthcare settings. Transactional leadership (choice C) focuses on tasks and rewards, but may not be as effective in promoting innovation and change management required in complex health care delivery systems.

4. When a patient with type 2 diabetes is admitted for a cholecystectomy, which nursing action can the nurse delegate to a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)?

• A. Communicate the blood glucose level and insulin dose to the circulating nurse in surgery.
• B. Discuss the reason for the use of insulin therapy during the immediate postoperative period.
• C. Administer the prescribed lispro (Humalog) insulin before transporting the patient to surgery.
• D. Plan strategies to minimize the risk for hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia during the postoperative period.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the administration of prescribed lispro (Humalog) insulin before transporting the patient to surgery is a task that can be safely delegated to a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN). This action is within the scope of practice of an LPN/LVN and does not require independent nursing judgment. Choices A and B involve communicating and discussing important medical information, which are higher-level nursing actions typically performed by registered nurses. Choice D involves planning strategies to manage blood glucose levels postoperatively, which requires critical thinking and assessment skills usually performed by a registered nurse.

5. Which of the following statements is true regarding nursing ethics?

• A. Nursing ethics focus on the organizational level at the workplace.
• B. Nursing ethics focus on the duties and rules of behavior for professional nurses.
• C. Nursing ethics focus on the moral character of nurses.
• D. Nursing ethics focus on the experiences and needs of nurses.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Nursing ethics not only focus on the experiences and needs of nurses, but also on the nurses� perceptions of these experiences.

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