Nursing Elites

1. Change is a mandatory skill for managers. Successful change agents display certain characteristics. Some of these characteristics are: (Select all that apply.)

• A. Energy
• B. Confidence
• C. Ambiguity
• D. Trustworthiness

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: Ambiguity.' The rationale behind this is that the provided list of characteristics that successful change agents demonstrate includes 'realistic thinking' as one of the traits, not 'ambiguity.' Therefore, 'A: Energy,' 'B: Confidence,' and 'D: Trustworthiness' are not among the characteristics mentioned in the extract.

2. Politics is defined as the art of influencing the allocation of scarce resources. An example of a scarce resource allocated by the manager of a patient care unit is:

• A. Raises for the staff.
• B. Patient supplies in the utility room.
• C. Staffing that minimizes overtime.
• D. Paper for the printer.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a healthcare setting, scarce resources can include money, time, personnel, and materials. Staffing decisions directly impact the allocation of personnel resources and can affect overtime costs, making it a critical resource managed by the unit manager. Patient supplies in the utility room and paper for the printer are important, but staffing decisions have a more direct impact on resource allocation within the unit. Raises for staff are typically granted by the institution and are not directly controlled by the unit manager.

3. Which of the following strategies is most effective for reducing medication errors on a nursing unit?

• A. Increasing the nurse-to-patient ratio
• B. Providing ongoing education on safe medication practices
• C. Using barcoding technology for medication administration
• D. Increasing the use of PRN medications

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most effective strategy for reducing medication errors on a nursing unit is using barcoding technology for medication administration. Barcoding technology helps to ensure the right medication is given to the right patient in the right dose at the right time. Increasing the nurse-to-patient ratio (choice A) may help in preventing errors due to workload, but it may not address the root cause of medication errors. Providing ongoing education (choice B) is important but may not be as effective as implementing technology to directly prevent errors during administration. Increasing the use of PRN medications (choice D) can actually increase the risk of errors if not carefully monitored and controlled.

4. An RN is writing reminders for good documentation for the nurses on her staff. The purpose is to ensure nursing documentation is legally credible. Which of the following is a recommendation she should include in the reminders?

• A. Use shortcuts in documentation.
• B. Only use approved abbreviations.
• C. Documentation should be subjective.
• D. Document after care is provided.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct recommendation the RN should include in the reminders is to 'Only use approved abbreviations.' Using shortcuts in documentation (choice A) may lead to errors or omissions, affecting the credibility of documentation. Documentation should be objective (choice C) rather than subjective to ensure accuracy and legal credibility. It is essential to document care promptly after providing it (choice D) to maintain the accuracy and completeness of patient records, but using approved abbreviations is a more specific recommendation to enhance legal credibility.

5. Which of the following are NOT outcomes of a job analysis? (EXCEPT)

• A. Job specification
• B. Job evaluation
• C. Job description
• D. Job performance

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Job description is actually one of the key outcomes of a job analysis. A job description details the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a specific job role. Job specification, job evaluation, and job performance are not outcomes of a job analysis. Job specification refers to the specific qualifications and skills required for a job, job evaluation involves determining the relative worth of different jobs within an organization, and job performance relates to how well an employee is executing their job duties.

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