Nursing Elites

1. How do accrediting agencies such as the Joint Commission ensure quality care?

• A. Imposing maximum staffing levels
• B. Stipulating nurse-patient ratios
• C. Confirming delivery of satisfactory care
• D. Requiring a specific staff mix

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Accrediting agencies such as the Joint Commission primarily focus on confirming the delivery of satisfactory care rather than imposing specific staffing levels, nurse-patient ratios, or staff mix. They do not dictate the exact staffing levels or ratios but rather evaluate if the care provided meets established quality standards. While adequate staffing levels and appropriate nurse-patient ratios are essential for quality care, accrediting agencies like the Joint Commission assess the outcomes and overall quality of care delivered by healthcare facilities.

2. A healthcare professional walks into the nurse's station and sees several staff members looking at the electronic medical record for a celebrity client on another unit. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take first?

• A. remind the staff members that this is a breach of confidentiality
• B. discuss the issue with the unit manager
• C. request that an administrative restriction be placed on the client's medical access
• D. prepare a report for the facility ethics committee

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the healthcare professional to take first is to remind the staff members that accessing the electronic medical record of a celebrity client from another unit is a breach of confidentiality. This immediate action addresses the ethical and legal issue at hand, emphasizing the importance of patient confidentiality and privacy. Discussing the issue with the unit manager, requesting administrative restrictions, or preparing a report for the facility ethics committee can be considered after addressing the initial breach and reminding staff members of their obligations.

3. What theme of critical thinking is demonstrated by the belief that continuous learning contributes to the ongoing process?

• A. Critical thinking is a productive and positive activity.
• B. Critical thinking is a process, not an outcome.
• C. Manifestations of critical thinking vary, depending on the context in which they occur.
• D. Critical thinking is triggered by both positive and negative events.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The belief that continuous learning contributes to the ongoing process aligns with the theme that critical thinking is a process, not an outcome. This suggests that critical thinking involves a continuous, dynamic process of evaluating information, making connections, and adapting one's thinking over time, rather than being a fixed end result. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D do not directly address the continuous nature of critical thinking or its ongoing development, making them incorrect.

4. A healthcare professional is interested in locating reliable information concerning non-invasive blood glucose monitoring. Information is found, and the author is a scientist who conducted studies within the last year on the effectiveness of a non-invasive blood glucose monitor. The scientist received funding from a pharmaceutical company to support the studies. The URL indicates the pharmaceutical company excite.com. The healthcare professional is concerned about what component associated with this information?

• A. Accuracy
• B. Currency
• C. Authority
• D. Objectivity

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Objectivity is questioned when there is a potential conflict of interest, such as funding from a pharmaceutical company. In this scenario, the scientist's ties to the pharmaceutical company through funding may introduce bias, affecting the objectivity of the information provided. The author's connection to the pharmaceutical company may influence the objectivity of the research findings, making it essential for the healthcare professional to consider this aspect when evaluating the reliability of the information.

5. When caring for a patient who just received a terminal diagnosis and is tearful and frightened, what is the best action to demonstrate caring?

• A. Call the patient's spiritual leader to talk to the patient.
• B. Call the patient's family and ask them to come sit with the patient.
• C. Cry with the patient while sympathizing with their situation.
• D. Sit with the patient and listen to their fears.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In situations where a patient receives a terminal diagnosis and is emotionally distressed, it is essential to provide empathy and support. Sitting with the patient and actively listening to their fears allows the patient to express their emotions and concerns. This action demonstrates genuine care and compassion, showing the patient that their feelings are acknowledged and valued. It creates a therapeutic environment that fosters trust and emotional well-being, helping the patient cope with the distressing news. Calling the patient's spiritual leader (Choice A) may not address the immediate emotional needs of the patient. Calling the patient's family (Choice B) can be comforting but might not directly address the patient's fears. Crying with the patient (Choice C) can blur professional boundaries and may not be as beneficial as actively listening and providing support.

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