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. What is the difference between the LPN and LVN nursing titles?

• A. LPNs and LVNs have the same educational program length.
• B. LVNs and LPNs have the same duties and skills but hold different titles.
• C. LVNs are able to perform venipuncture, whereas LPNs cannot.
• D. LPNs can pursue an RN license, while LVNs are not on the same path.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. LVNs and LPNs have the same duties and skills but hold different titles. The distinction between the two titles is primarily regional, with some states using LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) and others using LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) to refer to the same role. Their scope of practice, responsibilities, and educational requirements are essentially equivalent, with the only notable difference being the title itself. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because LPNs and LVNs generally have similar educational program lengths, both can perform venipuncture, and both have the potential to pursue further education and licensure to become registered nurses (RNs) if they choose to do so.

3. How can the nurse best advocate for a patient who will be discharged from acute care to home?

• A. Arranging for Meals on Wheels to provide in-home meals
• B. Administering pain medication prior to discharge
• C. Teaching the patient how to take medications at home
• D. Taking the patient by wheelchair to the car

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Arranging for in-home support services like Meals on Wheels is crucial for ensuring the patient receives proper nutrition and support after discharge. This goes beyond simply administering medications or providing transportation. By arranging for in-home meals, the nurse addresses the patient's nutritional needs, promotes their overall well-being, and supports their ongoing care requirements. Administering pain medication or teaching medication management, while important, do not directly address the patient's need for nutritional support. Taking the patient by wheelchair to the car is focused on physical transportation and does not encompass the holistic care approach needed for a successful transition to home care.

4. The nursing assistant asks the nurse to explain the meaning of advocacy. The nurse explains that the fundamental principle of patient advocacy is what?

• A. Independence
• B. Caring
• C. Competence
• D. Protection

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Protection. Protection is the fundamental principle of patient advocacy, ensuring that patients' rights and interests are safeguarded. Advocacy involves actively speaking up for the patient, ensuring they receive proper care, their wishes are respected, and they are protected from harm or exploitation. It goes beyond independence, caring, and competence, focusing on safeguarding the patient's well-being and ensuring their rights are upheld. While independence, caring, and competence are important aspects of patient care, they do not encompass the core principle of advocacy, which is to protect the patient's rights and well-being.

5. When the new graduate nurse shares a journal article about caring with peers, a more experienced nurse says, 'You’d be a lot better off studying pathophysiology instead of wasting time on caring.' How does the graduate interpret the experienced nurse’s comment?

• A. The experienced nurse is just mean and doesn’t like new graduates.
• B. The experienced nurse is most likely overworked and cranky.
• C. The experienced nurse was educated in the medical model.
• D. The experienced nurse is uncaring and dislikes new graduates.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The experienced nurse's comment likely reflects their education in the medical model, which emphasizes technical skills over caring. This suggests a difference in educational background rather than personal animosity towards new graduates. Choice A is incorrect as it assumes personal dislike without considering educational differences. Choice B is incorrect as it attributes the behavior to being overworked and cranky, which is not supported by the information given. Choice D is incorrect as it makes a broad assumption about the experienced nurse's character without considering the context of their comment.

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