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. In a system of care delivery in which RNs, LPNs, and unlicensed assistive personnel implement specific tasks like medication administration or personal hygiene for the entire nursing unit, what term describes this type of delivery system?

• A. Primary nursing
• B. Team nursing
• C. Functional nursing
• D. Total patient care

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Functional nursing is a care delivery model where tasks are divided among team members based on their respective roles. In this system, RNs, LPNs, and unlicensed assistive personnel are assigned specific tasks to carry out for the entire nursing unit, such as medication administration or personal hygiene duties. The other choices are incorrect: A) Primary nursing involves one nurse being responsible for all aspects of care for a group of patients, B) Team nursing involves a team of healthcare providers working together to provide care for a group of patients, and D) Total patient care refers to one nurse being responsible for all aspects of care for one patient.

3. On what basis does the U.S. healthcare system operate?

• A. Healthcare is a basic right provided to all equally.
• B. Ability to pay determines access to care.
• C. Only the rich are entitled to healthcare.
• D. Health insurance is required to obtain care.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In the U.S., the healthcare system operates on a model where access to healthcare services is largely determined by an individual's ability to pay for care. This means that those with more financial resources have greater access to a wider range of healthcare services, while those with limited financial means may face barriers to accessing necessary care. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because healthcare in the U.S. is not universally provided as a basic right to all equally, it is not exclusively for the rich, and while health insurance is common, it is not the sole determinant of access to care.

4. The healthcare provider responds to an alarm on a pulse oximeter and sees that the patient's oxygen saturation is reading 38%. The provider observes the patient, noting a respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute, pink mucous membranes, and easy regular respirations. The healthcare provider concludes that the pulse oximeter is not reading accurately. Whose theory of healthcare is this provider demonstrating?

• A. Annie Goodrich
• B. Lillian D. Wald
• C. Florence Nightingale
• D. Linda Richards

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Florence Nightingale emphasized the importance of assessing the patient's overall condition and not solely relying on technological readings. In this scenario, the healthcare provider's observation of the patient's respiratory rate, mucous membranes, and breathing pattern aligns with Nightingale's holistic approach to patient care. Annie Goodrich is known for her contributions to nursing education; Lillian D. Wald is associated with public health nursing and social reform; Linda Richards is recognized as America's first trained nurse. However, in this context, the emphasis is on the holistic patient assessment, which is a key principle of Florence Nightingale's theory.

5. What factor has had the greatest impact on the current nursing shortage?

• A. Later age at which women have children
• B. Decrease in the number of women being born
• C. Overall unemployment rate
• D. Increased employment options for women

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The increased employment options for women have had a significant impact on the current nursing shortage. With more career choices available to women, there is a decrease in the number of individuals pursuing nursing as a profession, contributing to the shortage. This is because women are choosing diverse career paths due to increased opportunities. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. A later age at which women have children and the decrease in the number of women being born are not directly related to the nursing shortage. The overall unemployment rate, while influencing job availability, is not the primary factor driving the shortage of nurses.

Similar Questions