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 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.

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. What theme of critical thinking is demonstrated when an individual decides to return to school to obtain a bachelor of science degree in nursing?

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

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The decision to return to school to obtain a bachelor of science degree in nursing can be triggered by various factors, both positive (like a desire for career advancement) and negative (like feeling limited without the degree). This decision reflects critical thinking as it involves a thoughtful evaluation of personal and professional goals, weighing potential benefits and consequences. Therefore, the theme of critical thinking demonstrated in this scenario is that critical thinking is triggered by both positive and negative events. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not specifically address the concept of critical thinking being influenced by positive and negative events as demonstrated in the scenario.

5. The nurse overhears a physician yelling at a newly hired graduate nurse in the hall. What is the nurse's best caring response?

• A. Yell at the physician for yelling at a new graduate and report the incident to the supervisor.
• B. Wait until the situation ends and comfort the graduate privately.
• C. Suggest that the physician take a quieter and more private approach to the problem.
• D. Ignore the situation to avoid embarrassing the graduate further.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Suggesting a quieter and more private approach to the problem is the best caring response as it addresses the issue respectfully. This response shows empathy towards the graduate nurse and also aims to improve the situation without escalating it further. Choice A is not ideal as responding to yelling with yelling can exacerbate the situation and create more tension. Choice B, while offering comfort, does not directly address the inappropriate behavior of the physician. Choice D is not recommended as ignoring the situation may not help the graduate nurse and can lead to the continuation of inappropriate behavior without intervention.

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