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. In a unionized hospital, nurses receive compensatory pay for working holidays based on the hours worked with no extra compensation. Despite management refusing to consider changes to the compensatory pay system suggested by nurses during the annual employee satisfaction survey, a trend member listened to both parties and made non-legally binding recommendations. What is this type of settlement known as?

• A. Collective bargaining
• B. Mediation
• C. Grievance
• D. Binding arbitration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Mediation involves a neutral third party who assists in resolving disputes by providing non-legally binding recommendations. In this scenario, the trend member acted as a mediator by listening to both nurses and management and offering suggestions without the authority to enforce them as a legally binding decision. Collective bargaining refers to negotiations between labor unions and employers to determine terms of employment. Grievance is a formal complaint by an employee against an employer. Binding arbitration involves a neutral third party making a final and legally binding decision to resolve a dispute.

4. For what purpose does the nursing student predominantly use knowledge about the history of nursing?

• A. To understand the professional choices open to the student
• B. To prevent medication errors in practice
• C. To determine the optimal geographical area for practice
• D. To reduce the cost of delivering quality health care

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Understanding the history of nursing is essential for nursing students as it enables them to comprehend the various professional paths available in the field. By learning about the evolution of nursing practice, students can gain insights into different specialties, roles, and career opportunities within the nursing profession. This historical knowledge helps students make informed decisions about their future career paths and understand the diversity and possibilities within the nursing profession. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the primary purpose of studying the history of nursing is not to prevent medication errors, determine practice locations, or reduce healthcare costs. While these are important aspects of nursing practice, they are not the main reasons for studying the history of nursing.

5. Why is critical thinking necessary for identifying and understanding paradigms that exist in nursing practice?

• A. Critical thinking allows for the nurse to make superficial decisions.
• B. Critical thinking allows the nurse to thoroughly examine situations and issues.
• C. Critical thinking provides the nurse with quick answers.
• D. Critical thinking allows the nurse to accept information without needing to check its validity.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Critical thinking is essential for nurses to identify and understand paradigms in nursing practice because it enables them to thoroughly examine complex situations and issues. By critically analyzing information and considering various perspectives, nurses can gain a deeper understanding of the underlying paradigms that shape nursing practice. This thorough examination helps nurses make informed decisions and provide high-quality care to patients. Choice A is incorrect because critical thinking involves deeper analysis, not superficial decisions. Choice C is incorrect because critical thinking does not provide quick answers; it involves a systematic and thoughtful approach. Choice D is incorrect because critical thinking encourages nurses to question information and verify its validity rather than accepting it blindly.

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