Nursing Elites

1. Most evaluations are based on absolute judgment. This is:

• A. A standard set by an external source.
• B. The manager and staff's perceived notion.
• C. Internal standards.
• D. The manager's personal opinion.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The internal standard used in evaluations is the criteria set by the manager, reflecting what they perceive as reasonable and acceptable performance for the employee. Choice A is incorrect because the standard is internal, not set by an external source. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to the collective perception of the manager and staff, rather than the internal standard. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to the manager's personal opinion, which may not always align with the internal standards set for evaluations.

2. A nurse manager has two out of six staff nurses call in sick for one shift. Because of reduced availability of staff, the manager decides to manage the unit with the three remaining nurses, which keeps the unit at minimal staffing standards. What type of decision-making strategy would this be?

• A. Satisficing
• B. Routine
• C. Adaptive
• D. Rationalizing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Satisficing. Satisficing is a decision-making strategy where the person chooses an alternative that is good enough given the circumstances. In this scenario, the nurse manager is making a satisfactory decision by managing the unit with the three remaining nurses to meet minimal staffing standards despite the reduced availability of staff. Choice B, Routine, does not apply as the decision made in the scenario is not part of a regular or standard procedure. Choice C, Adaptive, is not the best fit as the decision is more about making do with the available resources rather than adapting to a new situation. Choice D, Rationalizing, does not align with the scenario as it refers to justifying decisions rather than making a practical choice under constraints.

3. When a client with a terminal diagnosis asks about advance directives, what should the nurse do?

• A. Engage the client and ask why they want to discuss this without their partner present.
• B. Provide information on advance directives and offer brochures.
• C. Advise the client to schedule a discussion with their provider.
• D. Focus on the client's current feelings and postpone planning for a later time.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is the correct response as it demonstrates active listening and empathy by engaging the client in a discussion about their concerns regarding advance directives. It also recognizes the importance of involving the client's partner in such discussions, promoting shared decision-making and support. Choices B and C lack the personalized approach needed in this situation and do not address the client's immediate request for information. Choice D is incorrect as it disregards the client's expressed need to discuss advance directives and focuses solely on their current feelings, delaying a crucial conversation.

4. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a female client who has hypovolemia. Which of the following laboratory results would be a priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

• A. BUN 21 mg/dL (10 to 20 mg/dL)
• B. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L)
• C. Creatinine 1.4 mg/dL (0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL)
• D. Sodium 132 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with hypovolemia, the nurse should prioritize reporting the elevated potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L to the provider. Hypovolemia can lead to electrolyte imbalances, and hyperkalemia (potassium level above 5.0 mEq/L) is a serious condition that can result in cardiac arrhythmias and requires immediate attention. The other laboratory results, BUN, creatinine, and sodium, are also important in assessing renal function and fluid balance, but the priority in this case is the elevated potassium level due to its potential life-threatening complications.

5. Which of the following best describes the role of a nurse case manager?

• A. To provide direct patient care
• B. To manage healthcare facilities
• C. To advocate for patient rights
• D. To coordinate long-term care services

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'To coordinate long-term care services.' A nurse case manager's primary role is to coordinate and manage long-term care services for patients, ensuring continuity and quality of care. Choice A is incorrect because providing direct patient care is typically the responsibility of nurses, not nurse case managers. Choice B is incorrect as managing healthcare facilities is a role usually fulfilled by healthcare administrators. Choice C is incorrect as advocating for patient rights is important but not the primary role of a nurse case manager.

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