Nursing Elites

1. One of the most important driving forces behind health care policy changes is which of the following?

• A. New technology
• B. Outsourcing of services
• C. Emerging role of nurse practitioners
• D. Ability to pay for health care

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Ability to pay for health care.' One of the primary factors influencing health care policy changes is the financial aspect, as the ability to afford healthcare services affects access, quality, and equity. While new technology, outsourcing of services, and the emerging role of nurse practitioners may also impact health care policies, the fundamental driver often revolves around individuals' and societies' financial capacity to pay for healthcare.

2. Which of the following laws govern nursing practice?

• A. Statutory laws
• B. Common law
• C. Administrative laws
• D. Constitutional laws

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Statutory laws are laws created by legislative bodies, such as state legislatures. In the context of nursing practice, statutory laws govern areas like licensure requirements, scope of practice, and professional standards. Common law, choice B, is based on court decisions and precedents, not specifically related to nursing practice. Administrative laws, choice C, deal with regulations set by administrative agencies rather than governing nursing practice directly. Constitutional laws, choice D, pertain to the fundamental principles outlined in a country's constitution and are not specific to regulating nursing practice.

3. A patient with type 2 diabetes is scheduled for a follow-up visit in the clinic several months from now. Which test will the nurse schedule to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for the patient?

• A. Urine dipstick for glucose
• B. Oral glucose tolerance test
• C. Fasting blood glucose level
• D. Glycosylated hemoglobin level

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Glycosylated hemoglobin level. Glycosylated hemoglobin, also known as hemoglobin A1c, provides a long-term indicator of blood glucose control over the past 2-3 months. It is a valuable tool in assessing the effectiveness of diabetes treatment because it reflects average blood sugar levels during this period. Choices A, B, and C are not as effective for evaluating long-term glucose control. Urine dipstick for glucose only provides a snapshot of glucose levels at the time of testing, oral glucose tolerance test evaluates how the body processes glucose after drinking a sugary solution, and fasting blood glucose level gives a point-in-time measurement of glucose levels after fasting, but they do not reflect the overall glucose control over several months.

4. What is the main purpose of a healthcare proxy?

• A. To manage financial affairs
• B. To make medical decisions on behalf of the patient
• C. To provide legal representation
• D. To oversee patient discharge planning

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main purpose of a healthcare proxy is to make medical decisions on behalf of the patient when they are unable to do so. Choice A is incorrect as managing financial affairs is typically handled by a power of attorney for finances. Choice C is incorrect as a healthcare proxy is not meant to provide legal representation. Choice D is incorrect as overseeing patient discharge planning is a responsibility of healthcare providers, not a healthcare proxy.

5. Which of the following is an example of a tertiary prevention activity?

• A. Administering immunizations
• B. Physical therapy for stroke patients
• C. Routine health screenings
• D. Health education campaigns

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, physical therapy for stroke patients. Tertiary prevention aims to prevent complications and improve the quality of life for individuals who already have a disease or condition. Administering immunizations (choice A) is an example of primary prevention to prevent the onset of diseases. Routine health screenings (choice C) are part of secondary prevention to detect diseases early. Health education campaigns (choice D) typically fall under primary prevention by educating and promoting healthy behaviors to prevent diseases.

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