Nursing Elites

1. Politics is a means for influencing events and the decisions of others. The nurse manager who consistently reminds the staff that 'there is no I in team' and periodically brings treats for the staff is using:

• A. Image enhancement
• B. Political skills
• C. Reward power
• D. Expert power

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Political skills. Politics involve interpersonal endeavors, collective activities, analysis, planning, and managing image. In this scenario, the nurse manager is skillfully building team morale and influencing staff dynamics by emphasizing teamwork ('there is no I in team') and boosting morale through occasional treats. This demonstrates the use of political skills to influence and manage relationships within the team. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the manager's actions are not solely focused on image enhancement, reward power, or expert power. Instead, they are aimed at fostering teamwork and boosting staff morale.

2. Which of the following best describes the role of a clinical nurse specialist (CNS)?

• A. Direct patient care provider
• B. Administrator of healthcare facilities
• C. Consultant for nursing staff
• D. Policy maker in healthcare organizations

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) serves as a consultant for nursing staff, providing expert advice and guidance on clinical practice. Choice A, 'Direct patient care provider,' is incorrect as CNS typically focus more on education, research, and consultation rather than direct patient care. Choice B, 'Administrator of healthcare facilities,' is incorrect as this role is usually fulfilled by nurse administrators or nurse managers. Choice D, 'Policy maker in healthcare organizations,' is incorrect as policy-making roles are typically held by individuals in healthcare administration or government positions.

3. Which of the following is an example of a sentinel event in healthcare?

• A. A patient falling in the hospital without injury
• B. A near-miss medication error
• C. An unexpected patient death unrelated to the natural course of illness
• D. A patient developing an infection during a hospital stay

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A sentinel event in healthcare is an unexpected patient death unrelated to the natural course of illness. These events are serious occurrences that warrant immediate investigation and response to prevent their recurrence and ensure patient safety. Choices A, B, and D do not fit the definition of a sentinel event. While choices A, B, and D are serious incidents, they do not involve an unexpected patient death unrelated to the natural course of illness, which is the defining characteristic of a sentinel event.

4. Which of the following best describes the concept of just culture in a healthcare organization?

• A. A culture of blaming individuals for mistakes
• B. A culture of encouraging reporting and learning from errors
• C. A culture of punishing individuals for errors
• D. A culture of ignoring errors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Just culture in a healthcare organization promotes a blame-free environment where individuals are encouraged to report errors and focus on learning from them to improve patient safety and quality of care. Choice A is incorrect as just culture does not involve blaming individuals. Choice C is incorrect as it goes against the principles of just culture by advocating for punishment rather than learning. Choice D is incorrect as just culture aims to address errors constructively rather than ignore them.

5. Integrated health care systems function in a variety of models. Which of the following is a common characteristic of all systems?

• A. Deliver selective care only
• B. Deliver a whole continuum of care
• C. Treat patients only in the hospital
• D. Provide care only in the primary care setting

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Integrated health care systems are designed to provide a whole continuum of care, which includes preventive, primary, specialty, hospital, and long-term care services. This integration ensures that patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care across different healthcare settings. Choice A is incorrect because integrated systems aim to provide a wide range of services, not selective care only. Choice C is incorrect as integrated systems extend care beyond hospital settings. Choice D is incorrect as these systems offer care across various settings, not limited to primary care only.

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