Nursing Elites

1. Politics is defined as the art of influencing the allocation of scarce resources. An example of a scarce resource allocated by the manager of a patient care unit is:

• A. Raises for the staff.
• B. Patient supplies in the utility room.
• C. Staffing that minimizes overtime.
• D. Paper for the printer.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a healthcare setting, scarce resources can include money, time, personnel, and materials. Staffing decisions directly impact the allocation of personnel resources and can affect overtime costs, making it a critical resource managed by the unit manager. Patient supplies in the utility room and paper for the printer are important, but staffing decisions have a more direct impact on resource allocation within the unit. Raises for staff are typically granted by the institution and are not directly controlled by the unit manager.

2. Which of the following conditions would be well suited to the use of a nursing critical pathway?

• A. Foreign object in the ear
• B. Fever of unknown origin
• C. Hip replacement surgery
• D. Bacterial infection acquired in a foreign country

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A critical pathway is designed to track a patient's progress through a specific timeline, including assessments, interventions, treatments, and outcomes. Hip replacement surgery is well suited for a nursing critical pathway because it has a defined timeline with specific interventions and treatments aimed at achieving optimal functioning. Choices A, B, and D do not typically follow a structured timeline with predetermined interventions and outcomes, making them less suitable for a critical pathway.

3. Upon noticing a visitor who is loud and active and carrying a gun on the unit where you are in charge, what should you do immediately?

• A. Ask the visitor to leave.
• B. Talk quietly to calm the visitor.
• C. Ask the visitor for the gun.
• D. Notify security with the details of the situation.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a situation where a visitor arrives on the unit with a gun, it is essential to prioritize the safety of patients and staff. Immediately notifying security with all the relevant details is the correct course of action. Asking the visitor to leave or engaging them could escalate the situation and put everyone at risk. Similarly, requesting the gun from the visitor directly is not advisable as it could lead to a dangerous confrontation. By alerting security promptly, you enable trained professionals to handle the situation safely and effectively, minimizing risks and ensuring the safety of all individuals involved.

4. A nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of terminal cancer. Which of the following statements by the client should indicate to the nurse that the client is ready to hear information regarding palliative care?

• A. "I am ready to learn about chemotherapy to help cure my cancer."
• B. "I just want you to give me something to get this over with soon."
• C. "I want you to tell me about measures available to keep me comfortable."
• D. "I know that many people have recovered fully from cancer, and so will I."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer because the client expressing a desire to know about measures available to keep comfortable indicates readiness for palliative care. Palliative care focuses on providing comfort, symptom management, and improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses such as terminal cancer. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A indicates a desire for chemotherapy to cure the cancer, which does not align with palliative care goals. Choice B expresses a wish to end the situation quickly, which may not be in line with palliative care that focuses on comfort and quality of life. Choice D shows optimism about a full recovery, which may not be realistic for a client with terminal cancer who needs palliative care.

5. What is the main focus of the Six Sigma methodology in healthcare?

• A. Reducing healthcare costs
• B. Improving patient satisfaction
• C. Enhancing clinical decision making
• D. Increasing healthcare access

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main focus of the Six Sigma methodology in healthcare is enhancing clinical decision making through data-driven approaches. By using statistical methods and quality improvement tools, Six Sigma aims to reduce errors, improve processes, and enhance overall decision-making in healthcare settings. While reducing healthcare costs and improving patient satisfaction are important goals, they are not the primary focus of Six Sigma in healthcare. Increasing healthcare access is also a valuable objective but not the main focus of the Six Sigma methodology.

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