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. How does decision making differ from problem solving?

• A. Decision making always involves selecting from a set of alternatives.
• B. Problem solving always involves selecting one of several alternatives.
• C. Problem solving never involves decision making.
• D. Decision making always involves solving a problem.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because decision making always involves selecting from a set of alternatives, while problem solving involves diagnosing a problem. Option B is incorrect as problem solving involves diagnosing a problem rather than selecting one of several alternatives. Option C is incorrect because decision making is often a part of problem-solving processes. Option D is incorrect as decision making may involve selecting from alternatives, not necessarily solving a problem.

3. Which of the following best describes the concept of holistic nursing?

• A. An approach that integrates the mind, body, and spirit in patient care
• B. A method that focuses solely on physical health
• C. A practice that considers only the patient's physical condition
• D. A framework for improving hospital administration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'An approach that integrates the mind, body, and spirit in patient care.' Holistic nursing is a comprehensive approach that considers the whole person, including their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Choice B is incorrect because holistic nursing goes beyond just physical health. Choice C is incorrect because holistic nursing considers various aspects of the patient, not just the physical condition. Choice D is incorrect because holistic nursing is focused on patient care and well-being, not hospital administration.

4. What is the process of helping an employee to improve performance called?

• A. Coaching
• B. Disciplining
• C. Mentoring
• D. Peer reviewing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Coaching. Coaching involves providing guidance and support to help an employee enhance their performance by focusing on skill development, addressing weaknesses, and achieving professional growth. Mentoring (choice C) is about guiding and nurturing a less experienced individual, not specifically aimed at improving performance. Peer reviewing (choice D) involves colleagues evaluating each other's performance, not necessarily focused on improvement. Disciplining (choice B) is taking corrective actions in response to policy violations or performance issues, which is different from the process of helping an employee improve their performance.

5. A nurse is completing an admission assessment for a client who reports vomiting and diarrhea for the past 3 days. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Blood pressure 144/82 mm Hg
• B. Urine specific gravity 1.03
• C. Neck vein distention
• D. Urine specific gravity 1.01

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client experiencing vomiting and diarrhea, the nurse should expect findings such as dehydration, which can lead to hypovolemia and subsequent increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure. A blood pressure of 144/82 mm Hg is indicative of possible dehydration in this client. Urine specific gravity is typically increased in dehydrated individuals, so choices B and D are incorrect. Neck vein distention is not a typical finding associated with vomiting and diarrhea; therefore, choice C is also incorrect.

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