Nursing Elites

1. When facing problems that require immediate action, what organized method involving seven specific steps can nurses use for effective problem-solving?

• A. Nominal group technique
• B. Delphi method
• C. Problem-solving process
• D. Brainstorming

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Problem-solving process. The problem-solving process involving seven specific steps is a structured approach that nurses can utilize when immediate action is required. This method allows for a systematic and organized way of addressing urgent issues, ensuring a thorough and effective problem-solving approach. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not specifically refer to the structured method involving seven specific steps that nurses can follow for effective problem-solving.

2. Which of the following is an example of an ethical dilemma in nursing?

• A. Choosing between two equally undesirable alternatives
• B. Reporting a colleague's unethical behavior
• C. Balancing patient confidentiality with the need to disclose information
• D. Deciding whether to comply with a patient's request that conflicts with professional ethics

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. An ethical dilemma in nursing involves deciding whether to comply with a patient's request that conflicts with professional ethics, balancing competing values and principles. Choices A, B, and C do not directly represent ethical dilemmas in nursing. Choice A describes a general ethical dilemma, choice B involves professional conduct rather than a dilemma, and choice C refers to a confidentiality issue rather than conflicting ethical principles.

3. What is the primary goal of a root cause analysis (RCA) in healthcare?

• A. To assign blame for errors
• B. To prevent future errors by identifying underlying causes
• C. To improve patient satisfaction
• D. To analyze the financial impact of errors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To prevent future errors by identifying underlying causes.' Root cause analysis (RCA) in healthcare aims to delve deep into the factors contributing to an error to prevent its recurrence. Choice A is incorrect as RCA focuses on identifying system issues, not blaming individuals. Choice C is incorrect as while improving patient satisfaction may result from the process, it is not the primary goal. Choice D is incorrect as the main focus of RCA is not financial analysis but rather improving patient safety.

4. 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.

5. After discussing alternatives to dressing change procedures to minimize discomfort, the nursing staff accepted a new procedure. This is an example of which stage of Havelock's model of change?

• A. Moving
• B. Self-renewal
• C. Refreezing
• D. Unfreezing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Moving. In the moving stage of Havelock's model of change, the focus is on selecting a solution or alternative. In this scenario, the nursing staff accepting a new procedure after discussing alternatives aligns with the moving stage, where the decision to adopt a change is made. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Self-renewal refers to personal growth, refreezing involves stabilizing the change, and unfreezing is related to preparing for change, none of which directly correspond to the situation described in the question.

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