Nursing Elites

1. During a performance appraisal, how should the manager best provide constructive feedback to an employee?

• A. Focus only on the negative aspects of performance
• B. Provide general comments without specifics
• C. Discuss specific examples of strengths and areas for improvement
• D. Delay feedback until the next appraisal period

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During a performance appraisal, the best approach to provide constructive feedback is by discussing specific examples of strengths and areas for improvement. This method allows the employee to understand what they are excelling at and where they need to focus on development. By highlighting both aspects, the employee can work on enhancing their performance effectively. Option A is incorrect because solely focusing on the negative aspects can demotivate the employee and hinder their growth. Option B is incorrect as providing general comments without specifics does not offer clear guidance for improvement. Option D is also incorrect as delaying feedback can prevent timely corrective actions and hinder performance progress.

2. A healthcare professional is caring for a client who has a sodium level of 125 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L). Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Positive Chvostek's sign
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Numbness of the extremities
• D. Abdominal cramping

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A sodium level of 125 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which can lead to abdominal cramping. Abdominal cramping is a common symptom of hyponatremia due to an imbalance in electrolytes. While other options like Chvostek's sign, bradycardia, and numbness of the extremities can be associated with other electrolyte imbalances, they are not typically seen with low sodium levels. Chvostek's sign is related to hypocalcemia, bradycardia can be seen in hyperkalemia, and numbness of the extremities can be a symptom of hypocalcemia or hypokalemia, but not directly related to hyponatremia.

3. What is the primary goal of evidence-based practice (EBP)?

• A. Reduce healthcare costs
• B. Improve patient outcomes
• C. Enhance clinical decision making
• D. Ensure patient safety

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of evidence-based practice (EBP) is to enhance clinical decision making by integrating the best available evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. While improving patient outcomes is a significant result of EBP, the ultimate aim is to ensure that healthcare decisions are based on the most current, relevant, and reliable evidence. While reducing healthcare costs and ensuring patient safety are important in healthcare, they are not the primary goals of evidence-based practice.

4. Which of the following would be considered an urgent and important issue?

• A. Replacing two staff who were injured while caring for a violent patient
• B. Updating the employee break room with new furniture
• C. Preparing educational packets on self-administration of insulin for patients
• D. Arranging a team-building event for staff members

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because replacing staff injured while caring for a violent patient is both urgent and important. This issue directly relates to staff safety and patient care, requiring immediate attention. Choice B is not urgent or crucial to patient care. Choice C is important but may not be as urgent as the situation in choice A. Choice D is not as critical as replacing injured staff, making it a less urgent and important issue.

5. 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.

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