Nursing Elites

1. The staff of a medical-surgical unit is in disagreement about holiday scheduling. The nurse manager knows that this is what type of conflict?

• A. Intragroup conflict
• B. Intergroup conflict
• C. Interpersonal conflict
• D. Intrapersonal conflict

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Intragroup conflict. Intragroup conflict occurs within one group, in this case, the staff of the medical-surgical unit. Intergroup conflict, on the other hand, happens between two or more groups. Interpersonal conflict involves conflicts between two or more individuals, and intrapersonal conflict is conflict within one individual. Since the disagreement about holiday scheduling involves members within the same group (staff of the medical-surgical unit), it is an example of intragroup conflict. Therefore, the nurse manager would recognize this as an intragroup conflict rather than any of the other types mentioned.

2. A manager is prioritizing the following issues. Of the following issues, which should be considered urgent and important?

• A. The manager of physical therapy calls and complains about inappropriate behaviors of one of the staff nurses with one of his therapists.
• B. A staff nurse reports a pattern of malfunctioning IV pumps on the unit during her current shift, resulting in overdosing of medications.
• C. One of the staff nurses, who would have been an extra nurse for the next shift, calls in sick.
• D. A small group of staff nurses request a meeting to discuss initiating a scheduling committee.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because patient safety is a critical concern in healthcare settings. Malfunctioning IV pumps leading to medication overdosing poses a direct threat to patient safety and must be addressed urgently. Choice A involves interpersonal issues between staff members which are important but can be addressed in a less urgent manner compared to patient safety concerns. Choice C, a staff nurse calling in sick, is important for staffing but can be managed through existing protocols. Choice D, initiating a scheduling committee, is a routine operational matter that can be addressed at a later time and does not pose an immediate risk to patient safety.

3. To best reduce the potential for risk, what type of atmosphere is needed to be developed?

• A. Nurse-focused
• B. Physician-focused
• C. Family-focused
• D. Patient-focused

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Patient-focused.' When aiming to reduce the potential for risk, it is essential to prioritize the needs and well-being of the patients. Creating a patient-focused atmosphere helps ensure that decisions and actions are made with the patients' best interests in mind. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while nurses, physicians, and families play essential roles in healthcare, when it comes to reducing risks, the primary focus should be on the patients themselves.

4. During a staffing crisis, managers may need to use nurse extenders. These individuals are better known as:

• A. Float RNs.
• B. Unlicensed assistive personnel.
• C. LPNs.
• D. Agency nurses.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a staffing crisis, managers may need to utilize unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs) as nurse extenders. UAPs help free up nurses' time, enabling them to focus more on direct client care. Float RNs (Choice A) refer to registered nurses who work in various units as needed, not specifically as nurse extenders during crises. LPNs (Choice C) are licensed practical nurses, not typically used as nurse extenders. Agency nurses (Choice D) are temporary nurses hired from external agencies, not necessarily designated as nurse extenders.

5. A staff nurse is working with a patient who is on a critical pathway for education in preparation for home care. Which one of the following responsibilities would the nurse address first?

• A. Taking vital signs
• B. Answering the client's questions
• C. Evaluating client teaching
• D. Reviewing the information with the client and family

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Reviewing the information with the client and family should be addressed first. This step involves ensuring that the client and family fully understand the information provided, which is crucial before proceeding with any other responsibilities. Taking vital signs (choice A) is important but not the priority in this scenario. Answering the client's questions (choice B) and evaluating client teaching (choice C) can come after reviewing the information to ensure effective communication and understanding.

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