Nursing Elites

1. The staff on a medical-surgical unit is in conflict with the occupational therapy department. What type of communication will be used to discuss the problems?

• A. Downward communication
• B. Lateral communication
• C. Distorted communication
• D. Upward communication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lateral communication. Lateral communication occurs between individuals or departments of the same hierarchical level, making it suitable for addressing conflicts between the staff on a medical-surgical unit and the occupational therapy department. Upward communication involves communication from staff to management or from lower management to middle or upper management. Downward communication is typically directive communication from an authority figure or manager to staff. Distorted communication is not a recognized type of communication and does not apply to this scenario.

2. 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.

3. There are many ways to ensure that your appraisal system is nondiscriminatory. Which of the following is one way to ensure this?

• A. Giving the appraisal once per year
• B. Having no appeal process
• C. Withholding information from the employee
• D. Not allowing any input from the employee

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To ensure that an appraisal system is nondiscriminatory, one important step is to provide the appraisal once per year. This allows for ongoing evaluation and helps prevent bias. Choice B is incorrect because having no appeal process can lead to unfair treatment without a chance for review. Choice C is incorrect as withholding information from the employee can hinder transparency and objectivity. Choice D is incorrect as not allowing any input from the employee can overlook valuable insights and perspectives that could contribute to a fair evaluation process.

4. Which of the following is an example of an environmental factor that could influence decision-making in nursing?

• A. Personal preferences
• B. Ethical considerations
• C. Availability of resources
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'All of the above.' Environmental factors encompass a wide range of influences on decision-making in nursing. Personal preferences can impact how a nurse chooses a course of action, ethical considerations guide decision-making based on moral principles, and the availability of resources determines the options that are feasible. Therefore, all of these factors play a significant role in influencing decision-making in nursing. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of them individually represents a specific environmental factor, whereas the correct answer D acknowledges that all of these factors collectively contribute to influencing decision-making.

5. Which of the following laws govern nursing practice?

• A. Statutory laws
• B. Common laws
• C. Administrative laws
• D. Constitutional laws

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Statutory laws. Statutory laws are those created by various legislative bodies, such as state legislatures. In the context of nursing practice, laws that govern it are statutory laws specifically tailored to regulate the profession. Choice B, Common laws, are not specific to regulating nursing practice but rather are based on judicial decisions. Choice C, Administrative laws, deal with regulations set by administrative agencies and may not directly govern nursing practice. Choice D, Constitutional laws, pertain to the fundamental principles outlined in a country's constitution and are not the primary laws that regulate nursing practice.

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