Nursing Elites

1. Verbal interventions with an agitated patient may be calming. These interventions include:

• A. Holding and reassuring the patient
• B. Encouraging other staff to distract the patient
• C. Remaining calm and keeping an arm's distance
• D. Standing close to the patient while talking

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Remaining calm and keeping an arm's distance. Agitated individuals benefit from minimal verbal and physical stimulation. They respond to their environment based on how nurses interact with them. If an individual feels threatened or cornered, the response will generally be self-protective and reactive. Standing close to the patient (choice D) can be perceived as invasive and may escalate the situation. Holding and reassuring the patient (choice A) may not be effective if the patient perceives it as intrusive. Encouraging other staff to distract the patient (choice B) may introduce unnecessary stimulation. Therefore, the recommended approach is to remain calm and keep a safe distance to provide a non-threatening environment for the agitated patient.

2. 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.

3. An RN is explaining to a student nurse what professionalism in nursing means. Which of the following statements, if made by the student nurse, demonstrates teaching has been successful?

• A. Commitment to others means I should be honest and accountable for my actions.
• B. I should encourage my fellow nurses to talk when they are having a bad day.
• C. I should be flexible with myself and my fellow nurses when it comes to the dress code.
• D. If I need a day off, I should promptly call in sick to give my manager plenty of time to find a replacement.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Commitment to others involves accountability for one�s actions, lifelong learning, and commitment to colleagues.

4. If the nurse and nurse manager did not resolve the situation related to the physician's report about the nurse's performance, what is the length of time allowed for the nurse to submit an appeal?

• A. 10 days
• B. 15 days
• C. 20 days
• D. 30 days

Correct answer: A

Rationale: If the informal discussion between the nurse and nurse manager does not resolve the issue regarding the physician's report on the nurse's performance, the nurse can submit a written appeal within 10 days, according to the healthcare facility policy. This 10-day timeframe ensures a prompt resolution of disputes and maintains clear communication channels within the healthcare setting. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they exceed the time limit allowed for the nurse to submit an appeal, which is specified to be 10 days.

5. 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.

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