Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary focus of a performance appraisal for nursing staff?

• A. To identify areas for salary increases
• B. To evaluate overall job performance
• C. To provide feedback on clinical skills
• D. To determine eligibility for promotions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary focus of a performance appraisal for nursing staff is to provide feedback on clinical skills, identify areas for improvement, and support professional development. While salary increases, overall job performance evaluation, and promotions may be factors considered during a performance appraisal, the primary goal is to assess and enhance clinical skills to ensure high-quality patient care.

2. 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.

3. Lippitt's phases of change are important factors in the change process. The phase that involves key people in data collection is known as:

• A. Assess the motivation.
• B. Choose a change agent.
• C. Diagnose the problem.
• D. Maintain the change.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Diagnose the problem.' In Lippitt's phases of change, the first step is to diagnose the problem, which involves key people in data collection and problem-solving. This step is crucial as it helps identify the root causes of the issues that need to be addressed. Assessing the motivation (A) comes later in the change process once the problem has been diagnosed. Choosing a change agent (B) and maintaining the change (D) are also important steps in the change process but do not specifically involve key people in data collection as in the diagnosis phase.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who reports increased pain following physical therapy. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask when assessing the quality of the client's pain?

• A. Is your pain constant or intermittent?
• B. What would you rate your pain on a scale of 0 to 10?
• C. Does the pain radiate?
• D. Is your pain sharp or dull?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When assessing the quality of pain, asking if the pain is sharp or dull helps the nurse understand the nature of the pain. Sharp pain is often associated with acute conditions like nerve irritation or injury, while dull pain may indicate a more chronic issue like inflammation or tissue damage. Choices A, B, and C focus on different aspects of pain assessment but do not specifically address the quality of pain, making them less relevant in this context.

5. A client who had a stroke resulting in aphasia and dysphagia needs assistance. Which of the following tasks should the nurse assign to an assistive personnel (AP)?

• A. Assist the client with a partial bed bath.
• B. Measure the client's BP after the nurse administers an antihypertensive medication.
• C. Test the client's swallowing ability by providing thickened liquids.
• D. Use a communication board to ask what the client wants for lunch.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because assisting the client with a partial bed bath is within the scope of practice for an assistive personnel and does not require specialized medical knowledge. Choice B involves measuring BP, which requires specific training and assessment skills that an assistive personnel may not have. Choice C involves testing swallowing ability, which should be done by a healthcare provider due to the risks involved in dysphagia. Choice D involves communication, which is crucial but should be done by someone with training in managing aphasia to ensure effective communication with the client.

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