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. As a new graduate employed in a high-volume maternity unit that uses differentiated practice as its staffing model, what can the nurse expect?

• A. Evidence-based practice guides risk management principles.
• B. Client teaching is the responsibility of the team leader.
• C. The initial level of practice responsibility will be limited.
• D. Seniority is the main determinant of client assignments.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a differentiated practice model, the scope of nursing practice and responsibility are tailored to different levels of experience. As a new graduate with limited experience, the nurse can expect that the initial level of practice responsibility will be limited to match their skill level and knowledge. This allows for a gradual increase in responsibilities as the nurse gains more experience and expertise. Choice A is incorrect because evidence-based practice is related to clinical decision-making, not the staffing model. Choice B is incorrect as client teaching is typically a shared responsibility among the healthcare team, not solely the team leader's. Choice D is incorrect as differentiated practice models focus on skill level and competence rather than seniority when determining client assignments.

3. Nurse Managers work with staff to educate them about ways to diffuse potentially violent situations. Which of the following diagnoses can staff expect to be more frequently associated with violence?

• A. Alcohol or drug withdrawal
• B. Anxiety
• C. Depression
• D. Confusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Alcohol or drug withdrawal is more frequently associated with violence as these conditions alter a person's inhibitions. Gilmore (2006) highlights that working with the public involves inherent risks and stressors. Individuals with head trauma, mental illnesses, and those withdrawing from substances are more likely to respond with violence. Anxiety, depression, and confusion do not typically lead to increased violent behavior compared to conditions involving substance withdrawal.

4. A client who is postoperative is verbalizing pain as a 2 on a pain scale of 0 to 10. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client understands the preoperative teaching they received about pain management?

• A. ''I think I should take my pain medication more often, since it is not controlling my pain.''
• B. ''Breathing faster will help me keep my mind off of the pain.''
• C. ''It might help me to listen to music while I'm lying in bed.''
• D. ''I don't want to walk today because I have some pain.''

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the client is demonstrating an understanding of the preoperative teaching by acknowledging the pain and relating it to the need to rest. Walking may exacerbate the pain, and the client's decision not to walk shows an awareness of their body's signals. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not reflect a good understanding of pain management. Choice A suggests self-medicating without consulting healthcare providers, choice B focuses on distraction rather than addressing the pain, and choice C offers a coping mechanism but does not address the pain directly.

5. Which of the following laws govern nursing practice?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Statutory laws are laws created by legislative bodies, such as state legislatures. In the context of nursing practice, statutory laws govern areas like licensure requirements, scope of practice, and professional standards. Common law, choice B, is based on court decisions and precedents, not specifically related to nursing practice. Administrative laws, choice C, deal with regulations set by administrative agencies rather than governing nursing practice directly. Constitutional laws, choice D, pertain to the fundamental principles outlined in a country's constitution and are not specific to regulating nursing practice.

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