Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary purpose of a patient-centered medical home (PCMH)?

• A. To coordinate all aspects of patient care
• B. To reduce healthcare costs
• C. To implement the latest clinical guidelines
• D. To provide financial incentives for providers

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To coordinate all aspects of patient care.' A patient-centered medical home (PCMH) aims to provide comprehensive and continuous care by coordinating various aspects of a patient's healthcare needs. While reducing healthcare costs and implementing clinical guidelines are important goals in healthcare, the primary focus of a PCMH is on enhancing patient care coordination to improve outcomes and patient satisfaction. Providing financial incentives for providers is not the primary purpose of a PCMH, although it can be a component of some models to encourage quality care delivery.

2. What is the primary focus of the Triple Aim in healthcare?

• A. Improving patient experience
• B. Reducing healthcare costs
• C. Improving population health
• D. Ensuring regulatory compliance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary focus of the Triple Aim in healthcare is indeed improving patient experience. While reducing healthcare costs and improving population health are important components of the Triple Aim framework, the primary goal is to enhance the overall experience of patients. Ensuring regulatory compliance, although important in healthcare, is not one of the primary focuses of the Triple Aim.

3. A 27-year-old patient admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has a serum glucose level of 732 mg/dL and serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which action prescribed by the healthcare provider should the nurse take first?

• A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor
• B. Administer IV potassium supplements
• C. Obtain urine glucose and ketone levels
• D. Start an insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/hr

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the initial priority is to assess for any cardiac arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalances. Since the patient has a low serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L, placing the patient on a cardiac monitor is crucial to monitor for any potential cardiac complications. Administering IV potassium supplements (Choice B) may be needed, but it is not the first action to take. Obtaining urine glucose and ketone levels (Choice C) and starting an insulin infusion (Choice D) are important interventions in managing DKA, but ensuring patient safety by monitoring for arrhythmias takes precedence.

4. Which of the following is a common characteristic of a Magnet-designated hospital?

• A. High nurse turnover rates
• B. Strong emphasis on interdisciplinary teamwork
• C. Limited opportunities for professional development
• D. Focus on advanced technology for patient care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A common characteristic of a Magnet-designated hospital is a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary teamwork. This emphasis promotes collaboration among healthcare professionals from different disciplines to provide holistic and patient-centered care. Choice A is incorrect as Magnet hospitals typically have lower nurse turnover rates due to better work environments. Choice C is also incorrect as Magnet hospitals usually offer ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Choice D is not a defining characteristic of Magnet hospitals, although they may utilize advanced technology, the primary focus is on the quality of care provided through teamwork and excellence in nursing practice.

5. When should a critical pathway be revised?

• A. When variances show a new trend.
• B. When the variances show a new trend.
• C. When a member of the team retires.
• D. When the client leaves the hospital.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A critical pathway should be revised when variances in the patient's progress indicate a new trend or deviation from the expected course of treatment. This allows healthcare providers to adjust the pathway to ensure optimal patient care and outcomes. Changes in the critical pathway are not typically driven by its length or external factors like team member retirements or client discharges. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A is a better phrasing of the correct answer, emphasizing the importance of variances showing a new trend. Choices C and D are irrelevant to the patient's progress and treatment plan, making them incorrect.

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