Nursing Elites

1. When planning a budget, the nurse manager knows that costs depend on and change in direct proportion to patient volume and activity. What type of costs are these?

• A. Variable costs
• B. Indirect costs
• C. Fixed costs
• D. Direct costs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Variable costs vary in direct proportion to patient volume and activity. These costs increase or decrease based on the level of patient care provided. Indirect costs are not directly tied to patient volume, fixed costs remain constant regardless of patient volume, and direct costs are directly attributable to patient care but may not vary with patient volume and activity. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Variable costs.'

2. Employees are eligible to take a leave of absence if they have worked for the employer for at least: (EXCEPT)

• A. At least 1,250 hours during the previous 12 months.
• B. At least 12 months.
• C. At least six months.
• D. At a work site with 50 employees within a 75-mile radius.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Employees are eligible to take a leave of absence if they have worked for the employer for at least 12 months, have worked at least 1,250 hours during the previous 12 months, and are at a work site with 50 or more employees, or at a site where 50 workers are employed within 75 miles of the work site. The statement 'At least six months' is incorrect as the requirement is for 12 months of work to be eligible for a leave of absence.

3. What is the difference between the amounts that were budgeted for specific revenue or cost and the actual revenue or cost that resulted during the course of activities?

• A. Budget
• B. Variable
• C. Variance
• D. Premiums

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Variance. Variance represents the distinction between the planned budgeted amount for a particular revenue or cost and the actual amount that occurred during the activities. In financial management, variance analysis is crucial for assessing performance and identifying areas that deviate from the budgeted expectations. Choice A, 'Budget,' is incorrect as it refers to the planned amount rather than the difference between planned and actual amounts. Choice B, 'Variable,' does not specifically address the comparison between budgeted and actual figures. Choice D, 'Premiums,' is unrelated to the concept of comparing budgeted and actual values in the context of financial analysis.

4. What is the main purpose of a clinical audit?

• A. To measure patient satisfaction
• B. To evaluate the effectiveness of clinical practices
• C. To identify areas for improvement
• D. To standardize patient care protocols

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main purpose of a clinical audit is to identify areas for improvement in clinical practices. While patient satisfaction might be a component evaluated during an audit, the primary goal is to ensure that care is safe, effective, and patient-centered, rather than solely focusing on satisfaction. Evaluating the effectiveness of clinical practices is a related but more specific goal compared to the broader aim of identifying areas for improvement. Standardizing patient care protocols can be a result of a clinical audit, but it is not the main purpose, which is to pinpoint areas needing enhancement.

5. How does decision making differ from problem solving?

• A. Decision making always involves selecting from a set of alternatives.
• B. Problem solving always involves selecting one of several alternatives.
• C. Problem solving never involves decision making.
• D. Decision making always involves solving a problem.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because decision making always involves selecting from a set of alternatives, while problem solving involves diagnosing a problem. Option B is incorrect as problem solving involves diagnosing a problem rather than selecting one of several alternatives. Option C is incorrect because decision making is often a part of problem-solving processes. Option D is incorrect as decision making may involve selecting from alternatives, not necessarily solving a problem.

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