Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. The unit manager of a 32-bed medical-surgical unit allows the staff nurses to do self-governance for scheduling, client care assignments, and committee work. The manager would be considered which type of leader?

• A. Autocratic
• B. Democratic
• C. Bureaucratic
• D. Laissez-faire

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Laissez-faire. In a laissez-faire leadership style, the manager exerts very little control and allows the staff to have a high degree of autonomy in decision-making and problem-solving. This type of leader provides guidance when needed but largely leaves the decision-making process to the staff. Autocratic leadership (choice A) is characterized by centralizing decision-making authority, democratic leadership (choice B) involves shared decision-making, and bureaucratic leadership (choice C) relies on adherence to rules and procedures.

3. Why is increasing the use of advanced practice nurses encouraged?

• A. A 2010 Institute of Medicine report recommended nurses practice to the full extent of their education.
• B. Advanced practice nurses act as an extension of physicians.
• C. The National League for Nursing advocates for the master of science in nursing (MSN) as the terminal degree for nurse practitioners.
• D. Advanced practice nurses lack the skills to diagnose.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the 2010 Institute of Medicine report recommended that nurses practice to the full extent of their education, which includes utilizing advanced practice nurses. This supports the efficient delivery of healthcare services by leveraging the expertise and skills of advanced practice nurses. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the role of advanced practice nurses rather than providing a reason for increasing their use. Choice C is unrelated to the encouragement of increasing the use of advanced practice nurses as it focuses on the terminal degree for nurse practitioners. Choice D is incorrect as advanced practice nurses do possess the skills necessary to diagnose and provide advanced care, so the statement that they lack diagnostic skills is inaccurate.

4. What is the primary role of a nurse in a patient-centered medical home (PCMH)?

• A. Coordinate patient care
• B. Administer treatments
• C. Provide health education
• D. Conduct research

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary role of a nurse in a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is to coordinate patient care. Nurses in PCMH settings focus on ensuring continuity of care, managing transitions between different healthcare providers, and facilitating communication among the healthcare team and the patient. Administering treatments, providing health education, and conducting research are important aspects of nursing practice but are not the primary role of a nurse in a patient-centered medical home.

5. What is a benefit of effective delegation?

• A. It increases the manager's workload
• B. It allows the manager to make all the decisions
• C. It empowers staff to make decisions
• D. It decreases staff involvement

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'It empowers staff to make decisions.' Effective delegation involves entrusting tasks and decisions to staff, which not only lightens the manager's load but also empowers employees, enhancing their skills and confidence. Choice A is incorrect because effective delegation should reduce the manager's workload by distributing tasks appropriately. Choice B is incorrect as effective delegation involves empowering staff to make decisions rather than the manager making all decisions. Choice D is incorrect as effective delegation actually increases staff involvement by giving them more responsibilities and decision-making power.

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