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. What is the major difference between managers and leaders?

• A. Leaders usually have legitimate power.
• B. Leaders do not necessarily make good managers.
• C. Managers are not always leaders.
• D. Managers always have legitimate power.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The major difference between managers and leaders is that managers always have legitimate power. This is because managers derive their authority from their position within an organization, giving them legitimate power over subordinates. On the other hand, leaders do not always have legitimate power; their influence may come from various sources such as expertise, charisma, or the ability to inspire others. Choice A is incorrect because not all leaders necessarily have legitimate power. Choice B is incorrect as it is a generalization that leaders do not make good managers, which is not always the case. Choice C is incorrect as there can be managers who are also effective leaders.

3. A few weeks after an 82-year-old with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes has been placed on metformin (Glucophage) therapy and taught about appropriate diet and exercise, the home health nurse makes a visit. Which finding by the nurse is most important to discuss with the healthcare provider?

• A. Hemoglobin A1C level is 7.9%.
• B. Last eye exam was 18 months ago.
• C. Glomerular filtration rate is decreased.
• D. Patient has questions about the prescribed diet.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important finding to discuss with the healthcare provider is the decreased glomerular filtration rate. In patients on metformin therapy, monitoring kidney function is crucial as metformin is primarily excreted through the kidneys. A decreased glomerular filtration rate can lead to metformin accumulation in the body, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis, a serious adverse effect. The hemoglobin A1C level being 7.9% indicates poor diabetes control but can be addressed through medication adjustments and lifestyle modifications. The patient needing an eye exam after 18 months is important but not as urgent as discussing the decreased glomerular filtration rate. Patient questions about the prescribed diet can be addressed during the visit without the need for immediate healthcare provider intervention.

4. What is typically the first sign that a healthcare professional with a substance abuse problem will exhibit?

• A. Avoidance
• B. Bargaining
• C. Denial
• D. Regression

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Denial. When healthcare professionals have substance abuse problems, denial is often the initial sign they exhibit. Denial involves minimizing or refusing to acknowledge the issue, making it difficult to recognize and address the substance abuse problem. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Avoidance, bargaining, and regression are not typically the first signs displayed by healthcare professionals with substance abuse problems. By identifying denial early on, healthcare professionals can take the necessary steps to seek help and overcome substance abuse issues.

5. Which of the following factors contributes to conflicts in professional nursing today?

• A. Some nurses who had planned to retire but find themselves forced to continue working because of the current economic situation
• B. Balancing state practice acts, codes of ethics, and standards of practice
• C. Advances in technology
• D. Multiple generations in the workforce

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The presence of multiple generations in the nursing workforce today with diverse viewpoints and work styles can lead to conflicts. This diversity in perspectives and approaches may result in disagreements on how tasks should be done or how patient care should be managed. Option A refers to economic factors impacting individual nurses rather than conflicts within the profession. Option B is related to compliance and ethical considerations, not conflicts. Option C, advances in technology, may influence nursing practices but is not directly linked to conflicts among professionals.

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