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. An active 28-year-old male with type 1 diabetes is being seen in the endocrine clinic. Which finding may indicate the need for a change in therapy?

• A. Hemoglobin A1C level 6.2%
• B. Blood pressure 146/88 mmHg
• C. Heart rate at rest 58 beats/minute
• D. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) level 65 mg/dL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In a young adult with type 1 diabetes, a blood pressure of 146/88 mmHg may indicate the need for a change in therapy as it is above the recommended target levels. High blood pressure can increase the risk of cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients. Choices A, C, and D are within normal ranges and do not necessarily indicate the need for an immediate change in therapy. A Hemoglobin A1C level of 6.2% is generally considered good control for a diabetic patient, a resting heart rate of 58 beats/minute is normal for an active individual, and an HDL level of 65 mg/dL is considered to be in the desirable range for heart health.

3. A Staff Nurse submits a six-week notice of resignation. The Nurse Manager prepares a request to immediately post the position and begin interviews. This action is best described as which of the following?

• A. Delegation
• B. A time-waster
• C. Reactive management
• D. Proactive management

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Proactive management. Proactive management involves taking steps to prevent issues from occurring rather than just reacting to them. In this scenario, the Nurse Manager is being proactive by preparing to fill the position before the Staff Nurse leaves, thereby preventing short staffing. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Delegation refers to assigning tasks to others, not preparing to fill a vacant position. Calling it a time-waster is subjective and not reflective of the manager's proactive approach. Reactive management would involve waiting until the Nurse leaves and then trying to fill the position, causing short staffing.

4. A nurse recognizes which of the following as a primary goal of nursing?

• A. Assist patients to achieve a peaceful death.
• B. Improve personal knowledge and skills to enhance patient outcomes.
• C. Advocate for quality of life rather than quantity of life.
• D. Work to control costs to enhance patients' quality of life.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary goal of nursing is to promote health, prevent illness, alleviate suffering, and care for the sick. Assisting patients to achieve a peaceful death is an essential aspect of nursing care, ensuring dignity and comfort in the end-of-life phase. While improving personal knowledge and advocating for quality of life are important aspects of nursing, the primary goal remains the well-being and comfort of patients, even in death. Working to control costs, while a consideration in healthcare, is not the primary goal of nursing, which is centered on patient care and well-being.

5. A group of physicians comes into conflict with the nursing staff of a unit over when AM vital signs are recorded. What type of technique might be used that respects the professionalism of both parties?

• A. Accommodating
• B. Collaboration
• C. Avoiding
• D. Competing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate technique to use is collaboration. Collaboration involves working together with mutual attention to the problem, utilizing the talents of all parties involved. This approach respects the professionalism of both physicians and nursing staff by valuing their input and expertise. Choice A, accommodating, involves giving in to the other party's concerns, which may not fully address the conflict. Choice C, avoiding, suggests ignoring or sidestepping the issue, which does not promote a resolution. Choice D, competing, involves pursuing one's own concerns at the expense of the other party's, leading to a win-lose situation, which is not conducive to resolving conflicts in a professional setting.

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