Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a root cause analysis (RCA)?

• A. Identify the person responsible for an error
• B. Determine who should be disciplined
• C. Discover the underlying causes of an error
• D. Evaluate the effectiveness of a new policy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Discover the underlying causes of an error.' Root cause analysis (RCA) focuses on identifying the fundamental reason(s) that led to an error or problem rather than placing blame on individuals. Choice A and B are incorrect as RCA is not about pinpointing a specific person to blame or determining disciplinary actions. Choice D is also incorrect as the primary goal of RCA is not to evaluate policy effectiveness but to uncover the root causes of issues for effective problem-solving.

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. Which of the following conditions would be well suited to the use of a nursing critical pathway?

• A. Foreign object in the ear
• B. Fever of unknown origin
• C. Hip replacement surgery
• D. Bacterial infection acquired in a foreign country

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A critical pathway is designed to track a patient's progress through a specific timeline, including assessments, interventions, treatments, and outcomes. Hip replacement surgery is well suited for a nursing critical pathway because it has a defined timeline with specific interventions and treatments aimed at achieving optimal functioning. Choices A, B, and D do not typically follow a structured timeline with predetermined interventions and outcomes, making them less suitable for a critical pathway.

4. 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.

5. A nurse is planning an educational program for a group of older adults at a senior living center. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse include?

• A. You should receive a pneumococcal vaccine when you are 65 years old.
• B. You should receive a shingles vaccine when you are 70 years old.
• C. You should receive a tetanus booster every 5 years.
• D. You should have an eye examination every 2 years.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The CDC recommends a pneumococcal vaccine for all adults aged 65 years and older. This vaccine helps protect against serious pneumococcal disease. Choice B is incorrect as the shingles vaccine is recommended for adults aged 50 years and older, not specifically at 70 years. Choice C is incorrect because a tetanus booster is recommended every 10 years, not every 5 years. Choice D is incorrect as the general recommendation for eye examinations in older adults is annually, not every 2 years.

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