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. If a staff member does not respond to discipline, the manager must ______ employment.

• A. Terminate
• B. Confront
• C. Describe the staff nurse's behavior that violated the policy
• D. Determine the employee's awareness of the policy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When an employee does not respond to disciplinary measures, termination may be necessary. This is a last resort for managers when other strategies to improve performance have failed. Terminating an employee means ending their employment with the organization. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as the question specifically asks what action the manager must take when an employee does not respond to discipline. Confronting the employee, describing the behavior, or determining awareness of the policy are steps that may precede termination but are not the final action to be taken.

3. 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.

4. As a new nurse on a pediatric unit, you must work nights and you have minimal time to spend with your children. Your colleague observes that you speak abruptly with parents and you become easily annoyed when the patients cry or when they are demanding. You realize you are becoming increasingly more distressed and that you have no time with your children and, as a result you: (Select all that apply.)

• A. Express negative comments to colleagues about patients and parents who annoy you.
• B. Ask the nurse manager to have a schedule with an equal number of day and night shifts so that you can be with your children.
• C. Call off sick as frequently as you can without violating policies so that you have more time with your children.
• D. Minimize your communication with patients and parents so you do not offend them.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Asking the nurse manager for a schedule with an equal number of day and night shifts is a proactive and constructive approach to address the issue of having minimal time with your children. This solution aims to balance work and personal life effectively. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Expressing negative comments about patients and parents (Choice A) is unprofessional and can create a negative work environment. Calling off sick frequently (Choice C) is irresponsible and violates work policies, leading to potential disciplinary actions. Minimizing communication with patients and parents (Choice D) is not a suitable approach as effective communication is essential in healthcare to provide optimal care and support to patients and their families.

5. On a voting ballot, the individuals who are to be elected during a vote are called:

• A. Representatives.
• B. Candidates.
• C. Bargaining agents.
• D. Electorate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct term for individuals who are to be elected during a vote is 'Candidates.' On a voting ballot, voters choose among the candidates running for a particular position or office. 'Representatives' (Choice A) are individuals who have already been elected to represent a group of people. 'Bargaining agents' (Choice C) typically refer to individuals negotiating on behalf of others, not those being elected. 'Electorate' (Choice D) refers to all the people in a country or area who are entitled to vote in an election, not specifically the candidates themselves.

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