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. After working at your job for 10 months and feeling unable to tolerate the tension and stress between staff nurses and the laissez-faire nurse manager who is not a leader, what is the best course of action?

• A. Submit a resignation and leave within 30 days.
• B. Complain to staff about the nurse manager.
• C. Seek another position within the healthcare organization and apply for a transfer.
• D. Inform the chief nursing officer that you are leaving and explain your dissatisfaction with the lack of leadership.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this situation, it is best to seek another position within the healthcare organization and apply for a transfer. Making professional decisions should involve careful evaluation and consideration. It is important to align personal values with the organizational culture. By seeking advice from a mentor or counselor, you can gain valuable insights and consider different perspectives. Resigning abruptly, complaining to staff, or informing the chief nursing officer without exploring other options may not be the most effective or professional approach in this scenario.

3. What is the primary purpose of a nurse staffing committee?

• A. To oversee patient safety initiatives
• B. To develop staffing policies and procedures
• C. To coordinate patient care
• D. To manage nurse recruitment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of a nurse staffing committee is to develop staffing policies and procedures to ensure adequate nurse-to-patient ratios. By establishing these guidelines, the committee aims to optimize patient care by ensuring appropriate staffing levels, which in turn can enhance patient safety and coordination of care. While overseeing patient safety initiatives and managing nurse recruitment are important aspects of healthcare management, the core function of a nurse staffing committee is to create and implement policies that govern the allocation and distribution of nursing staff to meet patient care needs effectively. Therefore, choices A, C, and D, though relevant to healthcare, do not align with the primary purpose of a nurse staffing committee as outlined in the question.

4. A nurse is considering employment at a long-term care facility that has a functional nursing delivery system. Knowing this, the nurse could expect that:

• A. Each RN would coordinate care for a group of clients.
• B. One RN would pass meds for all clients on a unit.
• C. Each RN would deliver total care to an assigned group of clients.
• D. One RN, one LPN, and one unlicensed assistive personnel would share responsibility for a group of clients.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a functional nursing delivery system, tasks are divided among the staff based on their roles. One of these roles is medication administration, where one RN may pass medications for all clients on a unit. Option A is incorrect because coordinating care for a group of clients is more aligned with team nursing. Option C is incorrect as it describes total care nursing, not functional nursing. Option D is incorrect as it reflects team nursing with a mix of different roles sharing responsibility.

5. What is the term used for assigning a rating based on an overall impression?

• A. Recency error.
• B. Leniency error.
• C. Absolute judgment.
• D. Halo error.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Halo error.' Halo error occurs when a rating is given based on a general impression rather than specific performance criteria. Choice A, 'Recency error,' refers to rating an employee based on recent events rather than the entire evaluation period. Choice B, 'Leniency error,' is when a manager consistently rates employees higher than they deserve. Choice C, 'Absolute judgment,' involves evaluating based on established standards rather than an overall impression.

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