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. A manager is prioritizing the following issues. Of the following issues, which should be considered urgent and important?

• A. The manager of physical therapy calls and complains about inappropriate behaviors of one of the staff nurses with one of his therapists.
• B. A staff nurse reports a pattern of malfunctioning IV pumps on the unit during her current shift, resulting in overdosing of medications.
• C. One of the staff nurses, who would have been an extra nurse for the next shift, calls in sick.
• D. A small group of staff nurses request a meeting to discuss initiating a scheduling committee.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because patient safety is a critical concern in healthcare settings. Malfunctioning IV pumps leading to medication overdosing poses a direct threat to patient safety and must be addressed urgently. Choice A involves interpersonal issues between staff members which are important but can be addressed in a less urgent manner compared to patient safety concerns. Choice C, a staff nurse calling in sick, is important for staffing but can be managed through existing protocols. Choice D, initiating a scheduling committee, is a routine operational matter that can be addressed at a later time and does not pose an immediate risk to patient safety.

3. A manager identifies that he is spending more time than desired on completing repetitive paperwork. Which of the following would be appropriate ways to address this issue? (EXCEPT)

• A. Combining data reports to reduce duplication
• B. Delegating staff evaluations to the staff nurse on the unit with the most experience
• C. Assigning the preliminary draft of the schedule to a subcommittee of staff nurses
• D. Saying no to inappropriate paperwork assignments

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Delegating staff evaluations to a staff nurse, even if experienced, is not appropriate as it falls outside their scope and responsibility. Choices A, C, and D are suitable ways to address the issue of spending excessive time on repetitive paperwork. Combining data reports, assigning the preliminary draft of the schedule to a subcommittee of staff nurses, and saying no to inappropriate paperwork assignments are all effective strategies to streamline processes and reduce managerial workload.

4. When facing problems that require immediate action, what organized method involving seven specific steps can nurses use for effective problem-solving?

• A. Nominal group technique
• B. Delphi method
• C. Problem-solving process
• D. Brainstorming

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Problem-solving process. The problem-solving process involving seven specific steps is a structured approach that nurses can utilize when immediate action is required. This method allows for a systematic and organized way of addressing urgent issues, ensuring a thorough and effective problem-solving approach. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not specifically refer to the structured method involving seven specific steps that nurses can follow for effective problem-solving.

5. Which of the following is a characteristic of a well-written goal?

• A. Goals should be vague
• B. Goals should be unrealistic
• C. Goals need to be measurable, realistic, and achievable
• D. Goals should be easy to achieve

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Goals need to be measurable, realistic, and achievable. Well-written goals should be specific and quantifiable to provide clear direction and motivation. Choice A is incorrect as goals should not be vague but rather specific. Choice B is incorrect as goals should be realistic to be attainable. Choice D is incorrect as goals should challenge individuals and not be too easy to achieve to promote growth and development.

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