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. What is the primary responsibility of a clinical nurse leader (CNL)?

• A. Supervise nursing staff
• B. Coordinate patient care
• C. Develop nursing policies
• D. Implement evidence-based practice

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main role of a clinical nurse leader (CNL) is to coordinate patient care. While CNLs may oversee aspects of nursing staff, the primary focus is on coordinating patient care to ensure effective treatment and outcomes. Developing nursing policies and implementing evidence-based practice are important aspects of nursing leadership but are not the main role of a CNL.

3. The nurse manager has two employees with a longstanding conflict that is affecting the group's productivity and cohesiveness. She decides to meet with the employees in private, bring the conflict out into the open, and attempt to resolve it through knowledge and reason. Which conflict management strategy did she employ?

• A. Confrontation
• B. Suppression
• C. Collaboration
• D. Intervention

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse manager employed the conflict management strategy of 'Confrontation.' Confrontation involves bringing the conflict out into the open and attempting to resolve it through knowledge and reason, making it the most effective means of resolving conflict in this scenario. Choice B, 'Suppression,' involves ignoring or avoiding the conflict, which is not what the nurse manager did. Choice C, 'Collaboration,' refers to working together to find a mutually acceptable solution and was not explicitly mentioned in the scenario. Choice D, 'Intervention,' typically involves a third party stepping in to help resolve the conflict, which was not the case here.

4. Constant reports of inadequate pain control in clients indicate which of the following?

• A. Improper administration of medications
• B. Potential substance abuse by the healthcare provider
• C. Poorly written prescriptions
• D. Inadequate scheduling by healthcare providers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Constant reports of inadequate pain control may suggest potential substance abuse by the healthcare provider, as they might be diverting narcotics for personal use instead of administering them to clients. The incorrect choices include: A) Improper administration of medications may cause inadequate pain control but does not necessarily involve substance abuse. C) Poorly written prescriptions could lead to medication errors but are less likely to be related to substance abuse. D) Inadequate scheduling by healthcare providers might affect pain management but does not directly suggest substance abuse.

5. Which of the following best describes the purpose of benchmarking in healthcare?

• A. To compare performance metrics across organizations
• B. To identify best practices and implement them
• C. To ensure compliance with standards
• D. To develop new clinical guidelines

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To identify best practices and implement them.' Benchmarking in healthcare aims to compare performance metrics across organizations to identify the most effective practices and implement them. This helps healthcare providers improve their performance and outcomes by adopting proven successful strategies. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while benchmarking may involve comparing performance metrics and ensuring standards compliance, its primary purpose is to identify and implement best practices.

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