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. Which of the following is an example of an environmental factor that could influence decision-making in nursing?

• A. Personal preferences
• B. Ethical considerations
• C. Availability of resources
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'All of the above.' Environmental factors encompass a wide range of influences on decision-making in nursing. Personal preferences can impact how a nurse chooses a course of action, ethical considerations guide decision-making based on moral principles, and the availability of resources determines the options that are feasible. Therefore, all of these factors play a significant role in influencing decision-making in nursing. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of them individually represents a specific environmental factor, whereas the correct answer D acknowledges that all of these factors collectively contribute to influencing decision-making.

3. A nurse manager is using the nominal group technique to gather input from the staff on a new policy. What is the primary method of exchange in this technique?

• A. Oral presentations
• B. Email exchanges
• C. Written reports
• D. Group discussions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the nominal group technique, the primary method of exchange is through written reports. Participants independently generate ideas in writing, which are then shared and discussed within the group. This structured process allows for equal participation and prevents dominant individuals from influencing the group's outcome. Oral presentations (choice A) involve speaking rather than written communication, making it less suitable for the nominal group technique. Email exchanges (choice B) are also not the primary method as they lack the structured approach of the nominal group technique. Group discussions (choice D) do occur in the nominal group technique but are secondary to the initial written idea generation phase.

4. While interviewing for a position at City Hospital, the nurse asks about the organizational structure of the institution. She is told that the hospital is organized into departments based on specialty (e.g., nursing, dietary, pharmacy, etc.). Based on what you know about organizational structure, select the structure in this example.

• A. Parallel
• B. Functional
• C. Service-integrated
• D. Matrix

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Functional. In functional structures, employees are grouped into departments based on specialty, allowing individuals with similar skills and tasks to work together efficiently. In this scenario, organizing the hospital into departments such as nursing, dietary, and pharmacy based on their specialties exemplifies a functional organizational structure. Choice A, Parallel structure, involves independent units working on similar tasks, which is not the case here. Choice C, Service-integrated structure, emphasizes cross-functional teamwork across various departments, which is not the main focus in the scenario. Choice D, Matrix structure, involves employees reporting to multiple managers for different projects or tasks, which is not described in the scenario.

5. A postoperative nurse is caring for a client after knee replacement. She discovers the consent was not signed before the surgery. Which of the following charges could be filed?

• A. False imprisonment
• B. Libel
• C. Battery
• D. Malpractice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Battery.' Battery could be charged if the consent was not signed before surgery. In this scenario, the lack of signed consent could constitute a case of battery, as the procedure was performed without the patient's explicit permission. Choice A, 'False imprisonment,' does not apply in this context, as it refers to the unlawful confinement of a person. Choice B, 'Libel,' involves making false statements that harm someone's reputation in writing, which is not relevant to the situation described. Choice D, 'Malpractice,' typically refers to professional negligence or failure to meet a standard of care, which is not the primary concern in this case.

Similar Questions