Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is a common characteristic of a high reliability organization (HRO)?

• A. Flexibility
• B. Reluctance to simplify
• C. Preoccupation with failure
• D. Deference to expertise

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A common characteristic of a high reliability organization (HRO) is a preoccupation with failure. HROs focus on identifying and addressing potential failure points to prevent errors and maintain high levels of safety and reliability. This mindset helps them anticipate and mitigate risks proactively, leading to better outcomes and performance. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While flexibility, reluctance to simplify, and deference to expertise may be important in various contexts, they are not the primary defining characteristics of a high reliability organization. The core focus of HROs is on continuously monitoring for potential failures and working to prevent them.

2. The staff nurse is caring for the client with total accountability and is in continual communication with the client, the family, the physicians, and other members of the health care team. This type of nursing delivery system is known as:

• A. Total patient care
• B. Qualified nurse case managers
• C. Established critical pathways
• D. Quality management system

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Total patient care. Total patient care is the original model of nursing care delivery, in which one RN has complete responsibility for all aspects of care for one or more patients. In this system, the nurse is accountable for the client's care and maintains continuous communication with the client, their family, physicians, and other healthcare team members. Choice B, Qualified nurse case managers, refers to nurses who coordinate care but do not provide direct hands-on patient care. Choice C, Established critical pathways, involves predefined care plans for specific conditions but does not imply direct accountability as in total patient care. Choice D, Quality management system, relates to processes to ensure and enhance the quality of care but is not specifically about the direct provision of patient care.

3. The nurse manager is responsible for implementing a new electronic health record (EHR) system. What is the first step in this process?

• A. Train all staff on the new system
• B. Identify the project team
• C. Develop a training program
• D. Conduct a needs assessment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step in implementing a new electronic health record (EHR) system is to identify the project team. This team will be crucial in overseeing the entire implementation process, including tasks like developing a training program (Choice C) and conducting a needs assessment (Choice D). Training all staff on the new system (Choice A) is an important step but typically occurs after the project team has been identified to ensure a smooth and efficient implementation.

4. When someone is consistently late for work due to unreliable transportation, this is known as which type of barrier?

• A. Attendance
• B. Voluntary
• C. Motivation
• D. Involuntary

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Attendance.' In this scenario, the nurse being late for work due to unreliable transportation is an example of an attendance barrier. This type of barrier refers to factors that affect an individual's ability to be present at work on time, such as transportation issues. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because voluntary barriers are ones that individuals choose to impose on themselves, motivation barriers relate to lacking the drive to perform a task, and involuntary barriers are obstacles beyond one's control.

5. When planning a budget, the nurse manager knows that costs depend on and change in direct proportion to patient volume and activity. What type of costs are these?

• A. Variable costs
• B. Indirect costs
• C. Fixed costs
• D. Direct costs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Variable costs vary in direct proportion to patient volume and activity. These costs increase or decrease based on the level of patient care provided. Indirect costs are not directly tied to patient volume, fixed costs remain constant regardless of patient volume, and direct costs are directly attributable to patient care but may not vary with patient volume and activity. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Variable costs.'

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