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. 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.

3. The nurse has administered 4 oz of orange juice to an alert patient whose blood glucose was 62 mg/dL. Fifteen minutes later, the blood glucose is 67 mg/dL. Which action should the nurse take next?

• A. Give the patient 4 to 6 oz more orange juice.
• B. Administer the PRN glucagon (Glucagon) 1 mg IM.
• C. Have the patient eat some peanut butter with crackers.
• D. Notify the healthcare provider about the hypoglycemia.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take next is to give the patient 4 to 6 oz more orange juice. The patient's blood glucose has increased from 62 mg/dL to 67 mg/dL after consuming the initial 4 oz of orange juice, indicating that the treatment is effective. Providing additional orange juice will help further raise the blood glucose levels. Administering glucagon (Choice B) is not necessary as the patient's blood glucose is already rising. Having the patient eat peanut butter with crackers (Choice C) is a slower-acting option compared to orange juice. Notifying the healthcare provider about the hypoglycemia (Choice D) is not needed at this point since the patient's blood glucose is improving.

4. Politics is defined as the art of influencing the allocation of scarce resources. An example of a scarce resource allocated by the manager of a patient care unit is:

• A. Raises for the staff.
• B. Patient supplies in the utility room.
• C. Staffing that minimizes overtime.
• D. Paper for the printer.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a healthcare setting, scarce resources can include money, time, personnel, and materials. Staffing decisions directly impact the allocation of personnel resources and can affect overtime costs, making it a critical resource managed by the unit manager. Patient supplies in the utility room and paper for the printer are important, but staffing decisions have a more direct impact on resource allocation within the unit. Raises for staff are typically granted by the institution and are not directly controlled by the unit manager.

5. What is the primary purpose of a patient-centered medical home (PCMH)?

• A. To coordinate all aspects of patient care
• B. To reduce healthcare costs
• C. To implement the latest clinical guidelines
• D. To provide financial incentives for providers

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To coordinate all aspects of patient care.' A patient-centered medical home (PCMH) aims to provide comprehensive and continuous care by coordinating various aspects of a patient's healthcare needs. While reducing healthcare costs and implementing clinical guidelines are important goals in healthcare, the primary focus of a PCMH is on enhancing patient care coordination to improve outcomes and patient satisfaction. Providing financial incentives for providers is not the primary purpose of a PCMH, although it can be a component of some models to encourage quality care delivery.

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