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. Which of the following best describes the concept of cultural humility in nursing?

• A. A fixed set of cultural competencies
• B. Recognizing and addressing power imbalances
• C. Adapting care to fit different cultural contexts
• D. Learning from patients and adapting to their needs

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cultural humility in nursing is about approaching patient care with an open mind, being willing to learn from patients, and adapting to their individual needs. Choice A is incorrect as cultural humility is not about a fixed set of competencies, but rather an ongoing process of self-reflection and learning. Choice B, recognizing and addressing power imbalances, is related to cultural competence but not the core concept of cultural humility. Choice C, adapting care to fit different cultural contexts, is more aligned with cultural competence rather than cultural humility.

3. A patient who was admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis secondary to a urinary tract infection has been weaned off an insulin drip 30 minutes ago. The patient reports feeling lightheaded and sweaty. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Infuse dextrose 50% by slow IV push.
• B. Administer 1 mg glucagon subcutaneously.
• C. Obtain a glucose reading using a finger stick.
• D. Have the patient drink 4 ounces of orange juice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first when a patient reports feeling lightheaded and sweaty after being weaned off an insulin drip is to obtain a glucose reading using a finger stick. This will provide crucial information on the patient's current blood glucose level, helping the nurse assess if the symptoms are due to hypoglycemia. Based on the glucose reading, appropriate interventions can be initiated, such as administering dextrose, glucagon, or oral sugars like orange juice if hypoglycemia is confirmed. However, verifying the blood glucose level is the initial step to guide subsequent actions and ensure patient safety.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and is exhibiting signs of hemorrhagic shock. The nurse notifies the surgeon, who tells the nurse to continue to measure the client's vital signs every 15 min and to report back in 1 hour. Which of the following actions should the nurse take next?

• A. Document the surgeon's instructions in the client's medical record.
• B. Complete an incident report.
• C. Consult the charge nurse.
• D. Notify the nursing manager.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should notify the nursing manager next. The surgeon's instructions are related to the client's condition, and it is crucial to inform the nursing manager about the situation. Option A is incorrect because documenting the surgeon's instructions in the medical record is not the immediate next step. Option B is also incorrect as completing an incident report is not warranted in this situation. Option C is not the best choice as consulting the charge nurse may cause a delay in escalating the situation to higher management, which is necessary in cases of emergency like hemorrhagic shock.

5. A new nurse manager is attempting to solve a management issue by using one solution after another until she solves the problem. This would be known as what type of method?

• A. Decision making
• B. Trial and error
• C. Experimentation
• D. Analysis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Trial and error is a method used by new managers to solve problems by trying different solutions until one is successful. In this scenario, the nurse manager is using a trial and error approach by attempting various solutions until the issue is resolved. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because decision making involves making choices based on available information, experimentation involves testing hypotheses in a controlled setting, and analysis entails examining data and information to gain insights or draw conclusions, none of which directly reflect the iterative process of trial and error.

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