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. What is the main purpose of health informatics?

• A. To manage patient care
• B. To store patient records
• C. To enhance clinical decision making
• D. To improve healthcare policies

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main purpose of health informatics is to enhance clinical decision making. While managing patient care (choice A) and storing patient records (choice B) are important functions within health informatics, the primary goal is to improve decision making processes by utilizing technology and data. Improving healthcare policies (choice D) is not the main purpose of health informatics, although it can be a byproduct of better-informed decision making.

3. As an RN stands in line for the cafeteria cashier, he overhears the staff in front of him talking about a client the RN took care of earlier in the week. The client�s room number is mentioned along with the diagnosis and prognosis. Which of the following actions should the RN take?

• A. Join in the conversation in case the RN is assigned to care for the client in the future.
• B. Remind the staff members that they are in a public location and sharing this information is a breach of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• C. Correct a statement made by one of the staff members.
• D. Ignore the conversation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Remind the staff members that they are in a public location and sharing this information is a breach of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

4. Which of the following factors contributes to conflicts in professional nursing today?

• A. Some nurses who had planned to retire but find themselves forced to continue working because of the current economic situation
• B. Balancing state practice acts, codes of ethics, and standards of practice
• C. Advances in technology
• D. Multiple generations in the workforce

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The presence of multiple generations in the nursing workforce today with diverse viewpoints and work styles can lead to conflicts. This diversity in perspectives and approaches may result in disagreements on how tasks should be done or how patient care should be managed. Option A refers to economic factors impacting individual nurses rather than conflicts within the profession. Option B is related to compliance and ethical considerations, not conflicts. Option C, advances in technology, may influence nursing practices but is not directly linked to conflicts among professionals.

5. Which of the following is the correct definition of 'chain of command'?

• A. The hierarchy of authority and responsibility
• B. Relationship without authority
• C. Activity directed through linear authority
• D. The tendency for people to perform as expected

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct definition of 'chain of command' is the hierarchy of authority and responsibility. This term refers to the order in which authority and power in an organization are wielded and delegated from top management to every employee at every level. Choice B, 'Relationship without authority,' is incorrect because the chain of command specifically involves authority and responsibility. Choice C, 'Activity directed through linear authority,' is not a precise definition of the chain of command, as it does not encompass the full scope of authority and hierarchy. Choice D, 'The tendency for people to perform as expected,' is unrelated to the concept of the chain of command.

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