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 Hawthorne effect explains that the relationship between people and productivity is enhanced by which of the following?

• A. Special attention
• B. Organizations
• C. Creativity
• D. Groups

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Hawthorne effect is a term used to describe how people modify their behavior in response to the attention they are receiving rather than the manipulation of variables. Special attention, as mentioned in choice A, is the correct answer because when individuals feel that they are being closely monitored or that special interest is being taken in them, they tend to perform better or change their behavior. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the Hawthorne effect specifically focuses on the impact of attention and not on organizational structures, creativity, or group dynamics.

3. A nurse is admitting a client who has an abdominal wound with a large amount of purulent drainage. Which of the following types of transmission precautions should the nurse initiate?

• A. Droplet precautions
• B. Protective environment
• C. Airborne precautions
• D. Contact precautions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Contact precautions. Contact precautions are used when there is a risk of transmission of infections through direct or indirect contact. In this scenario, the client has an abdominal wound with purulent drainage, indicating a potential for infection transmission through contact. Droplet precautions (choice A) are used for infections transmitted through respiratory droplets, such as influenza. Protective environment (choice B) is used for immunocompromised clients. Airborne precautions (choice C) are used for infections transmitted through small droplets that remain in the air, like tuberculosis. Therefore, in this case, the nurse should initiate contact precautions to prevent the spread of infection.

4. A manager has been given a deadline to complete an assignment by the end of the day. It will take every minute left of the afternoon to complete. Which interventions illustrate assertiveness to minimize interruptions in order to meet the deadline? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Allowing voicemail to answer all incoming calls or turning off email notification
• B. Delegating a discharge planning issue for a patient to one of the staff nurses
• C. Placing a 'Do Not Disturb for the Afternoon' sign on the office door
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: All the interventions listed are appropriate ways to minimize interruptions. By allowing voicemail to answer calls or turning off email notifications, the manager can focus solely on the assignment. Delegating tasks to staff nurses frees up the manager's time. Placing a 'Do Not Disturb for the Afternoon' sign on the office door sends a clear message to minimize interruptions and focus on the deadline. Therefore, all of the above interventions illustrate assertiveness to meet the deadline by minimizing interruptions.

5. What is the primary purpose of a nurse staffing committee?

• A. To oversee patient safety initiatives
• B. To develop staffing policies and procedures
• C. To coordinate patient care
• D. To manage nurse recruitment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of a nurse staffing committee is to develop staffing policies and procedures to ensure adequate nurse-to-patient ratios. By establishing these guidelines, the committee aims to optimize patient care by ensuring appropriate staffing levels, which in turn can enhance patient safety and coordination of care. While overseeing patient safety initiatives and managing nurse recruitment are important aspects of healthcare management, the core function of a nurse staffing committee is to create and implement policies that govern the allocation and distribution of nursing staff to meet patient care needs effectively. Therefore, choices A, C, and D, though relevant to healthcare, do not align with the primary purpose of a nurse staffing committee as outlined in the question.

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