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 focus of a risk management program in healthcare?

• A. To reduce hospital readmissions
• B. To manage financial resources
• C. To ensure compliance with healthcare regulations
• D. To improve clinical outcomes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main focus of a risk management program in healthcare is to improve clinical outcomes. By identifying and mitigating risks, healthcare organizations aim to enhance patient safety, quality of care, and overall health outcomes. Option A is incorrect because reducing hospital readmissions is a specific goal within healthcare but not the primary focus of risk management. Option B is incorrect as managing financial resources, while important, is more aligned with financial management rather than risk management. Option C is incorrect as ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations is vital but falls under compliance management rather than the primary focus of risk management, which is to improve clinical outcomes.

3. What is the main goal of a nursing quality improvement (QI) program?

• A. To enhance patient safety
• B. To reduce healthcare costs
• C. To ensure regulatory compliance
• D. To maintain high patient satisfaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main goal of a nursing quality improvement (QI) program is to enhance patient safety. While reducing healthcare costs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining high patient satisfaction are important aspects of healthcare delivery, the primary focus of a QI program in nursing is to improve patient safety through practices such as error reduction, risk management, and enhancing the quality of care provided.

4. Verbal interventions with an agitated patient may be calming. These interventions include:

• A. Holding and reassuring the patient
• B. Encouraging other staff to distract the patient
• C. Remaining calm and keeping an arm's distance
• D. Standing close to the patient while talking

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Remaining calm and keeping an arm's distance. Agitated individuals benefit from minimal verbal and physical stimulation. They respond to their environment based on how nurses interact with them. If an individual feels threatened or cornered, the response will generally be self-protective and reactive. Standing close to the patient (choice D) can be perceived as invasive and may escalate the situation. Holding and reassuring the patient (choice A) may not be effective if the patient perceives it as intrusive. Encouraging other staff to distract the patient (choice B) may introduce unnecessary stimulation. Therefore, the recommended approach is to remain calm and keep a safe distance to provide a non-threatening environment for the agitated patient.

5. Penalties should be __________ .

• A. Determining the employee's awareness of the policy
• B. Describing the staff nurse's behavior that violated the policy
• C. Progressive
• D. Confrontation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Penalties for policy violations should be progressive. This means that the disciplinary actions should escalate based on the severity or frequency of the violation. For minor infractions, like smoking in an unauthorized area, a progressive approach may include oral warnings, written warnings, suspension, and termination if the behavior persists. In contrast, major violations, such as theft, may warrant immediate and severe consequences like suspension or termination. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not address the concept of progressively escalating penalties based on the violation's severity or recurrence.

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