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 staff nurse is caring for the client with total accountability and is in continual communication with the client, the family, the physicians, and other members of the health care team. This type of nursing delivery system is known as:

• A. Total patient care
• B. Qualified nurse case managers
• C. Established critical pathways
• D. Quality management system

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Total patient care. Total patient care is the original model of nursing care delivery, in which one RN has complete responsibility for all aspects of care for one or more patients. In this system, the nurse is accountable for the client's care and maintains continuous communication with the client, their family, physicians, and other healthcare team members. Choice B, Qualified nurse case managers, refers to nurses who coordinate care but do not provide direct hands-on patient care. Choice C, Established critical pathways, involves predefined care plans for specific conditions but does not imply direct accountability as in total patient care. Choice D, Quality management system, relates to processes to ensure and enhance the quality of care but is not specifically about the direct provision of patient care.

3. 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.

4. Through which of the following methods are values learned?

• A. Reading books
• B. Formal degrees
• C. Continuous reinforcement
• D. Meeting diverse individuals

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Values are learned through continuous reinforcement, where behaviors are positively reinforced to instill values. Reading books (choice A) may expose individuals to different perspectives but doesn't necessarily lead to internalizing values. Formal degrees (choice B) provide education but may not directly teach values. Meeting diverse individuals (choice D) can broaden perspectives but doesn't guarantee learning specific values through reinforcement.

5. Which of the following is a key principle of team nursing?

• A. Decentralized decision making
• B. Centralized decision making
• C. Individual accountability
• D. Shared responsibility

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Shared responsibility.' Team nursing emphasizes shared responsibility among team members for patient care. This approach promotes collaboration and coordination among healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive and holistic care. Choices A and B are incorrect because team nursing typically involves collaborative decision-making rather than centralized or decentralized decision-making. Choice C, 'Individual accountability,' does not align with the collaborative nature of team nursing, where responsibility is shared among team members rather than falling solely on individuals.

Similar Questions