Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is an essential element of a quality improvement (QI) program?

• A. Blame and punishment
• B. Employee satisfaction
• C. Continual monitoring
• D. Strict adherence to policies

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The essential element of a quality improvement (QI) program is continual monitoring. Continual monitoring allows for the ongoing assessment of processes, identification of areas for improvement, and tracking of progress. Option A, 'Blame and punishment,' is incorrect as QI programs focus on systemic issues rather than individual blame. Option B, 'Employee satisfaction,' while important for organizational culture, is not an essential element of QI programs. Option D, 'Strict adherence to policies,' is valuable but not the core essential element, which is continual monitoring to drive improvement.

2. A staff nurse describes the unit manager as 'a born leader.' The nurse ascribes to which theory of leadership?

• A. Trait theories
• B. Behavioral theories
• C. Formal leadership theories
• D. Democratic leadership theories

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Trait theories. The nurse describing the unit manager as 'a born leader' aligns with trait theories of leadership, which suggest that certain inborn characteristics or traits contribute to effective leadership. This theory emphasizes that leaders possess natural qualities that make them suitable for leadership roles. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Behavioral theories focus on the actions and behaviors of leaders, formal leadership theories emphasize organizational structure and roles, and democratic leadership theories pertain to a style of leadership that involves participative decision-making.

3. When someone is consistently late for work due to unreliable transportation, this is known as which type of barrier?

• A. Attendance
• B. Voluntary
• C. Motivation
• D. Involuntary

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Attendance.' In this scenario, the nurse being late for work due to unreliable transportation is an example of an attendance barrier. This type of barrier refers to factors that affect an individual's ability to be present at work on time, such as transportation issues. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because voluntary barriers are ones that individuals choose to impose on themselves, motivation barriers relate to lacking the drive to perform a task, and involuntary barriers are obstacles beyond one's control.

4. A 28-year-old male patient with type 1 diabetes reports how he manages his exercise and glucose control. Which behavior indicates that the nurse should implement additional teaching?

• A. The patient always carries hard candies when engaging in exercise.
• B. The patient goes for a vigorous walk when his glucose is 200 mg/dL.
• C. The patient has a peanut butter sandwich before going for a bicycle ride.
• D. The patient increases daily exercise when ketones are present in the urine.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because increasing exercise when ketones are present in the urine is inappropriate and potentially dangerous for a patient with type 1 diabetes. This behavior can worsen the ketosis and lead to further complications. Choices A, B, and C demonstrate appropriate self-management strategies for a patient with type 1 diabetes. Carrying hard candies during exercise can help prevent hypoglycemia, going for a walk with a glucose level of 200 mg/dL can help lower blood sugar, and having a snack before physical activity can provide necessary energy.

5. Politics is defined as the art of influencing the allocation of scarce resources. An example of a scarce resource allocated by the manager of a patient care unit is:

• A. Raises for the staff.
• B. Patient supplies in the utility room.
• C. Staffing that minimizes overtime.
• D. Paper for the printer.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a healthcare setting, scarce resources can include money, time, personnel, and materials. Staffing decisions directly impact the allocation of personnel resources and can affect overtime costs, making it a critical resource managed by the unit manager. Patient supplies in the utility room and paper for the printer are important, but staffing decisions have a more direct impact on resource allocation within the unit. Raises for staff are typically granted by the institution and are not directly controlled by the unit manager.

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