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. An RN is working through an ethical dilemma involving a patient on his unit. He has just identified the decision-makers involved. Which step best describes the current stage the RN is working through?

• A. Assessment
• B. Diagnosis
• C. Planning
• D. Implementation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Planning. In the ethical decision-making process, after identifying the decision-makers involved, the next step is typically planning. During the planning stage, the RN will consider the available options, weigh the ethical principles involved, and develop a course of action to address the ethical dilemma. Choice A, Assessment, involves gathering information and data about the situation. Choice B, Diagnosis, involves analyzing the gathered information to identify the ethical issue. Choice D, Implementation, comes after planning and involves putting the chosen course of action into practice.

3. In determining a way to make shift change more effective for the nurse and the client, a hospital implemented a course of action. After a week of implementation, the decision was deemed inappropriate. What step of Roger's diffusion of innovations is this?

• A. Confirmation
• B. Implementation
• C. Knowledge
• D. Persuasion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Confirmation. In the diffusion of innovations theory by Rogers, the confirmation stage seeks reinforcement of the action taken. In this scenario, after implementing the course of action regarding shift changes, the decision was reviewed and found inappropriate, aligning with the confirmation phase. Choice B, 'Implementation,' refers to putting the plan into action, which had already been done. Choice C, 'Knowledge,' pertains to becoming aware of the innovation, not evaluating its effectiveness. Choice D, 'Persuasion,' involves efforts to influence individuals to adopt the innovation, not verifying its appropriateness.

4. A nurse is discussing the responsibility of caring for clients with clostridium difficile infection. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Have family members wear a gown and gloves when visiting.
• B. Clean contaminated surfaces in the client's room with a bleach solution.
• C. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when leaving the client's room.
• D. Assign the client to a room with a private bathroom.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for clients with clostridium difficile infection, it is important to prevent the spread of the bacteria. Having family members wear a gown and gloves when visiting helps reduce the risk of transmission. Cleaning contaminated surfaces with a bleach solution, not phenol, is recommended to effectively kill the C. difficile spores. Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not sufficient, as it may not be effective against C. difficile spores. Assigning the client to a room with a private bathroom is more beneficial than a negative airflow system, as it helps prevent the spread of bacteria to other clients.

5. 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.

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