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 diabetic patient who has reported burning foot pain at night receives a new prescription. Which information should the nurse teach the patient about amitriptyline (Elavil)?

• A. Amitriptyline decreases the depression caused by your foot pain.
• B. Amitriptyline helps prevent transmission of pain impulses to the brain.
• C. Amitriptyline corrects some of the blood vessel changes that cause pain.
• D. Amitriptyline improves sleep and reduces awareness of nighttime pain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which helps in reducing the transmission of pain impulses to the brain. Choice A is incorrect because amitriptyline primarily works on pain transmission rather than directly on depression. Choice C is inaccurate as amitriptyline's mechanism of action is not related to correcting blood vessel changes. Choice D is partially true as amitriptyline can improve sleep, but the primary mechanism related to pain relief is by preventing pain impulses from reaching the brain.

3. A nurse has just inserted a nasogastric (NG) tube for a client. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to confirm correct tube placement?

• A. The client reports relief of nausea.
• B. The tube aspirate has a pH less than 5.
• C. Bowel sounds are present on auscultation.
• D. An x-ray shows the end of the tube above the pylorus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The client reports relief of nausea. When the NG tube is correctly placed in the stomach, it can help alleviate feelings of nausea and discomfort. Choice B, a tube aspirate pH less than 5, is incorrect as it indicates gastric placement, not necessarily correct placement. Choice C, bowel sounds on auscultation, and Choice D, visualization of the tube on an x-ray above the pylorus, do not confirm correct NG tube placement; therefore, they are incorrect.

4. What term refers to the situation where the pay of newer employees is similar to or higher than that of more experienced employees?

• A. Salary compression
• B. Salary expectations
• C. Salary range
• D. Salary inflation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Salary compression is the term used to describe the situation where the pay of newer employees is similar to or higher than that of more experienced employees. This can happen when newer employees are paid higher salaries to attract them, leading to a compressed salary structure in the organization. Choice B, 'Salary expectations,' does not specifically refer to the scenario described in the question. Choice C, 'Salary range,' is a broader term referring to the range of salaries offered for a particular job or position, not specifically related to the disparity between new and experienced employees. Choice D, 'Salary inflation,' does not accurately describe the situation of newer employees earning higher salaries than more experienced ones; instead, it refers to a general increase in wages across the board.

5. A unit manager has been working to decrease the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections on his unit, spending extra time on the unit researching best practices and conducting training. Having completed training, the manager decides to take a couple of days off. Which of the following leadership traits is this unit manager displaying?

• A. Perseverance
• B. Balance
• C. Generosity
• D. Ability to handle stress

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Balance.' The unit manager is displaying balance by recognizing the importance of taking time off to rest and recharge after working diligently to decrease infections. 'Perseverance' is not the correct choice because the manager is taking time off, not persisting in the face of challenges. 'Generosity' and 'Ability to handle stress' are also incorrect as they do not align with the situation described.

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