Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is an example of a sentinel event?

• A. A patient fall with no injury
• B. A medication error that results in no harm
• C. A patient suicide while in a healthcare facility
• D. A near miss incident

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, a patient suicide while in a healthcare facility. A sentinel event is an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury. Choices A, B, and D do not meet the criteria for sentinel events as described by The Joint Commission, as they do not involve death or serious harm to the patient.

2. Which regulatory body mandates the provision of immunizations, especially for hepatitis B?

• A. American Nurses Association (ANA)
• B. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• C. Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
• D. State board of nursing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B - Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA mandates that the hepatitis B vaccine series must be offered to healthcare workers who are not immune to hepatitis. This requirement aims to protect healthcare workers from occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including the hepatitis B virus. The American Nurses Association (ANA) (Choice A) is a professional organization for nurses, not a regulatory body. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) (Choice C) focuses on accrediting healthcare organizations for quality and safety, not mandating immunizations. The State board of nursing (Choice D) is responsible for regulating nursing practice within a specific state, not mandating immunizations.

3. A __________ is often helpful to use when a problem is not easily identified.

• A. trial and error
• B. Delphi method
• C. political decision-making model
• D. affinity map

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An affinity map is a tool commonly used when a problem is not easily identified. It helps in organizing and grouping ideas, data, or information based on relationships or themes. Choice A, 'trial and error,' involves repeatedly trying different solutions until the problem is solved, which may not be efficient when the problem is not clearly defined. Choice B, the 'Delphi method,' is a structured communication technique for experts to reach a consensus, not specifically for unidentified problems. Choice C, 'political decision-making model,' refers to a process for making decisions in political contexts and is not directly related to identifying unknown problems.

4. A nurse manager has two out of six staff nurses call in sick for one shift. Because of reduced availability of staff, the manager decides to manage the unit with the three remaining nurses, which keeps the unit at minimal staffing standards. What type of decision-making strategy would this be?

• A. Satisficing
• B. Routine
• C. Adaptive
• D. Rationalizing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Satisficing is the correct decision-making strategy in this scenario. The nurse manager is not aiming for the best solution but rather choosing an alternative that is good enough given the circumstances of staff shortage. Choice B, Routine, does not apply here as the situation is not part of the manager's regular tasks. Choice C, Adaptive, involves adjusting to new conditions, which is not the primary focus in this scenario. Choice D, Rationalizing, does not fit as the decision made is more about finding an acceptable solution rather than justifying it.

5. What is the main purpose of a healthcare proxy?

• A. To manage financial affairs
• B. To make medical decisions on behalf of the patient
• C. To provide legal representation
• D. To oversee patient discharge planning

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main purpose of a healthcare proxy is to make medical decisions on behalf of the patient when they are unable to do so. Choice A is incorrect as managing financial affairs is typically handled by a power of attorney for finances. Choice C is incorrect as a healthcare proxy is not meant to provide legal representation. Choice D is incorrect as overseeing patient discharge planning is a responsibility of healthcare providers, not a healthcare proxy.

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