Nursing Elites

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

• A. A patient falling in the hospital without injury
• B. A near-miss medication error
• C. An unexpected patient death unrelated to the natural course of illness
• D. A patient developing an infection during a hospital stay

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A sentinel event in healthcare is an unexpected patient death unrelated to the natural course of illness. These events are serious occurrences that warrant immediate investigation and response to prevent their recurrence and ensure patient safety. Choices A, B, and D do not fit the definition of a sentinel event. While choices A, B, and D are serious incidents, they do not involve an unexpected patient death unrelated to the natural course of illness, which is the defining characteristic of a sentinel event.

2. 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.

3. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a root cause analysis (RCA)?

• A. Identify the person responsible for an error
• B. Determine who should be disciplined
• C. Discover the underlying causes of an error
• D. Evaluate the effectiveness of a new policy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Discover the underlying causes of an error.' Root cause analysis (RCA) focuses on identifying the fundamental reason(s) that led to an error or problem rather than placing blame on individuals. Choice A and B are incorrect as RCA is not about pinpointing a specific person to blame or determining disciplinary actions. Choice D is also incorrect as the primary goal of RCA is not to evaluate policy effectiveness but to uncover the root causes of issues for effective problem-solving.

4. Which of the following best defines the role of a nurse practitioner (NP)?

• A. Provide direct patient care under the supervision of a physician
• B. Diagnose and treat medical conditions independently
• C. Assist with administrative tasks in a healthcare setting
• D. Specialize in a specific area of nursing practice

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Diagnose and treat medical conditions independently.' Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who are qualified to diagnose and treat medical conditions without direct supervision from a physician. Choice A is incorrect because NPs have the autonomy to provide care independently. Choice C is incorrect as NPs focus on clinical care rather than administrative tasks. Choice D is incorrect as specializing in a specific area of nursing practice refers to a different aspect of advanced nursing roles, such as becoming a clinical nurse specialist.

5. 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.

Similar Questions