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. A group of physicians comes into conflict with the nursing staff of a unit over when AM vital signs are recorded. What type of technique might be used that respects the professionalism of both parties?

• A. Accommodating
• B. Collaboration
• C. Avoiding
• D. Competing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate technique to use is collaboration. Collaboration involves working together with mutual attention to the problem, utilizing the talents of all parties involved. This approach respects the professionalism of both physicians and nursing staff by valuing their input and expertise. Choice A, accommodating, involves giving in to the other party's concerns, which may not fully address the conflict. Choice C, avoiding, suggests ignoring or sidestepping the issue, which does not promote a resolution. Choice D, competing, involves pursuing one's own concerns at the expense of the other party's, leading to a win-lose situation, which is not conducive to resolving conflicts in a professional setting.

3. What is the primary purpose of a nurse staffing committee?

• A. To oversee patient safety initiatives
• B. To develop staffing policies and procedures
• C. To coordinate patient care
• D. To manage nurse recruitment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of a nurse staffing committee is to develop staffing policies and procedures to ensure adequate nurse-to-patient ratios. By establishing these guidelines, the committee aims to optimize patient care by ensuring appropriate staffing levels, which in turn can enhance patient safety and coordination of care. While overseeing patient safety initiatives and managing nurse recruitment are important aspects of healthcare management, the core function of a nurse staffing committee is to create and implement policies that govern the allocation and distribution of nursing staff to meet patient care needs effectively. Therefore, choices A, C, and D, though relevant to healthcare, do not align with the primary purpose of a nurse staffing committee as outlined in the question.

4. What is the primary goal of a nursing informatics specialist?

• A. Manage patient care
• B. Implement new technology
• C. Improve healthcare delivery
• D. Support clinical decisions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of a nursing informatics specialist is to improve healthcare delivery. While managing patient care, implementing new technology, and supporting clinical decisions are important aspects of their role, the overarching objective is to enhance healthcare delivery by leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes, streamline processes, and optimize care. Therefore, the correct answer is to improve healthcare delivery.

5. Which of the following statements about ethical principles and laws is true?

• A. The government holds the power to enforce ethics.
• B. Laws provide standards that assist in decision making.
• C. Ethics are very specific.
• D. As a standard for measuring actions, ethical principles may be the basis for laws.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'As a standard for measuring actions, ethical principles may be the basis for laws.' This statement is true as ethical principles can influence the creation and implementation of laws. Ethical principles often serve as a foundation for laws by reflecting societal values and moral standards. Choice A is incorrect because while the government may enforce laws, ethics are typically guided by moral principles rather than government enforcement. Choice B is incorrect because laws provide legal standards, not ethical standards, for decision-making. Choice C is incorrect because ethics are not always very specific; they can be broad and encompass various moral values and principles.

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