Nursing Elites

1. Why is it important for healthcare professionals to have an understanding of healthcare issues in the United States?

• A. To ensure proper documentation of patient insurance information.
• B. Reimbursement policies often dictate the services that can be offered to the public.
• C. The quality of care provided is influenced by the patient's insurance coverage.
• D. Proficiency in healthcare issues is essential for graduating as a practical nurse.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Understanding healthcare issues in the United States is crucial for healthcare professionals because reimbursement policies play a significant role in determining the services that can be provided to patients. By comprehending these issues, healthcare professionals can navigate the complexities of healthcare delivery, ensure appropriate services are offered, and optimize patient care outcomes. Choice A is incorrect because understanding healthcare issues goes beyond just documentation of patient insurance information. Choice C is incorrect as the quality of care should not be solely dependent on a patient's insurance coverage. Choice D is incorrect because while proficiency in healthcare issues is important for practical nurses, it is not a requirement solely for graduating.

2. When a nurse reads a peer-reviewed nursing journal article recommending a change in caring for a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter, which action demonstrates critical thinking?

• A. Implementing the article's recommendations in caring for a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter
• B. Presenting the journal article to the nurse manager and proposing a revision of the procedure
• C. Seeking additional peer-reviewed articles that corroborate the author's recommendation
• D. Disregarding the article and adhering to the facility's existing procedure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Critical thinking involves evaluating information from various sources. In this scenario, the nurse displays critical thinking by seeking additional peer-reviewed articles that support the author's recommendation. This action ensures that decisions are based on a comprehensive understanding of the topic rather than relying solely on one source. By exploring other peer-reviewed articles, the nurse can validate the proposed change and make informed decisions regarding patient care. Choice A, implementing the article's recommendations, may not encompass a thorough evaluation of the information presented. Choice B, presenting the article to the nurse manager, is a valid step but does not directly involve critical analysis of the information. Choice D, disregarding the article, goes against the essence of critical thinking, which emphasizes the evaluation and consideration of various perspectives.

3. A patient is admitted with pneumonia. My case manager refers to a plan of care that specifically identifies dates when supplemental oxygen should be discontinued, positive pressure ventilation with bronchodilators should be changed to self-administer inhalers, and antibiotics should be changed from intravenous to oral treatment, based on assessment findings. This plan of care is referred to by what term?

• A. patient classification system
• B. patient-centered plan of care
• C. diagnosis-related group
• D. clinical pathway

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A clinical pathway is a structured, evidence-based plan that outlines the expected course of treatment and interventions for a specific diagnosis or procedure, in this case, pneumonia. It includes guidelines on the timing of interventions and transitions in care based on assessment findings, promoting standardized care and improved outcomes for patients. The other choices are incorrect: A) patient classification system categorizes patients based on similar characteristics; B) patient-centered plan of care focuses on individual patient needs and preferences; C) diagnosis-related group is a classification system used for billing purposes.

4. A healthcare professional is reviewing the plan of care for a client following a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following procedural plans is the healthcare professional following?

• A. patient classification categories
• B. diagnostic related groups
• C. Care map / clinical practice guideline
• D. functional nursing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A care map or clinical practice guideline is a standardized plan of care that outlines the recommended interventions and treatments for patients with a specific condition. In this scenario, following a total hip arthroplasty, healthcare professionals typically refer to a care map or clinical practice guideline to ensure the patient receives appropriate care based on evidence-based practices and standards. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect in this context. Patient classification categories refer to grouping patients based on care needs, diagnostic related groups are used for billing purposes, and functional nursing is a care delivery system that assigns specific tasks to nursing personnel.

5. Why is critical thinking necessary for identifying and understanding paradigms that exist in nursing practice?

• A. Critical thinking allows for the nurse to make superficial decisions.
• B. Critical thinking allows the nurse to thoroughly examine situations and issues.
• C. Critical thinking provides the nurse with quick answers.
• D. Critical thinking allows the nurse to accept information without needing to check its validity.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Critical thinking is essential for nurses to identify and understand paradigms in nursing practice because it enables them to thoroughly examine complex situations and issues. By critically analyzing information and considering various perspectives, nurses can gain a deeper understanding of the underlying paradigms that shape nursing practice. This thorough examination helps nurses make informed decisions and provide high-quality care to patients. Choice A is incorrect because critical thinking involves deeper analysis, not superficial decisions. Choice C is incorrect because critical thinking does not provide quick answers; it involves a systematic and thoughtful approach. Choice D is incorrect because critical thinking encourages nurses to question information and verify its validity rather than accepting it blindly.

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