One of the most important driving forces behind health care policy changes is which of the following?
- A. New technology
- B. Outsourcing of services
- C. Emerging role of nurse practitioners
- D. Ability to pay for health care
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ability to pay for health care. This is because the affordability of health care services directly impacts policy changes. If individuals cannot afford healthcare, it drives policymakers to make changes to ensure access.
A: New technology may influence healthcare policy, but it is not the primary driving force behind policy changes.
B: Outsourcing of services is a factor in healthcare efficiency but not a primary driver of policy changes.
C: The emerging role of nurse practitioners may impact healthcare delivery, but it is not the main driving force behind policy changes.
In summary, the ability to pay for health care is the most significant driving force behind health care policy changes as it directly impacts access and affordability for individuals.
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One of the critical elements in interviewing is:
- A. Time management during the interview.
- B. Involving others in the interview process.
- C. Choosing the interview location.
- D. Developing an interview guide.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Developing an interview guide. This is critical because it helps structure the interview, ensuring all relevant topics are covered and consistency in questioning. It helps the interviewer stay focused and gather necessary information effectively. A: Time management is important but not a critical element. B: Involving others can be beneficial but not essential. C: Choosing the location is important for comfort but not as critical as having a structured guide.
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 the patient is unable to do so. This includes decisions about treatment options, procedures, and end-of-life care. A healthcare proxy does not manage financial affairs (A), provide legal representation (C), or oversee patient discharge planning (D). These roles are typically carried out by different individuals or entities with specific responsibilities. The core function of a healthcare proxy is to ensure that the patient's medical wishes and best interests are upheld when they are unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves.
Which of the following types of leadership behaviors would be most useful when managing a staff of newly trained CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants)?
- A. Achievement-oriented
- B. Supportive
- C. Participative
- D. Directive
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Directive. In managing newly trained CNAs, directive leadership is most useful as it provides clear instructions and guidance for the inexperienced staff. This helps ensure they understand expectations and tasks. Achievement-oriented leadership (A) may be overwhelming for new staff, supportive leadership (B) may not provide enough structure, and participative leadership (C) may be confusing for staff who require clear direction and guidance. Ultimately, directive leadership is the most appropriate for managing newly trained CNAs due to the need for clear instructions and structure.
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: The correct answer is A: Satisficing. Satisficing is a decision-making strategy where one aims to meet the minimum requirements or standards to achieve a satisfactory outcome given the constraints. In this scenario, the nurse manager chooses to manage the unit with the three remaining nurses to maintain minimal staffing standards, despite not having the full staff complement. This decision is based on satisficing as the manager is making the best of the situation with the available resources.
Summary:
B: Routine decision-making involves following established procedures and protocols, which may not be applicable in this situation.
C: Adaptive decision-making involves adjusting to changing circumstances, but in this case, the manager is not adapting to the situation but rather making do with limited resources.
D: Rationalizing decision-making involves justifying or explaining decisions, which is not the focus in this scenario where quick action is needed to maintain minimal staffing standards.
Which agency reviews whether an organization meets its own criteria for staffing?
- A. American Nurses Association (ANA)
- B. Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
- C. Patient Classification Systems (PCSs)
- D. Nursing Care Hours (NCHs)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). JCAHO is responsible for accrediting healthcare organizations and ensuring they meet specific standards, including staffing requirements. They review whether an organization meets its own criteria for staffing to ensure quality care. The other choices (ANA, PCSs, NCHs) are not specifically focused on accrediting organizations or evaluating staffing criteria, making them incorrect options.