When planning a budget, the nurse manager knows that costs depend on and change in direct proportion to patient volume and activity. What type of costs are these?
- A. Variable costs
- B. Indirect costs
- C. Fixed costs
- D. Direct costs
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Variable costs. Variable costs are costs that change in direct proportion to the level of activity or volume. In this scenario, as patient volume and activity increase or decrease, the costs will fluctuate accordingly. Indirect costs (B) are not directly tied to patient volume. Fixed costs (C) remain constant regardless of patient volume. Direct costs (D) are specific to the production of a good or service and are not necessarily impacted by patient volume.
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Monitoring the number of times a medication is given utilizing the 'five rights' is an example of which phase of the Six Sigma program?
- A. Measure
- B. Management
- C. Quantitative
- D. Goal
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Measure. In the Six Sigma program, the Measure phase involves collecting data to understand the current process performance. Monitoring the number of times a medication is given using the 'five rights' aligns with this phase as it focuses on measuring the accuracy and effectiveness of medication administration. This data helps identify any deviations from the desired standards and provides insights for improvement.
Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
B: Management - This choice does not specifically address the phase related to data collection and measurement.
C: Quantitative - While data collection is quantitative in nature, this choice does not capture the specific phase of Six Sigma that focuses on measurement.
D: Goal - This choice does not directly relate to the phase involving data collection and measurement; it is more focused on setting objectives and targets.
A nurse is initiating a protective environment for a client who has had an allogeneic stem cell transplant. Which of the following precautions should the nurse plan for this client?
- A. Wear an N95 respirator when giving direct care to the client.
- B. Place the client in a private room with negative-pressure airflow.
- C. Ensure the client's room has at least six air exchanges per hour.
- D. Ensure the client wears a mask when outside their room if there is construction in the area.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Wear an N95 respirator when giving direct care to the client. This is correct because allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients are at high risk for infection due to immunosuppression. An N95 respirator helps protect the nurse from inhaling airborne pathogens when in close contact with the client.
Choice B is incorrect because negative-pressure airflow rooms are typically used for clients with airborne infections, not for those at risk due to immunosuppression.
Choice C is incorrect because although adequate air exchanges are important for infection control, it is not the specific precaution needed for a client with an allogeneic stem cell transplant.
Choice D is incorrect because wearing a mask outside the room is not as effective in preventing transmission of infections as wearing an N95 respirator during direct care.
A registered nurse (RN) is caring for a patient who is one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and has refused a blood transfusion even though her hemoglobin is dangerously low. After providing information about all the alternatives available and risks and benefits of each, the health-care provider allows the patient to determine which course of treatment she would prefer. The RN knows this is an example of which ethical principle?
- A. Autonomy
- B. Nonmaleficence
- C. Beneficence
- D. Distributive justice
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Autonomy. Autonomy refers to the patient's right to make their own decisions about their healthcare, including the choice to refuse treatment. In this scenario, the healthcare provider respects the patient's autonomy by providing information and allowing her to make an informed decision, even if it goes against medical advice. This upholds the patient's right to self-determination and control over her own body.
Summary:
B: Nonmaleficence - This principle focuses on doing no harm to the patient, but in this case, respecting the patient's autonomy takes precedence.
C: Beneficence - This principle involves acting in the patient's best interest, but in this scenario, respect for autonomy is the primary consideration.
D: Distributive justice - This principle is about fair distribution of resources and care, which is not directly relevant to the patient's right to make decisions about her own treatment.
Which of the following strategies is most effective for improving staff morale?
- A. Increasing workload
- B. Increasing salaries
- C. Providing feedback
- D. Offering incentives
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Providing feedback. Feedback is essential for staff morale as it communicates appreciation, areas for improvement, and fosters a sense of engagement. It allows employees to understand their performance, feel valued, and motivated to improve. Increasing workload (A) can lead to burnout and decreased morale. While increasing salaries (B) can boost morale, it may not address underlying issues. Offering incentives (D) can be effective, but they are short-term solutions and may not address intrinsic motivation or long-term morale. Feedback, on the other hand, provides ongoing support and guidance to employees, making it the most effective strategy for improving staff morale.
What is the primary focus of strategic planning in healthcare organizations?
- A. Financial performance
- B. Staff satisfaction
- C. Patient care quality
- D. Regulatory compliance
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Patient care quality. Strategic planning in healthcare organizations primarily focuses on improving patient outcomes, safety, and overall quality of care. This ensures that the organization aligns its resources and goals towards enhancing patient well-being. Financial performance (A) is important but not the primary focus. Staff satisfaction (B) is crucial for employee engagement but not the main goal of strategic planning. Regulatory compliance (D) is essential but not the primary focus, as it is a requirement to ensure quality care rather than the main goal itself.