Which nursing action can the nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) working in the diabetic clinic?
- A. Measure the ankle-brachial index.
- B. Check for changes in skin pigmentation.
- C. Assess for unilateral or bilateral foot drop.
- D. Ask the patient about symptoms of depression.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, "Measure the ankle-brachial index." This task involves using a blood pressure cuff and Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow in the lower extremities, which is within the scope of practice for UAPs. It is a non-invasive procedure that does not require specialized training.
Choice B, "Check for changes in skin pigmentation," involves assessing for potential skin changes related to circulation issues, which requires more in-depth knowledge and interpretation than what UAPs are trained for.
Choice C, "Assess for unilateral or bilateral foot drop," involves evaluating muscle strength and nerve function, which requires clinical judgment and knowledge beyond the scope of UAP practice.
Choice D, "Ask the patient about symptoms of depression," involves assessing mental health and requires communication skills and training that UAPs do not typically have.
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Which of the following are effective ways to apply power and politics in nursing? (EXCEPT)
- A. Picketing the employer
- B. Networking with other professionals
- C. Writing letters to legislators
- D. Joining professional organizations
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Picketing the employer is not an effective way to apply power and politics in nursing because it can create conflict and strain relationships.
1. Networking with other professionals (B) is effective for building alliances and influencing decisions.
2. Writing letters to legislators (C) can help advocate for policy changes and influence healthcare laws.
3. Joining professional organizations (D) provides a platform to collaborate with others and have a collective voice in shaping the nursing profession.
In summary, options B, C, and D are effective ways to apply power and politics in nursing, while option A can be counterproductive.
What is the primary goal of discharge planning?
- A. Reducing readmission rates
- B. Improving patient outcomes
- C. Ensuring continuity of care
- D. Ensuring medication adherence
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary goal of discharge planning is to ensure continuity of care. This involves coordinating the transition of care from the hospital to the next level of care to prevent gaps in treatment and promote a smooth recovery process. Option A focuses solely on readmission rates, which is not the sole purpose of discharge planning. Option B is a broad goal that is encompassed within ensuring continuity of care. Option D, while important, is just one aspect of the overall goal of ensuring continuity of care. Thus, option C is the correct answer as it encompasses all aspects of discharge planning.
Which of the following is a key component of a successful quality improvement (QI) project?
- A. Standardized care protocols
- B. Employee satisfaction
- C. Ongoing training and education
- D. Financial incentives
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ongoing training and education. This is crucial in a QI project as it ensures staff are equipped with necessary skills and knowledge to implement and sustain improvements. Ongoing training fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement, leading to better outcomes.
A: Standardized care protocols are important but not the key component. They provide guidelines for care delivery but without ongoing training, staff may struggle to adhere to these protocols effectively.
B: Employee satisfaction is important for motivation but does not directly guarantee successful QI projects. Training and education are more crucial for achieving sustainable improvement.
D: Financial incentives can be a motivator, but they do not address the root cause of quality issues. Ongoing training is essential for building capacity and expertise within the team.
When a nurse observes a fellow nurse preparing an incorrect dose of medication, what is the best action to take?
- A. Ignore the error
- B. Administer the medication anyway
- C. Correct the error without informing the nurse
- D. Report the error to the supervisor immediately
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Report the error to the supervisor immediately. This action prioritizes patient safety and prevents harm. It follows ethical guidelines by promoting transparency and accountability. Reporting the error also upholds professional standards and fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Ignoring the error (A) risks patient harm. Administering the medication anyway (B) compromises patient safety. Correcting the error without informing the nurse (C) overlooks the importance of addressing the root cause and preventing future mistakes.
Which of the following is a key principle of the patient-centered care model?
- A. Healthcare provider satisfaction
- B. Cost reduction
- C. Patient autonomy
- D. Provider convenience
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Patient autonomy. Patient-centered care emphasizes the importance of involving patients in their own healthcare decisions, respecting their preferences, values, and needs. This principle ensures that patients are active participants in their care, leading to improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Incorrect choices:
A: Healthcare provider satisfaction - While important, patient-centered care focuses on the patient's experience and outcomes rather than the provider's satisfaction.
B: Cost reduction - While costs are a consideration in healthcare delivery, patient-centered care prioritizes the patient's well-being over cost savings.
D: Provider convenience - Patient-centered care does not prioritize provider convenience; instead, it prioritizes meeting the individual needs and preferences of the patient.