Politics is defined as the art of influencing the allocation of scarce resources. An example of a scarce resource allocated by the manager of a patient care unit is:
- A. Raises for the staff.
- B. Patient supplies in the utility room.
- C. Staffing that minimizes overtime.
- D. Paper for the printer.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Staffing that minimizes overtime. Politics involves influencing resource allocation, and staffing decisions directly impact the allocation of human resources, a scarce resource in healthcare settings. Minimizing overtime through effective staffing management is crucial for efficient resource utilization. Raises for the staff (A) are more related to compensation rather than resource allocation. Patient supplies (B) and paper for the printer (D) are important resources but not directly tied to influencing resource allocation in the same way as staffing decisions. In summary, the correct answer, C, directly aligns with the definition of politics and resource allocation in a healthcare setting.
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Which of the following should be included in a discussion of advance directives with new nurse graduates?
- A. According to the Patient Self-Determination Act, nurses are required to inform clients of their right to create an advance directive.
- B. The advance directive designates an individual who will make financial decisions for the client if he or she is unable to do so.
- C. A living will designates who will make health-care decisions for an individual in the event the individual is unable or incompetent to make his or her own decisions.
- D. The advance directive designates a health-care surrogate who will make known the client’s wishes regarding medical treatment if the client is unable to do so.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: The Patient Self-Determination Act requires healthcare providers, including nurses, to inform clients of their right to create an advance directive.
Step 2: New nurse graduates need to understand this legal requirement to comply with ethical and legal standards.
Step 3: By discussing this requirement with new nurse graduates, they will be better equipped to provide information and support to clients regarding advance directives.
Step 4: This step is crucial in ensuring that clients' autonomy and right to self-determination are respected.
Step 5: Option A is the correct answer as it directly relates to the legal obligation of nurses in discussing advance directives with clients.
Summary: Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the specific legal requirement outlined in the Patient Self-Determination Act for informing clients about their right to create an advance directive.
When preparing for a meeting to discuss the annual budget, what would be the best approach to ensure all relevant points are covered?
- A. Prepare an agenda
- B. Use visual aids
- C. Invite only key stakeholders
- D. Review previous budgets
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Prepare an agenda. This approach ensures that all relevant points are covered by structuring the meeting topics in a logical sequence. Step 1: Identify key discussion points. Step 2: Organize them in a coherent order on the agenda. Step 3: Share the agenda with participants beforehand. This allows everyone to come prepared, promotes focus, and helps stay on track during the meeting. Visual aids (B) may enhance understanding but don't ensure all points are covered. Inviting only key stakeholders (C) limits perspectives. Reviewing previous budgets (D) is valuable but not sufficient for comprehensive coverage.
12. A patient receives aspart (NovoLog) insulin at 8:00 AM. At which time will it be most important for the nurse to monitor for symptoms of hypoglycemia?
- A. 10:00 AM
- B. 12:00 PM
- C. 2:00 PM
- D. 4:00 PM
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A (10:00 AM) because aspart insulin typically peaks in around 1-3 hours after administration. Given that the patient received the insulin at 8:00 AM, the peak effect would most likely occur around 10:00 AM, making it crucial for the nurse to monitor for hypoglycemia symptoms. Choice B (12:00 PM) is not the best time as the peak effect would have already passed. Choices C (2:00 PM) and D (4:00 PM) are even further away from the expected peak time, making them less critical for monitoring hypoglycemia symptoms.
What is the main focus of the Six Sigma methodology in healthcare?
- A. Reducing healthcare costs
- B. Improving patient satisfaction
- C. Enhancing clinical decision making
- D. Increasing healthcare access
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The main focus of Six Sigma methodology in healthcare is enhancing clinical decision making. This is because Six Sigma aims to reduce variations and defects in processes, leading to improved quality and efficiency. By enhancing clinical decision making, healthcare providers can make more accurate and timely decisions, resulting in better patient outcomes.
Incorrect choices:
A: Reducing healthcare costs is a common goal in healthcare improvement initiatives but not the main focus of Six Sigma.
B: Improving patient satisfaction is important but not the primary focus of Six Sigma, which aims at process improvement.
D: Increasing healthcare access is crucial, but it is not the main focus of Six Sigma, which is more about quality improvement within existing processes.
A 54-year-old patient is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis. Which admission order should the nurse implement first?
- A. Infuse 1 liter of normal saline per hour.
- B. Give sodium bicarbonate 50 mEq IV push.
- C. Administer regular insulin 10 U by IV push.
- D. Start a regular insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/hr.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the priority in treating diabetic ketoacidosis is fluid resuscitation to address dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Infusing 1 liter of normal saline per hour helps to restore intravascular volume and corrects electrolyte abnormalities. Choice B (sodium bicarbonate) is not recommended routinely in DKA treatment as it may worsen metabolic acidosis. Choice C (IV push insulin) can lead to hypoglycemia and should not be the initial intervention. Choice D (insulin infusion) is important but should be started after fluid resuscitation to avoid rapid drops in blood glucose levels.