What is the primary focus of a performance appraisal for nursing staff?
- A. To identify areas for salary increases
- B. To evaluate overall job performance
- C. To provide feedback on clinical skills
- D. To determine eligibility for promotions
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary focus of a performance appraisal for nursing staff is to provide feedback on their clinical skills. This is crucial for ensuring quality patient care and professional development. Salary increases (A) are typically based on performance, but not the primary focus. Evaluating overall job performance (B) is important but not as specific as assessing clinical skills. Determining eligibility for promotions (D) may be a part of the appraisal process, but not the primary focus.
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What is the main purpose of the NCLEX examination?
- A. Ensure that individuals have passed nursing classes.
- B. Provide assurance that nursing schools are part of the service agency.
- C. Enable potential students to determine the best nursing schools.
- D. Ensure the safety of the public.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The main purpose of the NCLEX examination is to ensure the safety of the public. The exam assesses if a candidate has the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective nursing care. It is designed to protect the public by ensuring that only competent individuals are granted nursing licensure. This is crucial in maintaining high standards of healthcare and safeguarding patients' well-being.
Incorrect answers:
A: Ensuring that individuals have passed nursing classes is not the main purpose of the NCLEX. Passing nursing classes is a prerequisite for taking the exam but not its primary goal.
B: Providing assurance that nursing schools are part of the service agency is not the main purpose of the NCLEX. The exam focuses on individual competency rather than accrediting nursing schools.
C: Enabling potential students to determine the best nursing schools is not the main purpose of the NCLEX. The exam does not rank or rate nursing schools; its primary aim is to evaluate individual readiness for nursing practice.
Which of the following would be considered an urgent and important issue?
- A. Replacing two staff who were injured while caring for a violent patient
- B. Updating the employee break room with new furniture
- C. Preparing educational packets on self-administration of insulin for patients
- D. Arranging a team-building event for staff members
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because replacing injured staff dealing with a violent patient is urgent due to staff shortage and important for patient safety. Choice B is not urgent or directly related to patient care. Choice C is important but not urgent. Choice D is important for team morale but not urgent or directly related to patient care.
What is the focus of a continuous quality improvement program?
- A. Family
- B. Client
- C. Nurse
- D. Physician
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Client. In a continuous quality improvement program, the primary focus should be on improving the quality of care and services provided to the clients or patients. This ensures that their needs and preferences are met, resulting in better outcomes. A focus on the family (A) or healthcare providers like nurses (C) and physicians (D) may be important, but the ultimate goal of a quality improvement program is to enhance the client's experience and well-being. By prioritizing the client, the program can address issues directly affecting them and tailor improvements to meet their specific needs.
During a staffing crisis, managers may need to use nurse extenders. These individuals are better known as:
- A. Float RNs.
- B. Unlicensed assistive personnel.
- C. LPNs.
- D. Agency nurses.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Unlicensed assistive personnel. Nurse extenders are typically nursing assistants or other unlicensed staff who provide basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses. They help alleviate the workload during staffing shortages but do not have the same level of education and training as licensed nurses. Float RNs (A) are registered nurses who work in various units as needed. LPNs (C) are licensed practical nurses who have more training than nursing assistants. Agency nurses (D) are temporary nurses hired from external agencies. Unlicensed assistive personnel best fit the description of nurse extenders due to their role in providing direct patient care under supervision.
A hospitalized diabetic patient received 38 U of NPH insulin at 7:00 AM. At 1:00 PM, the
patient has been away from the nursing unit for 2 hours, missing the lunch delivery while
awaiting a chest x-ray. To prevent hypoglycemia, the best action by the nurse is to
- A. save the lunch tray for the patient’s later return to the unit
- B. ask that diagnostic testing area staff to start a 5% dextrose IV
- C. send a glass of milk or orange juice to the patient in the diagnostic testing area
- D. request that if testing is further delayed, the patient be returned to the unit to eat.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. It is essential to maintain the patient's blood glucose levels to prevent hypoglycemia. Since the patient missed lunch, returning them to the unit to eat ensures timely access to food for glycemic control. This action addresses the immediate need for nutrition and glucose intake.
A: Saving the lunch tray is not immediate and does not address the patient's current hypoglycemia risk.
B: Starting a dextrose IV is an option for severe hypoglycemia, not for preventing it in this scenario.
C: Sending milk or orange juice may help raise blood sugar but does not address the need for a complete meal to prevent hypoglycemia.