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Which of the following strategies is most effective for reducing medication errors on a nursing unit?
- A. Increasing the nurse-to-patient ratio
- B. Providing ongoing education on safe medication practices
- C. Using barcoding technology for medication administration
- D. Increasing the use of PRN medications
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Using barcoding technology for medication administration. This strategy is most effective for reducing medication errors because it helps ensure the right medication is given to the right patient at the right time. Barcoding technology allows nurses to scan both the patient's wristband and the medication label to verify accuracy before administration, reducing the risk of errors due to human factors.
A: Increasing the nurse-to-patient ratio may help with workload distribution but does not directly address medication errors.
B: Providing ongoing education is important but may not be as effective as implementing technological solutions like barcoding.
D: Increasing the use of PRN medications may actually increase the risk of errors if not managed properly.
In summary, using barcoding technology for medication administration is the most effective strategy as it directly addresses the root cause of medication errors by ensuring accurate medication administration.
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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.
A nurse is caring for a client who has diarrhea due to shigella. Which of the following precautions should the nurse implement for this client?
- A. Have the client wear a mask when receiving visitors.
- B. Limit the client's time with visitors to no more than 30 minutes per day.
- C. Assign the client to a room with negative-pressure airflow exchange.
- D. Wear a gown when caring for the client.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Limit the client's time with visitors to no more than 30 minutes per day. This is the correct precaution because shigella is transmitted through fecal-oral route. By limiting the client's time with visitors, the risk of spreading the infection to others is minimized.
Explanation for why other choices are incorrect:
A: Having the client wear a mask when receiving visitors is not necessary for preventing the spread of shigella, as it is not transmitted through the air.
C: Assigning the client to a room with negative-pressure airflow exchange is more suitable for airborne infections, not for shigella which is transmitted through fecal-oral route.
D: While wearing a gown when caring for the client is a good infection control practice, it is not specifically indicated for preventing the spread of shigella through contact with visitors.
When seeking their first nursing job, what is the most important factor that nursing graduates look for?
- A. Location
- B. Money
- C. Orientation
- D. Vacation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Orientation. Nursing graduates prioritize orientation as the most important factor when seeking their first job because it sets the foundation for their transition into the role. A thorough orientation program provides essential training, support, and guidance, which are crucial for their success and confidence in their new position. Location (A) may be important for convenience, but orientation directly impacts their ability to perform their duties effectively. Money (B) and vacation (D) are important but typically take a back seat to factors that directly impact their ability to excel in their new role.
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 the decision-maker selects the first option that meets the minimum criteria or satisfies the immediate need. In this scenario, the nurse manager is making a decision to manage the unit with the three remaining nurses to meet the minimal staffing standards due to the unexpected absence of two nurses. This decision is based on satisfying the immediate need of maintaining minimal staffing levels despite not having the full staff complement available.
Summary:
B: Routine decision-making involves following established procedures and protocols, which is not the case in this scenario.
C: Adaptive decision-making involves adapting to changing circumstances, which is not the primary focus here.
D: Rationalizing decision-making involves thoroughly evaluating options and selecting the best one, which is not happening in this situation where the focus is on meeting minimum staffing standards quickly.
A unit director at a local hospital knows even leadership may face ethical dilemmas. Which of the following should the director take into consideration when dealing with an employee who is incompetent?
- A. The situation should be tolerated for as long as possible because of the amount of time and paperwork required to terminate an incompetent nurse.
- B. Incompetence only impacts the individual nurse.
- C. The director should follow her institution’s formal process for reporting and handling practices that jeopardize patient safety.
- D. Most nurse practice acts direct how to handle incompetent nurses.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the director should follow the institution's formal process for reporting and handling practices that jeopardize patient safety. This is crucial to maintain high standards of patient care and ensure accountability. Choice A is incorrect as tolerating incompetence can lead to serious consequences for patient safety. Choice B is incorrect as incompetence can impact patient outcomes and overall quality of care. Choice D is incorrect as nurse practice acts may provide guidelines but the institution's specific process should be followed to address incompetence effectively.