Week 9 management

Which message would be appropriate to leave on answering systems? a. "You have reached 910-999-1212. Please leave your name and number and I look forward to returning your call as soon as possible." b. Music that has messages that might be offensive to some callers downloaded as the response when applicant is unavailable. c. "Hi, I'm not here. Sorry you missed me. Call again." d. "I am interviewing for positions, hope to be home soon. If you are calling about an interview, please leave your name, number, and possible positions available."

ANS: A A professional or appropriate message that lets the person know they have reached the correct number and that you will return the call as soon as available.

An RN has critical care experience and is proficient in advanced cardiac life support and often helps to lead "codes" and is an expert clinician with superior health assessment skills. Enjoying a challenge of a fast-paced environment with autonomy, this nurse would best be suited for which nursing role? a. Flight nurse b. Home health nurse c. Hospice nurse d. Occupational health nurse

ANS: A An experienced nurse with critical care experience and a desire to practice in a complex dynamic health care environment requiring clinical decision making would thrive as a flight nurse.

In the preparedness phase for disasters, the community plans for a possible terrorist attack using anthrax as the weapon of destruction. What treatments and/or preparations would be needed? a. Vaccines and Level B Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) b. Treatment for burns, decontamination, and Level A PPE c. Social distance determination, decontamination for radioactive fallout d. Identify and detect incendiary devices, treatment for burns and propellants

ANS: A Anthrax is a biologic weapon and requires Level B protection since it is a known agent and can be carried in wind or surfaces. Timing of treatment is critical and vaccines are available.

During the relief response phase of a disaster resulting from a "dirty bomb": a. treatment for burns and poisoning is provided for victims. b. emergency plans are coordinated between agencies. c. reconstruction of destroyed facilities and homes begins. d. food stores are collected for potential victims.

ANS: A During the relief response phase of a disaster, emergency responders provide assistance to victims and stabilize the scene; with a dirty bomb, radioactive material causes burns and poisoning.

Nurses and community officials are working together to ensure that churches and schools have needed supplies to provide shelter for large numbers of individuals in the event of a natural or manmade disaster. These activities represent which phase of a disaster continuum? a. Preparedness b. Relief response c. Recovery d. Crisis intervention

ANS: A Every disaster response begins as a local event known as the preparedness phase, which consists of planning, preparedness, prevention, and warning.

The forensic nurse would most likely be involved in: a. performing an assessment of rape victim and collecting specimens needed for court. b. assigning a patient with chest pain to be seen first, followed by a patient with an insect bite of unknown origin with red streaks but no respiratory distress. c. assessing a patient at home by asking the patient to place a receiver over the pacemaker to evaluate capture of pacing stimuli and transmitting the results to another state where nurse located. d. performing pediatric life support at the scene of an accident to stabilize then transport via helicopter to the nearest trauma center.

ANS: A Forensic nursing involves providing direct services to clients involved in abuse or victims of crimes and consults with medical and law enforcement.

People are living longer and with older age comes a higher risk of terminal illness. Many individuals have chosen to maximize their quality of life but stop aggressive life-sustaining treatments. Nurses who work with terminally ill patients and their families to provide end-of-life care, pain management, and family support are practicing in which role? a. Hospice b. Infection control c. Coordinator d. Case manager

ANS: A Hospice nurses specialize in holistic care for the patient and family and end-of-life care to maximize quality rather than quantity of years of life.

A nurse interested in an entry level position as a registered nurse prepares the cover letter. A correctly written cover letter might include: a. "I am interested in a position where community outreach is valued as noted in your organization's mission statement." b. "I am highly educated and have several degrees including an Associate Degree in accounting, a certification in word processing, a Bachelor's degree in journalism, and a Bachelor's degree in nursing." c. "I am looking for a position that will allow me to develop my skills and still have a balanced home and work life." d. "I am married, a Christian, a single parent, and due to the downturn in the economy will be willing to work any shift or nursing unit."

ANS: A Letting the potential employer know you have researched the organization shows a sincere interest.

A group of nurses meet with a state representative to explain the importance of allowing registered nurses the right to sign death certificates for patients who were under their care. As constituents and nurses, they requested that the senator vote against the bill restricting this practice. These nurses are serving as: a. lobbyists. b. policymakers. c. officials with regulatory power. d. advocates for the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act.

ANS: A Lobbyists hope to educate and convince policymakers to respond positively to a particular position on an issue or to follow a particular course of legislative or regulatory action.

Time is becoming crucial for the nurse to address issues related to sponsoring programs to include hearing aid costs as part of Medicare coverage. The nurse involved in grassroots political actions realizes that the least timely method of reaching elected officials would be via: a. letter. b. telephone. c. e-mail. d. facsimile (fax).

ANS: A Sending letters is the least timely mode by which to communicate with elected officials; because of the anthrax decontamination process that is now in place, delivery of U.S. mail to Congress and to the White House may be delayed by as long as 3 months, making letters an inefficient means of communicating with policymakers

If a nurse practicing in a mental health agency could only belong to one professional organization, what criteria could be used to select the organization with the biggest impact? a. The American Nurses Association has a strong voice representing the nation's entire RN population. b. Specialty organizations such as the American Psychiatric Nurses Association lobby for higher education requirements for nurses. c. State nursing associations have limited power because they can lobby only state representatives. d. Professional organizations such as The American Association for the History of Nursing (AAHN) record the history of mental health nursing.

ANS: A The American Nurses Association is the voice for all registered nurses

A state is devastated by a tornado killing many people, destroying communication systems, utility services, homes, and medical facilities. The state requests immediate assistance from the U.S. Congress and from surrounding states. The affected state should first contact the: a. Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). b. Institute of Medicine (IOM). c. Red Cross. d. Strategic National Stockpile.

ANS: A The EMAC is an organization authorized by the U.S. Congress through which a state impacted by a disaster can request and receive assistance from other member states quickly and efficiently.

A group of local volunteers respond to a tornado. Volunteers have completed an emergency response course and are able to assist with triage of injured citizens. They also participate in local health fairs to teach residents how to react during tornadoes. The responders are members of the: a. Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). b. Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS). c. National Disaster Medical System (NDMS). d. Commissioned Corps Readiness Force (CCRF).

ANS: A The MRC are local volunteers trained to respond to local emergencies

Troops from the United States participating in a peace mission in a foreign country were the victims of suicide bombers and many soldiers were evacuated back home to receive specialized medical care. The nation's medical responses will be augmented by: a. the federally coordinated National Disaster Medical System. b. local homeland communities where troops receive care. c. the Medical Reserve Corps, which organizes and utilizes public health, nursing, medical, and other volunteers. d. the National Incident Management System, which guides government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to work seamlessly during disaster situations.

ANS: A The National Disaster Medical System supplements care for casualties evacuated back to the United States from overseas and federally declared disasters including national disasters, major transportation accidents, technologic disasters, and acts of terrorism.

A nurse entering the job market wants to be certain that the first position is rewarding and allows for growth as a registered nurse. According to the Hallmarks of the Professional Nursing Environment, the nurse should ask: a. about the philosophy related to clinical care to determine the role of RNs in deciding outcomes related quality outcomes. b. if professional development opportunities are supported through paid leave and tuition reimbursement. c. how compensation packages compare to others in the same area and nationally. d. what the projected need for RNs is in the next 5 years and current turnover rate.

ANS: A The hallmark that suggests the role nurses have in determining the quality of care is noted in the philosophy of clinical care.

A nurse is interested in learning the phases of the disaster continuum and realizes it has many similarities to the nursing process. To better understand the phases of a disaster, which is true when comparing the phases of the disaster continuum to the nursing process? a. The preparedness phase of the disaster continuum is consistent with the assessment and planning steps of the nursing process. b. The recovery phase of the disaster continuum is consistent with the planning step of the nursing process. c. The recovery phase of the disaster continuum is consistent with the implementation step of the nursing process. d. The response relief phase of the disaster continuum is consistent with the evaluation step of the nursing process.

ANS: A The preparedness phase requires assessing possible needs of the community and planning appropriate interventions and is consistent with the assessment and planning steps of the nursing process

The primary focus of the care provider role for the nurse involves: a. using the nursing process to provide guidance to the patient in recovery. b. encouraging consumer self-responsibility and emphasizing health promotion/maintenance. c. focusing on increasing satisfaction among professional nurses. d. advancing nursing practice through research.

ANS: A The primary focus of the care provider's role is to use the nursing process in caring for patients.

Cover letters: a. should signify an interest in the employer and let the employer know that you took time to research the organization. b. must be handwritten so the employer can determine whether charting will be legible. c. should be limited to one paragraph because time is of the essence. d. let the employer know your desired salary, shift, and area of practice.

ANS: A The purpose of the cover letter is to show the recruiter that the applicant has an interest in the facility and that he or she did homework to learn more about the facility.

A nurse notices that care is often withheld until an interpreter arrives, if the nurse is not multilingual. The nurse discusses this with the management team and suggests a three-part series be presented to the nursing staff to teach some commonly used medical terms in Spanish. This nurse is involved in the role of: a. change agent. b. educator. c. manager. d. coordinator.

ANS: A The role of the change agent consists of assessing health care delivery issues and creating solutions to improve health care delivery.

Health care professionals have been activated to respond to a disaster, and the registered nurse who is coordinating the effort realizes that: (select all that apply) a. in the event of a mass casualty incident, care is prioritized to those who have the greatest chance of surviving. b. communities should use their own resources first to attempt to stabilize and organize the response. c. state assistance occurs any time a disaster occurs, regardless of the community's resources. d. the emergency operating plan developed by one central agency rather than individual facilities should be put into operation. e. strict protocols regarding the use of resources must be followed.

ANS: A, B Care is shifted to doing the most good for the most people. Efforts begin at the local level.

What characteristics are associated with the clinical nurse leader? (select all that apply) a. Is a generalist prepared at the master's level. b. Provides care at the bedside for complex patients. c. Identifies the best resources at the lowest price to achieve best health outcomes for a client. d. Serves as care coordinator whose practice is limited to acute care settings. e. Is an advanced practice nurse with an earned doctorate in nursing.

ANS: A, B Clinical nurse leaders are prepared as generalists at the master's level. Clinical nurse leaders provide care to complex patients, change care plans as needed, and coordinate care to a group of patients.

When preparing a portfolio, the nurse should include: (select all that apply) a. copies of diplomas awarded by colleges/universities. b. copies of college transcripts. c. a personal photograph, if not included with the application. d. letters of recognition for scoring high on national achievement tests while in nursing school. e. a copy of the voter's registration card.

ANS: A, B, D Traditional documents, such as copies of diplomas, college transcripts, and recognition letters, are included in the portfolio.

A nurse is concerned about older persons living alone at home without telephone service to contact emergency services. The nurse is advised to take part in grassroots efforts to address the situation. The nurse would: (select all that apply) a. post signs to support the county's political candidates whose platform support services for poor and underserved person such as older adults. b. visit with local politicians running for office and ask specific questions such as, "Would you support providing free emergency telephone service for older adults living alone?" c. limit voting to only presidential elections in which a candidate promises to initiate health care reform related to Medicare for older adults. d. join the American Nurses Association and constituent member association. e. contact representatives from surrounding states to garner support for free medical alert systems for older adults.

ANS: A, B, D Working in local political campaigns is an effective grassroots effort. Visiting, e-mailing, calling, and faxing local politicians to support free emergency telephone service for older adults is a grassroots tactic. Joining ANA and state nursing associations supports these organizations' lobbying efforts and is thus a way for individual nurses to influence the issues that nursing associations support.

A nurse wants to become an advanced practice nurse and investigates the requirements for a: (select all that apply) a. nurse practitioner. b. nurse executive. c. certified nurse-midwife. d. certified registered nurse anesthetist.

ANS: A, C, D A nurse practitioner is considered an advanced practice nurse. A certified nurse-midwife is considered an advanced practice nurse. A certified registered nurse anesthetist is considered an advanced practice nurse.

A new nurse decides to use the Internet to apply for possible positions. How does applying online compare to applying by more traditional methods? (select all that apply) a. Regardless of how one applies, it is important to check the resume for correctness. b. Follow-up with Internet applications is no sooner than 90 days compared to a 1-week follow-up for traditional applications. c. Researching the mission and philosophy of the agency is not necessary with Internet searches and applications. d. The resume and cover letter should be reviewed by someone with excellent skills in grammar and writing to ensure the first impression is one of professionalism and attention to detail. e. Internet applications should include specific questions to be answered prior to accepting an interview such as pay, shifts available, nurse-patient ratio, and autonomy of practice.

ANS: A, D The resume and cover letter must be free of errors regardless if mailed, faxed, presented in person, or submitted online and both should be one page. The typical recruiter spends little time reviewing documents, so clarity and conciseness is important.

A nurse preparing a resume for the first position is anxious to demonstrate all achievements, which included completing a rigorous accelerated program and maintaining a high GPA while also serving in many community projects and leadership positions. The applicant finds it impossible to include all the accolades on one page and researches tips for professional cover letters and resumes and learns: a. margins should be at least 0.5 inch on all four sides, making conciseness important. b. paper should be bright colored to catch the attention of the recruiter. c. legal size paper may be used when applicants have many accolades or extensive work history. d. standardized cover letters present a professional image as opposed to those that stress the applicant's perspective too heavily. e. include in the cover letter that after researching other position, this is the applicant's preference.

ANS: A, E Ample margins—minimum of 0.5 inch (1 inch preferred)—should be used on all four sides to prevent appearing cluttered. A statement declaring this position is one's first choice should be included.

Political action committees (PACs) are established for the purpose of: a. financially supporting candidates. b. persuading policymakers to support certain policies. c. lobbying legislators. d. recommending health care policy.

ANS: B A PAC is an arm of an organization, association, or labor union that is formed to persuade a policymaker to support a certain policy or program or, more often, to ensure the election or reelection of policymakers who support the organization's goals.

A concerned nursing student calls the office of an elected official to voice support for the bill to ban smoking in all public places. The secretary asks, "Are you a constituent?" What does the term constituent mean? a. A member of a professional organization who supports the organization's political issue b. A citizen who is registered and is eligible to vote for a representative c. An elected official who proposes legislation to be considered as a potential law d. A member of the House of Representatives who is seeking support for a particular bill

ANS: B A constituent is a citizen who has the opportunity to vote for candidates in elections for representation at local, state, and federal government levels.

A nurse in an acute care facility helps patients understand how to prevent diabetic neuropathies. This nurse is functioning in the role of: a. change agent. b. educator. c. manager. d. coordinator.

ANS: B A nurse functioning in the role of educator helps patients understand the complications of their disease process.

Many nursing professionals have portfolios that include: a. family pictures. b. letters of commendation. c. articles that describe lack of quality in health care. d. high school achievements.

ANS: B A portfolio includes letters from supervisors and patients, congratulatory messages from peers, and evaluations documented by supervisors.

A valuable tool for determining whether a potential employer is suitable for your career goals is to: a. call The Joint Commission (TJC) to ask whether the organization meets required standards. b. assess the work climate by walking through the facility. c. review financial statements of the institution. d. ask what they can do for you rather than what you can do for them.

ANS: B By observing the staff when taking a tour of the unit, the applicant can get an accurate feel for the culture and personality of the nursing unit. The applicant can assess the manager's interactions with staff and can see how nurses respond to each challenge

The disaster medical assistance team works quickly to contain contaminants from a chemical plant explosion. Afterward, personnel undergo a special process to remove harmful chemicals from equipment and supplies. This removal process is known as: a. containment. b. decontamination. c. triage. d. scene assessment.

ANS: B Decontamination is the physical process of removing harmful substances from personnel, equipment, and supplies.

During a community health fair the disaster medical assistance team (DMAT) informs participants that every community must be ready to provide disaster care. A participant asks, "In a disaster, the local community cannot possibly be effective, so why not have a plan to call federal agencies immediately to provide relief?" The correct response by the DMAT is: a. "Unless known terrorist activities involving mass destruction occur, the federal government does not become involved." b. "The community is essentially the 'first responder' to any disaster." c. "The preparedness phase of a disaster is the responsibility of the community, the relief response phase is assigned to state agencies, and the recovery phase is the responsibility of federal agencies." d. "Unless local health care facilities are incapacitated, state and federal agencies will withhold assistance."

ANS: B Each disaster begins locally, and each community responds first and receives assistance from state and federal agencies when local resources are not adequate for the situation.

Members of a state's constituent member association meet at a local restaurant to plan a Nurse Walk to support the local food bank. When entering the restaurant, the nurses note the environmental inspection report shows deficiencies because food handlers were not wearing hairnets and rodents were spotted, resulting in a score of 60 out of 100. This certificate of inspection is health policy enforced at which level of government? a. Local b. State c. Federal d. International

ANS: B Health policy at the state level is responsible for ensuring food safety in restaurants

In differentiating between interprofessional and multidisciplinary: a. multidisciplinary refers to the care of many diverse patients by one discipline. b. interprofessional involves members of many disciplines working together to provide patient care to a distinct population. c. interprofessional refers to members of the same discipline working together to provide patient care to a distinct population. d. interprofessional is the use of multiple interventions by nurses with varying levels of education.

ANS: B Interprofessional, as related to member roles, involves members of many disciplines working together to provide patient care to a distinct population.

The emergency response team responded to a terrorist attack where hundreds of people died following symptoms of chest tightness, palpations, seizures, and finally paralysis. A colorless odorless liquid known as Sarin (GB) was the agent, which is primarily inhaled with limited exposure through the skin. The concentration of Sarin has not been measured. What level is the minimum level of personal protection and safety equipment (PPE) that would be needed? a. A b. B c. C d. D

ANS: B Level B requires a high level of respiratory protection, but less skin protection, providing a chemical splash-resistant suit with hood and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). It provides maximum respiratory protection but less skin protection than level A equipment

While performing a job search, a nurse reviews the list of Magnet hospitals of the American Nurses Credentialing Center because: a. these hospitals are able to hold on to revenue gained from patient care. b. nursing longevity, autonomy, and self-governance are important features of these institutions. c. all RNs have a minimum of a master's degree and are credentialed in the area in which they provide care. d. these hospitals have the most up-to-date diagnostic equipment such as magnetic resonance imagery.

ANS: B Magnet hospitals demonstrate excellence in areas such as low RN turnover rates, adherence to standards of nursing care as defined by the American Nurses Association, and mechanisms in place for staff participation in decision making.

A new graduate secures the first interview and wants to work where cultural diversity is appreciated. The applicant feels that accepting this interview was the right choice when the recruiter states, "We do not discriminate based on sex, race, or age and practice inclusiveness of diversity." Which question would reflect this statement? a. "Nurses must work a master schedule where one month is Monday through Friday and the next month is the weekend shift. What is your religious belief about working on Sunday?" b. "We offer many benefits for employees such as educational benefits and health insurance." c. "Our mission is to provide patient-centered care that reflects the belief of the patient and family with an aim to win them over to Western medicine and less superstition, don't you agree?" d. "Do you have any issues with working with patients who are from a disadvantaged background because we have many people who refuse to work then want free care?"

ANS: B Sharing information about employee benefits is not asking about discriminatory issues—it just informs the applicants of availability.

A bill is pending in the state legislature that will mandate teaching health promotion related to smoking cessation. Which action by the nurse should have the greatest impact on passage of the bill? a. Explain the rationale for the bill to the school board. b. Contact the elected representative's office by telephone to request support for the bill. c. Support a health advocate to run for election as state representative. d. Tell all students about the bill.

ANS: B Telephone calls are an effective means of communicating your support for a bill, next to a face-to-face meeting; ask to speak to the staff person assigned to the bill or issue for which the call is being made. After introducing yourself, give a brief and simple message such as, "Please tell Senator/Representative [name] that I support [bill number]."

Throughout the history of health care in our nation, one particular piece of federal legislation provided funds for hospital construction. As the number of hospitals rapidly increased, the need for nurses to staff hospitals also increased, and the shift from community-based nursing care to hospital-based nursing care began. This fundamental piece of legislation was the: a. Sheppard-Towner Act. b. Hill-Burton Act. c. Veterans Bill. d. Access to Health Care Bill.

ANS: B The Hill-Burton Act, also known as the Hospital Survey and Construction Act, was enacted in 1950. This act provided funding that resulted in a boom in the construction of hospitals across the country. As the number of hospitals increased rapidly, so did the need for nurses to staff the hospitals. Thus the nurse's role was shifted from community and public health settings to the acute care setting.

Following a terrorist attack, victims are exhibiting posttraumatic stress syndrome, and care providers are exhibiting compassion fatigue. Which federal response system should be initiated? a. Strategic National Stockpile b. Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) c. Commissioned Corps Readiness Force d. National Disaster Medical System

ANS: B The MMRS is concerned with deploying trained responders who are able to provide mental health care for victims and health care providers.

The Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS): a. is totally financed by the federal government national disaster fund. b. consists of responders who have obtained specialized training and equipment to deal with mass casualty events. c. has a storehouse of medications and antidotes to be used during response in times of national emergencies. d. arranges for patient admissions to federal hospitals.

ANS: B The MMRS responds to disaster with trained individuals who have expertise in this type of situation and who have the equipment required to be effective.

A community in the New Madrid fault zone experiences an earthquake resulting in injuries from propelled objects and abrasions for many victims. The local supply of antibiotics is quickly exhausted. Local authorities would contact the: a. Commissioned Corps Readiness Force. b. Strategic National Stockpile. c. Department of Homeland Security. d. local Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA).

ANS: B The Strategic National Stockpile provides antibiotics, antidotes, and medical and surgical items when local and state supplies have been exhausted

A nurse who is participating in a health fair asks, "Other than nursing, what are some opportunities for careers in the health care professions, and what education is required?" The nurse informs participants that a baccalaureate degree is required as the minimum standard for the role of: a. speech therapist. b. occupational therapist. c. nurse-midwife. d. nurse anesthetist.

ANS: B The baccalaureate degree is the minimum requirement for an occupational therapist.

A hospital standard states, "All intravenous (IV) sites must be rotated every 72 hours." The nurse who assesses and records variations from this standard is fulfilling which role of nursing? a. Infection control b. Quality management c. Coordinator position d. Counselor

ANS: B The basic premise is to ensure that outcomes in client care services are consistent with established standards.

A nurse at a school notices that several students have "blisters" on their bodies. Further investigation reveals that a terrorist incident has occurred, causing smallpox. If the chemical, biologic, radiologic, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) agent categories are used, this incident would be classified as: a. chemical. b. biologic. c. radiologic. d. nuclear.

ANS: B The biologic category refers to diseases such as plague or smallpox.

When the policy process is compared with the nursing process, identifying the issue is consistent with which step of the nursing process? a. Assessment b. Diagnosis c. Planning d. Implementation

ANS: B The diagnosis step in the nursing process is consistent with identification of the targeted issue in the political process. As politically active nurses soon discover, effective involvement in policy development and political activities requires efforts similar to those used in the nursing process. The policy process and the nursing process are systematic approaches that use the nursing process for decision making.

A nurse learns of a mass casualty disaster following a known terrorist attack. On arriving at the scene, the nurse knows that: a. the response of local hospitals will be dictated by the federal government. b. the same ground rules practiced in other settings and during smaller crises will be applicable. c. the least experienced nurses will be assigned to triage low-risk victims and victims who have no chance of survival. d. multiple incident commanders ensure a quick, effective response.

ANS: B The fundamentals of nursing applied to other settings and situations can be used in a disaster.

A nurse is responsible for determining the incidence rates of hospital-acquired diarrhea on a pediatric ward after receiving reports that five children admitted with uncontrolled asthma had developed diarrhea while hospitalized. The nurse is working in the role of: a. quality management. b. infection control. c. occupational health. d. forensics.

ANS: B The infection control nurse is concerned with incidence of infections within the hospital.

It is important for nurses to know the functions of the branches of the federal government. At a local meeting of the state nurses' association, an officer reminds members that the branch that is capable of originating major policy initiatives is the _____ branch. a. executive b. legislative c. judicial d. administrative

ANS: B The legislative branch possesses the sole federal power to enact legislation; the legislative branch originates and promotes major policy initiatives and has the power to override a presidential veto.

The nurse who organizes screenings for employees, assesses the work environment for hazards, and teaches health-promoting activities is employed in the field of: a. infection control. b. occupational health. c. informatics. d. transportation specialization.

ANS: B The occupational health nurse organizes screenings for employees, assesses the work environment for hazards, and teaches health-promoting activities.

A nurse explaining the above graph indicates the frequency of falls in 2011 to detect and possibly explain causes of variation. The peaks in June were attributed to regular staff vacations during which agency nurses were used. The nurse is employed in which role? a. Case Manager b. Quality Manager c. Forensic Nurse d. Occupational Health Nurse

ANS: B The role of the quality manager is to improve quality of care and reduce errors. Knowledge of quality management tools is essential to the role. The run chart shown above is one such quality management tool.

A nurse would like to obtain background information and learn the political platform of a candidate who is running for national office. The nurse should contact the: a. National Registry for Candidates. b. American Nurses Association Nurses Strategic Action Team (N-STAT). c. National League of Nurses. d. National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

ANS: B Through legislative updates, N-STAT keeps members up-to-date about background information and the platforms of candidates who are running for national office; N-STAT also provides updates about key bills as they move through the legislative process.

When teaching community preparedness for a community group, the nurse explains that components of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) provide for: (select all that apply) a. a nationwide bomb disposal squad team for the rapid removal of explosive devices. b. teams of health care providers who are experts and have specialized supplies and equipment. c. structures for patient evacuation from the disaster area to an unaffected area. d. arrangements for hospitalization in federal and volunteer nonfederal acute care hospitals. e. providing mental health care for the community, for victims, and for health care providers.

ANS: B, C, D The NDMS provides specially trained teams of people along with equipment designed for disaster relief. The NDMS is responsible for removing patients from unsafe to safe areas. The NDMS coordinates efforts to evacuate victims to federal or nonfederal volunteer hospitals that can care for disaster victims.

A new graduate is excited about finding the first job but doesn't want to make the costly mistake of taking the first job offered or taking a job that doesn't meet her career goals. She learns the best way to know the culture of the potential employer is networking with: a. the executives at the competing agency. b. alumni that graduated from the same school and work in the area. c. nurses currently working in the agency. d. friends or people who have been patients at the agency. e. nurses who are former employees.

ANS: B, C, D, E Networking is a valuable way to gain perspective on the work environment and culture of potential employers. Alumni that graduated from the same school and work in the area would most likely have your best interests in mind. Nurses working the agency have first-hand information. It might be best to ask more than one to get unbiased information. Friends or people who have been patients know the care received and often can determine the nurses' attitude and pick up clues about the quality of patient contact. Nurses who are former employees have experienced the culture and can tell you from their perspective about the work culture and environment, but keep in mind that, if they left involuntarily, their perspective may be skewed.

Advanced practice nurses are prepared minimally at the master's degree level with prescriptive privileges; these professionals include: (select all that apply) a. clinical nurse leader. b. nurse practitioner. c. nursing administrator. d. certified nurse-midwife. e. clinical nurse specialist.

ANS: B, D, E A nurse practitioner requires preparation at the master's degree level. A certified nurse-midwife requires preparation at the master's degree level. A clinical nurse specialist requires preparation at the master's degree level.

A nurse is interested in learning more about health policy and how it might impact nursing practice. She is especially interested in The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and how it will travel through the three branches of the federal government. She researches the roles of the legislative branch of the federal government and learns that this branch: (select all that apply) a. determines which laws are constitutional, such as recently deciding the PPACA is constitutional because it is a form of taxation. b. has the exclusive power to determine where federal dollars will be spent, such as supporting the PPACA. c. consists of the Office of the President and 15 executive departments that supported the PPACA. d. has the power to veto laws found constitutional by the Supreme court and therefore could veto the PPACA. e. can override a Presidential veto, making it possible to amend the PPACA even without approval of the President.

ANS: B, E The legislative branch possesses the sole power to enact legislation, tax citizens, and allocate federal spending. The legislature can override a presidential vote.

A nurse is informed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation has determined that a bomb has been detected and is in the possession of a known terrorist group. The government buildings in the local community are the target. This situation is termed a(n): a. all-hazards approach. b. biologic event. c. credible threat. d. natural disaster.

ANS: C A credible threat is a situation in which the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) determines that a terrorist threat is probable and verifies the involvement of a weapon of mass destruction in the developing terrorist incident.

When should a follow-up letter be written to a recruiter? a. Before the interview to thank him or her for granting you the interview b. Approximately 2 weeks after you did not get the job to inquire c. A few days after the interview d. When you are sure you got the position

ANS: C A follow-up letter thanking the recruiter is a courtesy and a reminder of the nurse's interest in receiving a timely response

A potential applicant reviews the application process and learns that preemployment physicals often include: a. cholesterol screening. b. pregnancy testing. c. urine drug screening. d. vision and hearing tests.

ANS: C A preemployment physical examination is often required, and this includes routine blood tests, urine drug screening, and sometimes a chest radiograph.

A new graduate desires a position in labor and delivery; however, no position is available. What is the best advice for this nurse? a. Continue to study to keep skills current and wait for desired position. b. Return to college until a position in labor or delivery opens. c. Accept another nursing position and transfer into labor and delivery when a position is available. d. Practice obstetrical skills in a simulation lab then present evidence of competency to potential employer.

ANS: C Entry level positions in labor and delivery may be difficulty to find. Accepting a position in another area of the hospital will allow the novice nurse an opportunity to improve her skills and develop clinical decision making as she waits for an open position in labor and delivery.

When the job applicant is asked to identify weaknesses, one appropriate reply for the novice nurse might be: a. "I have no weaknesses." b. "Are you trying to set me up?" c. "Delegating to peers." d. "Caring requires weakness."

ANS: C It is best to be honest about weaknesses the applicant may have. The employer does not expect the graduate nurse to have only strengths. All nurses can improve in their profession.

To determine basic competency, the interview for a nursing position may include a test in: a. pathophysiology. b. correctly writing nursing diagnoses. c. pharmacology. d. computer skills.

ANS: C Preemployment pharmacology testing is common. Institutions often give a quiz to assess basic knowledge of routinely administered medications, their purposes, and associated adverse effects.

In the near future, the largest segment of the population will be those over age 65 years. To advocate for this vulnerable population, a nurse was a strong supporter for the Medicare Modernization Act (Medicare Part D), which: a. provided vision care benefits to elderly persons who were diagnosed as legally blind. b. removed limits to access to mental health/substance abuse services which are the most commonly used service in this population. c. provided coverage for medications for Medicare enrollees that constituted a huge expense for the elderly. d. expanded the practice opportunities for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) who provide the majority of care for this population.

ANS: C The Medicare Modernization Act provided medication benefits to Medicare recipients and encouraged policymakers to have oversight to ensure drug effectiveness.

The crisis communication officer may first inform the public or health care facility of a disaster or an act of terrorism. This representative has the responsibility to: a. contain the facts to within the administration group. b. incite the public to quickly take cover and obtain emergency supplies. c. provide understandable and straightforward facts about the event within the facility and possibly to the news media.

ANS: C The crisis communication officer is the first contact for patients, families, and employees within the facility or news media, so they may better understand the situation and know how to react and protect themselves.

According to the Hallmarks of the Professional Nursing Environment, a nurse should ask a potential employer: a. how salaries compare with those of larger facilities. b. what benefits are provided to RNs that are not available to other health care providers. c. what role nurses have in determining the quality of care. d. how the employer plans to provide long-term economic security to RNs.

ANS: C The hallmark that suggests the role nurses have in determining the quality of care is noted in the philosophy of clinical care.

The appropriate procedure for addressing a cover letter when the applicant is unsure of the name and title of the person to whom the letter should be addressed is to: a. address the letter to "To Whom It May Concern." b. address the letter to "Nurse Recruiter." c. call the facility to inquire about the name and title of the person. d. leave the salutation blank if the name and the title are unknown.

ANS: C The letter should be addressed to a specific person. If the person's name or title is unknown, refer to a marketing brochure, or call the recruitment office and ask for the correct title and spelling of the person's name.

A person from an underrepresented background in nursing is interested in entering nursing school and researches the ethnicity, age, and gender make-up of the nursing profession and finds: a. nursing is a career field that is primarily made up of women younger than 30 years. b. the number of male RNs has steadily increased and is equal to the number of female RNs. c. the majority of RNs are white or non-Hispanic. d. more than half of all RNs are ages 55 through 65.

ANS: C The majority of RNs are white or non-Hispanic (75%).

A nurse tallies the patient satisfaction surveys and approves the use of an agency nurse because of the high census. This nurse is involved in which nursing role? a. Change agent b. Educator c. Manager d. Coordinator

ANS: C The manager is the one who assesses the need for staffing and must justify this in a substantial way. Through this approach, the manager indirectly provides care for patients and families.

A nurse working in a factory performs routine hearing tests for employees. The factory uses 90 dB as the safe limit for an 8-hour day's exposure to machine noise rather than 85 dB as recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The nurse is functioning in the role of: a. quality management. b. informatics nurse specialist. c. occupational health nurse. d. case manager

ANS: C The nurse in the role of occupational health focuses on health promotion and disease control of employees.

A graduate nurse should begin the job search knowing that: a. few jobs are available for RNs because of a failing health care economy. b. it would be more promising to apply to a rural hospital than to an urban hospital. c. although efforts have been made to reduce expenditures for health care, the need for RNs remains stable. d. the demand for nurses to work in acute care hospitals has decreased because most services are being shifted to outpatient and ambulatory settings.

ANS: C The nursing shortage has caused institutions to find unique ways to lure nursing graduates to their place of employment. These include sign-on bonuses, expense-paid weekend visits to the facility, tuition reimbursement, and low-interest loans. Although health care costs are a concern, attracting nurses is currently a priority, with little worry about associated costs.

A patient is admitted for a hip replacement complicated by uncontrolled diabetes and early dementia. The nurse coordinates referrals to an endocrinologist to establish an insulin protocol and organizes out-patient physical therapy in an Alzheimer's assisted living facility upon discharge. The role of this nurse is the: a. informatics specialist. b. educator. c. case manager. d. quality manager.

ANS: C The role of the case manager includes coordination of resources to achieve the best outcomes based on quality, access, and cost.

The RN who identifies the best resources at the lowest cost to achieve optimal health outcomes for the client is fulfilling the role of: a. informatics specialist. b. educator. c. case manager. d. quality manager.

ANS: C The role of the case manager includes coordination of resources to achieve the best outcomes based on quality, access, and cost.

A new graduate nurse is preparing for an interview for her first position and knows that: (select all that apply) a. the primary goal for the first job is to complete orientation and should be considered as an extension of nursing school. b. appointments for interviews should be scheduled immediately after graduation to avoid rushing into a position. c. self-confidence can be improved with self-talk, which reminds the graduate that peers from her school are effective practitioners. d. work history of even nonmedical positions can demonstrate commitment and reliability so letters from these employers should be in portfolio. e. it is best to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled interview dressed for success.

ANS: C, D, E Internal dialogue establishes a means for the graduate to recall achievements that will lead to success in the first nursing position. Jobs such as cashier at a convenience store or dog-sitting can demonstrate responsibility such as handing cash or arriving on time. Arriving too early may cause the recruiter to feel rushed and arriving too late may demonstrate lack of time management and professionalism

A nurse who is applying for a position contacts an expert on writing résumé and cover letters and is told: a. to use correction fluid sparingly. b. that when an error is made, a single line should be used to cross through the mistake, and initials should be inserted above the error. c. to limit margins to one half inch so that the page appears full of information. d. to be concise, limit the resume to a single page.

ANS: D A resume is an effective, compressed one-page summary of the nurse's education and employment history.

A nurse researcher is attempting to describe the demographics of today's RNs and reports that: a. less than half of all RNs work in hospital settings. b. the average age for an RN is 50 years. c. approximately 25% of RNs are male. d. most RN are practicing with a bachelor's degree.

ANS: D A substantial number (55%) of nurses practice with a BSn

Nurses caring for the victims of a mass casualty incident: a. determine the common terminology to be used by hospitals and participating agencies. b. take charge of communicating with the news media. c. determine whether there is a credible threat of a terrorist attack. d. give priority for care to those with the greatest chance of survival rather than those most critically ill.

ANS: D Care is shifted from categorizing patients at low, intermediate, and critical risk to using resources to serve those with the greatest likelihood of survival.

When preparing the education section of a resume: a. list high school, followed by the first college attended. b. include all colleges attended, even if a degree was not awarded. c. omit the address of the university unless requested by the potential employer. d. list in reverse chronologic order the names, dates, and addresses of universities that awarded degrees.

ANS: D Details about education should include degrees and diplomas awarded, names and locations of schools awarding them, and graduation dates, starting with the most recent graduation and degree.

A new graduate arrives for the first interview feeling prepared and excited about beginning a nursing career but quickly becomes concerned when the recruiter asks which illegal question? a. "Have you been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation?" b. "We are very interested in hiring you but you do understand the position is contingent on the results of the preemployment physical and background check?" c. "What do you consider to be your major weaknesses for this particular position?" d. "Because you are applying for a position in the operating room, you must be able to be on call. How many children do you have responsibility for at home?"

ANS: D It is illegal for the recruiter or interviewer to ask number of children or dependents prior to making a job offer.

A person who is covered by Medicaid moves from one state to another and asks the nurse at the health department why the benefits changed. The correct response by the nurse is: a. "Local government controls which benefits each county can provide to Medicaid recipients." b. "The federal government does not fund any part of Medicaid, so each state must find ways to pay for benefits." c. "Each state determines benefits on the basis of the present economy." d. "Medicaid is funded by both state and federal governments, but benefits vary from state to state."

ANS: D Medicaid is a program that is funded through a combination of state and federal funds; thus benefits vary from state to state.

A nurse who is conducting a staff in-service on the phases of a disaster continuum teaches participants that, during the impact/response stage, activities focus on: a. community awareness in anticipation of a terrorist attack or natural disaster. b. determining the effectiveness of the disaster medical assistance team (DMAT). c. the use of an all-hazards approach. d. initiating response activities.

ANS: D Response activities during the relief response phase consist of immediate actions to save lives and meet basic human needs.

The role of the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) would include: a. diagnosing a patient with pneumonia and prescribing antibiotics. b. teaching members of a faith community how to avoid skin cancer and referring those with suspicious lesions. c. participating in the team who is investigating possible abuse of elderly persons by members of a gang known to sell illegal drugs. d. coordinating care of a patient admitted 4 days ago with stage IV heart failure and chronic bronchitis by revising care plan to include ambulation 50 feet with assistance.

ANS: D The CNL is not an advanced practice nurse but is an advanced generalist who provides care and coordination of care for patients with complex needs and revises care plan to meet desired outcomes.

A nurse is interested in practicing in a faith-based community; when researching the role of the parish nurse, the nurse finds that: a. certification is available at a basic level after a qualifying examination is completed and a set number of practice hours have been worked, as defined by the state's nurse practice act. b. this advanced practice role focuses on health promotion and disease prevention. c. this role has no set standards or scope of practice but instead follows the doctrine of the denomination being served. d. this role is recognized by the American Nurses Association (ANA) as a specialty with a defined set of practice guidelines.

ANS: D The role of parish nurse has become a recognized specialty in a growing professional practice. In 1998, the ANA established the scope and standards of this professional practice.

A nurse would like to advocate for increased protective services and reporting mechanisms for elder abuse and attends the "meet the candidate" session at the town hall meeting. This is an important time for the nurse to: a. educate the public about the nurse's political platform. b. be spontaneous and not deliver a rehearsed speech. c. address the person as "candidate" rather than using a first name that implies a working relationship. d. learn what the key issues are in the candidate's platform.

ANS: D Town hall gatherings with nurses allow the candidate to talk about his or her platform to a group of interested voters and afford nurses an opportunity to understand the candidate's vision and to voice their opinions and concerns about health care issues

An RN testifies at a trial where domestic violence is being investigated. She had previously assisted with specimen collection and had assessed the victim. The nurse is involved in _____ nursing. a. triage b. forensic c. flight d. entrepreneurial

b