A nurse recognizes which of the following as a primary goal of nursing?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assist patients to achieve a peaceful death. This is a primary goal of nursing as it involves providing comfort, dignity, and support to patients at the end of life. Nurses play a crucial role in ensuring that patients' physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met during this challenging time. Incorrect choices: B: Improving personal knowledge and skills is important for nurses but not the primary goal of nursing. C: Advocating for quality of life is essential, but the primary goal is to assist patients in achieving a peaceful death. D: Controlling costs is important, but it is not the primary goal of nursing, which is to provide holistic care and support to patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: metacommunications. Nonverbal messages in communication, such as body language and environmental factors, are referred to as metacommunications because they convey additional meaning beyond the verbal message. This term encompasses the subtle cues and signals that influence the interpretation of the message. Lateral communication (A) refers to communication between individuals or groups at the same hierarchical level, not specifically related to nonverbal cues. Upward communication (B) involves communication from lower levels to higher levels in an organization. Downward communication (D) refers to communication from higher levels to lower levels. These choices are incorrect as they do not specifically address the role of nonverbal cues in communication.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Providing constructive feedback. Performance appraisals are primarily conducted to give employees feedback on their performance, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. This helps employees understand their performance, set goals, and develop professionally. Choice B is incorrect as performance appraisals should not be used for punishment but for development. Choice C is incorrect as appraisals focus on identifying performance-related issues, not general issues. Choice D is incorrect because while coaching may be a part of the appraisal process, the main purpose is to provide feedback.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Using per diem workers. This option is viable because per diem workers can be brought in to cover shifts without incurring overtime costs. By utilizing per diem workers, the organization can reduce the need for regular staff to work overtime hours, hence decreasing overall overtime expenses. A: Limiting overtime for highly paid workers is not a practical solution as all workers, regardless of pay, may contribute to the need for overtime. B: Reducing the number of beds may lead to reduced capacity and impact patient care, not directly addressing the issue of reducing overtime. D: Refusing to pay overtime is not a sustainable solution as it may lead to legal issues and impact employee morale and productivity.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the RN is restricting the patient's freedom to leave the hospital against his will, which constitutes false imprisonment. The patient has the right to refuse treatment and leave the facility. Choice B is incorrect because asking the client why he wishes to leave shows respect for his autonomy. Choice C is incorrect as it pertains to educating the patient about his medical condition, not restricting his freedom. Choice D is incorrect as asking the client to sign an against medical advice form is a way to document his decision and protect the healthcare provider legally.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, advocate for patient needs. A nurse advocate acts as a voice for patients, ensuring their rights are respected and needs are met. This involves advocating for proper care, treatment, and support. Direct patient care provider (A) focuses on hands-on patient care. Managing nursing staff (C) involves overseeing and coordinating staff, not directly advocating for patients. Ensuring policy adherence (D) involves following organizational policies and procedures, not necessarily advocating for individual patient needs. In summary, the role of a nurse advocate is to prioritize and champion the best interests of the patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Direct patient care. Case management in nursing focuses primarily on coordinating care, advocating for patients, and ensuring their needs are met. This involves direct patient interaction, collaborating with healthcare providers, and addressing the patient's physical, emotional, and social well-being. Resource management (B) involves allocating resources efficiently, financial planning (C) focuses on budgeting and financial aspects, and quality assurance (D) pertains to monitoring and improving healthcare standards. These options are important in healthcare but are not the primary focus of case management in nursing.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct site to administer morning insulin for a patient who rides a bicycle daily is the abdomen. The abdomen has consistent and faster absorption rates due to increased blood flow and muscle activity during exercise, ensuring better insulin absorption and efficacy. Insulin absorption is slower in the thigh and buttock due to less muscle movement and blood flow. The upper arm may not be as convenient for self-administration and may result in inconsistent absorption.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Communication of goal direction. Trait theory suggests that effective leaders possess certain inherent traits, such as the ability to communicate clear goals and direction to their team. This trait is crucial as it helps align team members towards a common purpose, motivating and guiding them towards success. Option A, communication of duties assigned, is focused on tasks rather than overall goals. Option B, adaptability, and changing priorities are more related to situational leadership than inherent traits. Option C, order giving and decision making, is specific actions rather than a trait. Therefore, D is the most suitable trait among the choices provided.