The nursing executive team met to review last year's productivity metric to strategize for the upcoming year's metric. The team wants to be certain the productivity metric shows productivity was:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: balanced. In a professional setting, a balanced productivity metric indicates that productivity was at an optimal level, not too high or too low. This implies that the team wants to ensure that productivity was neither excessively high nor low, but rather appropriately managed. Option A (high) and B (low) are incorrect as they represent extreme ends of the spectrum, which may not accurately reflect the desired productivity level. Option D (iterative) is incorrect because it refers to a process of repetition and refinement, which is not directly related to the level of productivity achieved. Therefore, the most suitable choice in this context is C: balanced, as it aligns with the team's goal of maintaining an optimal level of productivity.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Safe and effective care environment. The rationale is that assigning different nurses to care for a patient with shingles and a patient with HIV/AIDS is an example of maintaining infection control and preventing the spread of communicable diseases. This falls under the category of safe and effective care environment because it ensures proper isolation precautions are followed to protect both patients and healthcare workers. Summary: - Option A is correct because it relates to infection control and maintaining a safe care environment. - Option B, health promotion and maintenance, is not relevant to the scenario described. - Option C, psychosocial integrity, does not address the primary concern of preventing the spread of infection. - Option D, teaching/learning, is not the focus of the scenario, which is more about infection control and safety.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because including copies of diplomas awarded by colleges/universities provides evidence of the nurse's education and qualifications. This helps to showcase the nurse's academic achievements and credibility to potential employers. Choice B (copies of college transcripts) may not be necessary as diplomas are a more concise representation of education attainment. Choice C (personal photograph) is not typically required in a professional portfolio and may introduce bias in the selection process. Choice D (letters of recognition for scoring high on national achievement tests) are not essential for demonstrating nursing skills and qualifications relevant to the job.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: gather information. This step is essential as it allows nurses to collect data, assess the situation, and make informed decisions. Identifying the problem (A) comes after gathering information. Considering consequences (C) and implementing interventions (D) are later steps in the process once information has been gathered. Gathering information is foundational to problem-solving as it provides the necessary data to understand the situation fully and determine the appropriate course of action.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because starting the workday productively sets a positive tone, leading to better focus and efficiency. By utilizing the first hour effectively, one can tackle important tasks when energy and concentration levels are at their peak. This approach helps in prioritizing and accomplishing key objectives early on, maximizing productivity throughout the day. Choice B is incorrect because completing trivial tasks first can waste valuable time and energy that could be better spent on more significant tasks. Choice C is incorrect as recreational activities can provide necessary mental breaks, leading to increased productivity and overall well-being. Choice D is incorrect because breaks are essential for maintaining focus and preventing burnout, ultimately enhancing productivity in the long run.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because during times of uncertainty in healthcare, patients rely on nurses for care and support. The image of nursing as trustworthy and competent can strengthen the nurse-patient relationship. This fosters a sense of security and confidence in patients. Option B is incorrect because nursing has its own distinct body of knowledge, including theories, principles, and skills that guide practice. Option C is incorrect because while presenting a unified image is important, it is not the sole factor in establishing nursing as a profession. Option D is incorrect because while technologic competence is essential in modern healthcare, the caring aspect of nursing remains crucial, especially during times of crisis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: urine drug screening. Preemployment physicals commonly include urine drug screening to ensure that job applicants are free from illegal substances. This step is crucial for workplace safety and productivity. Cholesterol screening (A) is not typically part of preemployment physicals unless specifically required by the employer. Pregnancy testing (B) is considered discriminatory and is not standard practice. Vision and hearing tests (D) may be included in preemployment physicals, but they are not as common as urine drug screening for ensuring a drug-free workplace.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increasing staffing ratios to include more nurses of all levels of educational preparation on all shifts. Aiken's survey emphasized the importance of adequate nurse staffing in improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality rates. By increasing staffing ratios with nurses of all educational levels, the hospital can ensure better patient care, effective coordination, and timely interventions. This approach addresses the key factors highlighted in Aiken's survey - nurse staffing and education. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the issue of nurse staffing, which was the primary focus of Aiken's survey. Employing bachelor's prepared nurses participating in interprofessional rounds (B) may improve communication but does not solely address the staffing concerns. Ensuring nurse managers have a master's degree (C) may improve leadership but does not directly impact frontline staffing. Encouraging unlicensed assistive personnel to attend educational programs (D) may enhance skills but does not address the need for more nurses in the staffing ratios

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act (2000) mandates that employers must document how and where a sharps injury occurred, including the brand of device involved. This helps in identifying patterns of injuries and evaluating the effectiveness of safety devices. Choice A is incorrect because the Act does not specifically mention nurses in managerial positions evaluating safe needle devices. Choice B is incorrect as there is no requirement for registered nurses to pass a test after sustaining a needle stick. Choice C is incorrect as the Act sets federal standards for safe needle devices, not leaving it up to individual states to determine.