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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: sentinel event. A sentinel event is an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological harm to a patient. In this scenario, the accidental cutting of sutures leading to evisceration constitutes a serious harm to the patient, making it a sentinel event. This event requires immediate investigation, analysis, and implementation of preventive measures to ensure patient safety. A: Root cause refers to the underlying reason for a problem, not the event itself. C: Variation in performance is related to inconsistencies in processes, not a specific critical incident like evisceration. D: Causal factor is a contributing element to an event, but it does not capture the severity and significance of a sentinel event like evisceration.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: National Nurses United. This is because National Nurses United is the largest union in the United States specifically representing registered nurses. They have a strong presence in advocating for nurses' rights and providing resources for unionizing efforts. A: American Nurses Association is a professional organization, not a union. B: United American Nurses was dissolved in 2009, so it is not the largest union. D: National Labor Relations Board is a government agency overseeing labor relations, not a union representing nurses.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: variance. In this scenario, the patient's extended time on the ventilator deviates from the expected clinical pathway of extubation and discharge the day after surgery. Variances are deviations from established protocols or guidelines. This situation highlights a deviation from the standard practice and requires further evaluation to understand the reasons for the delay in extubation. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Patient outcome refers to the result of care received by the patient, not the deviation from the expected process. C: Goal represents the desired outcome or target to achieve, not the deviation from the pathway. D: Standard is the established protocol or guideline to follow, not the deviation from it.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Legitimate. The coordinator's power is based on their legitimate authority to invite individuals to join the quality improvement committee. Legitimate power is derived from one's position or role within an organization, giving them the right to make decisions and direct activities. In this scenario, the coordinator's invitation is based on their legitimate authority as the leader of the quality group. Choice A: Coercive power involves the use of threats or punishment to influence others, which is not evident in the scenario. Choice B: Transformational power focuses on inspiring and motivating others to achieve a common goal, which is not explicitly demonstrated in the scenario. Choice C: Laissez-faire power involves a hands-off approach to leadership, allowing individuals to make their own decisions without much guidance, which is not applicable in this scenario.