Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Patient-focused.' When aiming to reduce the potential for risk, it is essential to prioritize the needs and well-being of the patients. Creating a patient-focused atmosphere helps ensure that decisions and actions are made with the patients' best interests in mind. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while nurses, physicians, and families play essential roles in healthcare, when it comes to reducing risks, the primary focus should be on the patients themselves.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The best choice that describes the cause of the manager missing his deadline is 'Time wasters.' In this scenario, the manager's focus was diverted by tasks like answering the phone, checking emails, and speaking with staff, which are considered time wasters when they prevent him from meeting his deadline. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect in this context. Goal setting was not the issue as the manager was aware of the deadline; organization did not play a significant role as his tasks were interrupted by external factors, and assertiveness was not the cause of missing the deadline.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Professional nurses who seek mentoring relationships work with their mentors to gain objective feedback, guidance, and confidence. A mentoring relationship is critical when making job decisions, establishing goals, discussing professional judgment, considering ethical issues, and in determining challenges for growth. Choice B, "Assuming each other's characteristics," is incorrect because mentoring is about learning, guidance, and support to develop one's own professional identity, not about assuming someone else's characteristics. Choices A, C, and D are all beneficial outcomes of mentoring relationships, including instilling a sense of accomplishment, fostering interdependence, and promoting self-esteem, respectively.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The essential element of a quality improvement (QI) program is continual monitoring. Continual monitoring allows for the ongoing assessment of processes, identification of areas for improvement, and tracking of progress. Option A, 'Blame and punishment,' is incorrect as QI programs focus on systemic issues rather than individual blame. Option B, 'Employee satisfaction,' while important for organizational culture, is not an essential element of QI programs. Option D, 'Strict adherence to policies,' is valuable but not the core essential element, which is continual monitoring to drive improvement.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Patient-focused.' When aiming to reduce the potential for risk, it is essential to prioritize the needs and well-being of the patients. Creating a patient-focused atmosphere helps ensure that decisions and actions are made with the patients' best interests in mind. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while nurses, physicians, and families play essential roles in healthcare, when it comes to reducing risks, the primary focus should be on the patients themselves.