Which of the following best describes the role of a clinical nurse specialist (CNS)?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) primarily serves as a consultant for nursing staff. They provide expert guidance, education, and support to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes. This role involves collaborating with nurses to enhance their skills and knowledge. A: Direct patient care provider - While CNS may provide direct patient care, their main focus is on educating and supporting nursing staff. B: Administrator of healthcare facilities - This role is typically carried out by nurse administrators, not CNS. D: Policy maker in healthcare organizations - Policy-making is usually the responsibility of healthcare executives or policymakers, not CNS.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ability to recover quickly from setbacks. Resilience in healthcare refers to the capacity to bounce back from challenges and setbacks effectively. This ability is crucial in handling unexpected situations and maintaining quality patient care. Choice B, strict adherence to protocols, focuses on following guidelines rather than bouncing back. Choice C, adapting to changing environments, is related to flexibility rather than recovery from setbacks. Choice D, maintaining consistent performance, emphasizes stability rather than the ability to recover quickly. Overall, option A best captures the essence of resilience in healthcare.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Improving patient care through technology. Informatics nurse specialists focus on utilizing technology to enhance patient outcomes and streamline healthcare processes. They analyze data, implement new technologies, and design systems to improve efficiency and quality of care. This role involves understanding both nursing practice and technology to bridge the gap between the two, ultimately benefiting patients. A: Managing electronic health records - While informatics nurse specialists may oversee EHR systems, their primary focus is on using technology to enhance patient care, not just managing records. B: Providing technical support - While they may provide some technical support, their main role is to leverage technology to improve patient outcomes, not solely to troubleshoot technical issues. C: Educating nursing staff - While education is a part of their role, the primary objective of an informatics nurse specialist is to improve patient care through technology, not just educating staff.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because in palliative care, nurses play a crucial role in coordinating patient care and providing effective pain management. This involves working closely with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic care and comfort for the patient. Nurses are responsible for assessing and addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of patients in palliative care. Providing pain relief and symptom management is a key aspect of improving the quality of life for patients. Emotional support (choice A) is important but not the primary role. Administering medications (choice C) is a task within the role but not the primary focus. Conducting research (choice D) is valuable but not the primary responsibility of a nurse in palliative care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: medical-legal incident. When a client discharges AMA, it poses medical-legal risks for healthcare providers. This includes potential liability if the client experiences adverse outcomes post-discharge. Other choices are incorrect because discharging AMA is not solely focused on nurses (A) or physicians (B), but involves legal implications. It is also not purely patient-focused (D) as it impacts the healthcare team's legal responsibilities.