ANCC NPD-BC Exam Questions

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181.

When preparing to present research findings on a new wound care protocol at a professional nursing conference, which of the following elements is most important to include in the presentation?

  • Statistical analysis of the research data.

  • A detailed history of wound care practices.

  • Patient case studies.

  • Information about potential funding sources for further research.

Correct answer: Statistical analysis of the research data.

Including statistical analysis provides the audience with concrete evidence of the research findings' validity and significance, which is essential for scientific communication.

While historical context can be informative, it is not as critical as presenting the actual data and outcomes of the current research. Case studies can enrich a presentation but should not replace the importance of presenting empirical data and analysis. Information about funding sources is useful but secondary to the necessity of sharing the research methodology, results, and implications.

182.

A nurse leader introduces a new electronic health record system. Some staff members are resistant to the change. Which approach should he take to facilitate this transition and ensure competent use of the new system?

  • Provide comprehensive training and support

  • Enforce strict penalties for non-compliance

  • Ignore the resistance and proceed with implementation

  • Only train a select few as super users then have them train others

Correct answer: Provide comprehensive training and support

Providing comprehensive training and support addresses the need for skill development and can help mitigate resistance by increasing confidence and competence.

Enforcing strict penalties for non-compliance can create a negative atmosphere and may not address the root causes of resistance. Ignoring the resistance and proceeding with implementation can lead to ongoing issues and a lack of buy-in from staff. Only training a select few and having them train others can be part of a larger strategy, however, solely relying on it may lead to inconsistent training and understanding.

183.

A patient with a chronic condition frequently misses appointments and does not follow the prescribed treatment plan. According to the ethics of care, what should be the initial approach of the nurse to address this issue?

  • Explore the reasons behind the patient’s behavior.

  • Warn the patient about the health risks associated with non-compliance.

  • Enforce policies regarding appointment attendance and treatment adherence.

  • Limit the resources spent on the patient to allocate them to more compliant individuals.

Correct answer: Explore the reasons behind the patient’s behavior.

The ethics of care focuses on building understanding and supportive relationships, and addressing the whole situation of the patient, including factors that influence their decisions and behaviors.

While warning about health risks is part of educating the patient, it does not address the ethics of care by addressing underlying issues or fostering a caring relationship. Enforcing stricter policies may not address the underlying reasons for non-compliance and does not align with the nurturing approach of the ethics of care. Limiting resources goes against the caring, inclusive approach advocated by the ethics of care.

184.

A nurse educator is selecting a new textbook for an upcoming course and is considering a book written by a close colleague. To avoid a conflict of interest, what is the best action for the nurse educator to take?

  • Have an independent committee review and select the textbook.

  • Select the textbook written by the colleague to support their work.

  • Consider the potential biases and ensure they are not influencing the decision prior to selecting the textbook.

  • Use another textbook in addition to the one written by the colleague for the course.

Correct answer: Have an independent committee review and select the textbook.

Having an independent committee review and select the textbook ensures an unbiased decision-making process, mitigating potential conflicts of interest.

Selecting a textbook solely because it was written by a colleague could be perceived as biased and may not ensure the best educational resource is chosen. Avoiding potential biases by personal reflection alone is likely to be insufficient and can result in the appearance of a conflict of interest. While using multiple textbooks could provide a broader perspective, it does not address the potential conflict of interest in selecting the colleague’s book.

185.

Which of the following best describes an impact of mobile health applications on nursing practice?

  • They provide a platform for remote monitoring and health promotion.

  • They have reduced the reliability of clinical judgment in nursing practice.

  • They have no direct impact on patient care.

  • They increase the risk of miscommunication between patients and healthcare providers.

Correct answer: They provide a platform for remote monitoring and health promotion.

Mobile health applications have significantly impacted nursing practice by enabling remote monitoring and health promotion activities while also enhancing patient engagement and supporting the self-management of conditions.

Mobile health applications support rather than reduce the reliance on clinical judgment by providing additional data for informed decision-making. While some apps may be used for administrative purposes like scheduling, many are designed to directly support patient care. When used correctly, mobile health applications can improve communication between patients and healthcare providers by providing secure and convenient channels for exchanging information.

186.

During a diabetes education session, a nurse educator provides a handout with complex dietary guidelines. Which of the following is most likely to be true for a patient with limited health literacy?

  • They may misinterpret the guidelines, potentially leading to poor glycemic control.

  • They are likely to feel confident in managing their diabetes effectively.

  • They will require additional resources to understand the dietary restrictions.

  • They will be unable to read the handout.

Correct answer: They may misinterpret the guidelines, potentially leading to poor glycemic control.

Patients with limited health literacy often feel overwhelmed or confused by complex information. Patients with limited health literacy are more likely to misinterpret medical information, which can result in improper management of their condition.

While additional resources can be helpful, they may not address the misunderstandings that can arise from complex information. Limited healthcare literacy often impacts patient confidence, reducing their feeling of competency. Low literacy may affect the patient’s ability to read, however, low health literacy results in difficulty understanding health-related information, not difficulty reading.

187.

A nurse educator incorporating computer-assisted teaching for a course on emergency response procedures should prioritize which of the following if possible?

  • Adaptive learning technology that tailors content to an individual learner's pace and understanding.

  • Standardized content that is the same for every learner.

  • One-way communication tools to efficiently deliver content to a large number of learners.

  • Reliance on textual content to ensure information is clearly conveyed.

Correct answer: Adaptive learning technology that tailors content to an individual learner's pace and understanding.

Adaptive learning technologies can personalize the learning experience, ensuring that each learner is engaged and that the material is understood at their own pace.

Standardized content may not meet the needs of all learners or accommodate different learning paces and styles. While efficient, one-way communication tools may not be as effective in engaging learners or promoting active learning. Textual content is important but should be balanced with interactive, visual, and practical learning activities for optimal learning outcomes.

188.

During a code blue, a nurse leader efficiently delegates tasks, communicates clearly, and maintains a calm demeanor, effectively managing the situation. According to behavioral theory, how should these actions be interpreted in terms of leadership?

  • As learned behaviors that can be developed and refined through experience and training.

  • As innate traits that naturally enhance the nurse leader's ability to manage emergency situations.

  • As a situational response that varies greatly and cannot be consistently applied in different scenarios.

  • As less important than the inherent personality traits the nurse leader possesses.

Correct answer: As learned behaviors that can be developed and refined through experience and training.

Behavioral theory posits that effective leadership is a result of learned behaviors. Efficient task delegation, clear communication, and maintaining calm are behaviors likely developed and refined over time.

While innate traits may play a role, behavioral theory emphasizes learned behaviors in leadership rather than natural traits. While situational factors are important, behavioral theory suggests that certain behaviors can be learned and applied consistently across different situations. Behavioral theory focuses on the impact of learned behaviors on leadership effectiveness, rather than on inherent personality traits.

189.

A nursing professional development specialist is educating staff on the importance of evidence-based practice. Which statement best reflects the relationship between evidence-based practice and professional nursing standards?

  • Evidence-based practice is a fundamental component of professional nursing standards.

  • Evidence-based practice has replaced the need for professional nursing standards in recent years.

  • Professional nursing standards are developed independently of evidence-based research.

  • Professional nursing standards dictate the use of evidence-based practice in clinical settings.

Correct answer: Evidence-based practice is a fundamental component of professional nursing standards.

Evidence-based practice is a key element of professional nursing standards, guiding nurses to provide care that is based on the best available evidence.

Evidence-based practice does not replace professional standards but is integral to them. Professional nursing standards are increasingly informed by and integrated with evidence-based research. Professional standards do not restrict but rather encourage the use of evidence-based practice.

190.

A patient with heart failure and limited health literacy is being discharged. To ensure they understand their discharge instructions, the nurse should do which of the following?

  • Use a teach-back method, asking the patient to explain the instructions in their own words.

  • Provide a comprehensive, written plan only.

  • Speak only in medical terms to ensure the accuracy of the information.

  • Encourage family members to explain the instructions to the patient later.

Correct answer: Use a teach-back method, asking the patient to explain the instructions in their own words.

The teach-back method ensures the patient has understood the information by having them explain it back in their own words.

A written plan is not likely to be sufficient to address the needs of a patient with limited health literacy. Medical terms can be confusing and may not be understood by a patient with limited health literacy. Relying on family members can lead to miscommunication; direct patient education is more reliable.

191.

During a community health class, a nurse educator notices that a group of students from a particular ethnic background are reluctant to participate in a discussion about sexual health. Which action by the educator best demonstrates cultural competence?

  • Modify the discussion to respect cultural sensitivity and encourage participation.

  • Continue the discussion as planned, recognizing that what the nurse views as reluctance to participate is a normal response in some cultures.

  • Privately ask a student from the group to explain the reluctance to the class.

  • Postpone the discussion and move to a different topic until the group of students is not present.

Correct answer: Modify the discussion to respect cultural sensitivity and encourage participation.

Modifying the discussion demonstrates cultural awareness and sensitivity, promoting an inclusive learning environment.

Continuing without modification may further alienate the group and show insensitivity to cultural norms. Asking a student to explain their group's reluctance publicly could be embarrassing and may reinforce stereotypes. Postponing the discussion might avoid addressing important educational content, does not demonstrate cultural competence, and could discriminate in how the education is provided.

192.

Which of the following is the most important benefit of telehealth services for patients in rural areas?

  • Increased access to specialist care.

  • Elimination of all healthcare disparities.

  • Reduction in the need for patient health literacy.

  • Reduction in the cost of care.

Correct answer: Increased access to specialist care.

Increased access to specialist care significantly improves access to services for patients in remote locations who might otherwise have limited ability to access this care.

Telehealth can reduce but will not eliminate healthcare disparities. Patient health literacy remains important for understanding and managing health, even with telehealth services. While telehealth can result in a reduced cost of care, this benefit is secondary to the increased accessibility telehealth offers.

193.

A nurse educator is teaching a class on safe medication administration. Which of the following points should be emphasized as a critical aspect of maintaining safety and legal compliance in documentation?

  • The need to document the rationale for any deviation from the prescribed medication administration protocol.

  • The role of using shorthand and medical abbreviations to expedite documentation.

  • The practice of documenting medication administration immediately before it is carried out to ensure it is not forgotten.

  • The need to ensure all documentation reflects adherence to all established protocols.

Correct answer: The need to document the rationale for any deviation from the prescribed medication administration protocol.

Documenting the rationale for any deviations from standard protocols is essential for legal compliance and patient safety, as it provides context and justification for the nurse's actions.

While shorthand and abbreviations are commonly used, they can lead to misunderstandings and errors if not universally understood or accepted, thus compromising safety. Documentation should occur after the medication is administered to ensure accuracy. Documenting beforehand could lead to discrepancies if the administration is delayed or not completed. Documentation should accurately reflect what occurred. There may be times when it is necessary to provide care in a manner other than established in protocols or when the established protocols are not followed. In these circumstances, documenting what happened and the rationale used is most important.

194.

A nurse manager is leading a team through a major transition in hospital policy aimed at improving patient care. Which action best exemplifies the use of transformational leadership in this scenario?

  • The nurse manager regularly communicates the vision and benefits of the new policy, inspiring staff to embrace the changes.

  • The nurse manager establishes a reward system for staff who adhere to the new policy.

  • The nurse manager closely monitors the staff's adherence to the new policy and promptly corrects any deviations.

  • The nurse manager delegates the responsibility of implementing the new policy to senior nursing staff.

Correct answer: The nurse manager regularly communicates the vision and benefits of the new policy, inspiring staff to embrace the changes.

Transformational leadership involves inspiring and motivating staff by communicating a compelling vision and benefits of initiatives, encouraging staff to embrace and drive change.

Establishing a reward system aligns more with transactional leadership, which focuses on extrinsic motivation through rewards and punishments. Closely monitoring staff and correcting deviations is more indicative of transactional leadership, which focuses on supervision and control. While delegation is a valuable management tool, it does not exemplify the inspirational and motivational aspects of transformational leadership.

195.

In her role as a case manager, a nurse is working with a patient who has limited understanding of their medical condition and treatment options. What is the nurse’s primary responsibility in this situation?

  • Educate the patient about their condition and treatment options to facilitate informed decision-making.

  • Provide detailed medical information then leave decision-making to the patient.

  • Make healthcare decisions on behalf of the patient to streamline the care process.

  • Refer the patient to a medical specialist who can lead the decision-making process.

Correct answer: Educate the patient about their condition and treatment options to facilitate informed decision-making.

Empowering the patient with knowledge and supporting them in the decision-making process is a fundamental aspect of case management and patient advocacy.

While providing information is important, support in understanding and decision-making is also a crucial part of patient advocacy. Making decisions on behalf of the patient undermines the patient's autonomy and right to be involved in their own care decisions. While referrals may be appropriate, the case manager should continue to support the patient through the process.

196.

A nurse posts a detailed guide on how to perform a specific nursing procedure on their personal professional blog. The guide is adapted from a protocol developed at their workplace. Which of the following best describes the legal considerations the nurse should be aware of before posting?

  • The guide may contain proprietary information, and permission should be obtained from the employer before posting.

  • The guide can be considered a fair use since it is posted for educational purposes.

  • Posting the guide is permissible as long as the nurse's employer is credited.

  • As a healthcare professional, the nurse has the right to share nursing practices publicly without restrictions.

Correct answer: The guide may contain proprietary information, and permission should be obtained from the employer before posting.

Protocols developed by an employer can be considered proprietary or intellectual property, and posting them without permission could violate copyright laws or employer policies.

Fair use is a complex determination and typically does not cover the wholesale adaptation of proprietary procedures for public distribution. Crediting the employer does not negate potential copyright or intellectual property violations related to proprietary procedures. Nurses and other healthcare professionals are still subject to copyright and intellectual property laws, and sharing proprietary practices without permission can lead to legal issues.

197.

Which of the following is the most secure and recommended method for maintaining records of continuing education credits for nursing professionals?

  • Utilizing a professional online tracking system provided by a nursing association.

  • Keeping physical copies in a locked file at home.

  • Storing digital copies on a personal computer with a password.

  • Sending copies to a personal email account.

Correct answer: Utilizing a professional online tracking system provided by a nursing association.

A professional online tracking system is specifically designed for this purpose, usually offering high security, easy accessibility, and often regulatory compliance.

While keeping physical copies is a good practice, it's not as secure or accessible as digital means and can be lost due to physical damage or misplacement. Storing digital copies on a personal computer is better than using physical copies but still poses risks if the computer is damaged, lost, or hacked. Using a personal email account poses security risks and lacks the organization and dedicated features of professional systems.

198.

In a situation where a nurse is leading a quality improvement project to reduce medication errors, which tool would be most suitable for providing information during a meeting about the project outcomes to stakeholders?

  • Presentation software

  • Spreadsheet

  • Email

  • Document production software

Correct answer: Presentation software

Presentation software allows for the creation of visually engaging and concise presentations that can effectively communicate project outcomes.

While spreadsheets are great for data analysis, they are not the best medium for presenting data to stakeholders. Email is a remote communication tool and not the most effective means for presenting project outcomes during a meeting. Document production software is better suited for detailed reporting than for engaging presentations. While a document may supplement a presentation, presentation software will play a more central role.

199.

A nurse educator is implementing a new learning management system for staff training. What feature is most crucial for ensuring compliance with mandatory training programs?

  • Automatic tracking of course completions

  • Automated reminders to complete scheduled education

  • Gamification elements

  • Any feature that improves staff engagement with the content

Correct answer: Automatic tracking of course completions

Automatic tracking and reporting are essential for monitoring progress and ensuring staff complete mandatory training programs within required timelines.

Automated reminders to complete scheduled education can improve compliance, but tracking completion is more important for ensuring compliance as it provides data on who has actually completed the assigned learning. Gamification can improve engagement but is not essential for tracking compliance. Features that improve staff engagement with the content can improve completion rates, but it does not allow for tracking of completion.

200.

A nurse is aware that a colleague has been consistently underperforming, potentially putting patient safety at risk. Which ethical principle primarily obligates the nurse to report this behavior?

  • Nonmaleficence

  • Autonomy

  • Beneficence

  • Fidelity

Correct answer: Nonmaleficence

Nonmaleficence is the principle that obligates healthcare professionals to avoid causing harm. Reporting unsafe practices or underperformance is a duty to prevent potential harm to patients.

Autonomy pertains to the individual's right to make decisions, not the obligation to report unsafe practices. Beneficence is about doing good, but the primary concern here is avoiding harm to patients. Fidelity involves trustworthiness, however, the specific principle that mandates action in this scenario is nonmaleficence.