Nursing Elites

1. The charge nurse role has negatively affected your relationship with your friends and made you feel tense and isolated. You decide that you will delegate more time-consuming tasks to staff who are not your friends, who then complain to your nurse manager about your perceived unfairness. You decide to:

• A. Talk with your friends individually to let them know that you will be assigning patients to all staff in an equitable manner.
• B. Not express your angry feelings.
• C. Talk about staff who are annoying you with staff on other units.
• D. Ignore your feelings of uncertainty, hoping they will diminish.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, it is essential to address the perceived unfairness in task delegation. Talking with your friends individually to explain that patients will be assigned equitably is the most appropriate course of action. This approach promotes transparency and fairness in task allocation, helping to maintain professional relationships. Choices B, C, and D are not suitable responses. Choice B ignores the issue, choice C involves unprofessional behavior by gossiping about colleagues, and choice D neglects addressing the root cause of the problem.

2. A manager is prioritizing the following issues. Of the following issues, which should be considered urgent and important?

• A. The manager of physical therapy calls and complains about inappropriate behaviors of one of the staff nurses with one of his therapists.
• B. A staff nurse reports a pattern of malfunctioning IV pumps on the unit during her current shift, resulting in overdosing of medications.
• C. One of the staff nurses, who would have been an extra nurse for the next shift, calls in sick.
• D. A small group of staff nurses request a meeting to discuss initiating a scheduling committee.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because patient safety is a critical concern in healthcare settings. Malfunctioning IV pumps leading to medication overdosing poses a direct threat to patient safety and must be addressed urgently. Choice A involves interpersonal issues between staff members which are important but can be addressed in a less urgent manner compared to patient safety concerns. Choice C, a staff nurse calling in sick, is important for staffing but can be managed through existing protocols. Choice D, initiating a scheduling committee, is a routine operational matter that can be addressed at a later time and does not pose an immediate risk to patient safety.

3. The complexities of the current health care delivery systems require a variety of leadership styles. Which of the following leadership styles would be most effective in this environment?

• A. Autocratic leadership
• B. Laissez-faire leadership
• C. Transactional leadership
• D. Transformational leadership

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In complex health care environments, transformational leadership is the most effective style. This leadership approach focuses on inspiring and motivating staff towards a shared vision. Autocratic leadership (choice A) is too controlling and may not foster innovation and adaptability needed in complex systems. Laissez-faire leadership (choice B) lacks guidance and may lead to confusion in intricate healthcare settings. Transactional leadership (choice C) focuses on tasks and rewards, but may not be as effective in promoting innovation and change management required in complex health care delivery systems.

4. What is the primary goal of discharge planning?

• A. Reducing readmission rates
• B. Improving patient outcomes
• C. Ensuring continuity of care
• D. Ensuring medication adherence

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of discharge planning is to ensure continuity of care for patients transitioning from one level of care to another. While reducing readmission rates and improving patient outcomes are important aspects of discharge planning, the main focus is on coordinating care to prevent gaps and ensure a seamless transition for the patient. Ensuring medication adherence is also crucial but falls under the broader goal of continuity of care.

5. A nurse manager is interested in solving a serious conflict that exists among the nursing staff. He uses a strategy that involves allowing the group to explore a number of solutions and come to a consensus on a solution. What strategy for conflict resolution has the manager used?

• A. Integrative decision-making
• B. Win-win
• C. Competing
• D. Confrontation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Integrative decision-making. Integrative decision-making involves allowing a group to explore various solutions and work together to reach a consensus. This strategy focuses on collaboration and finding a solution that meets the needs of all parties involved. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. 'Win-win' is another term for integrative decision-making, 'Competing' involves pursuing one's own interests at the expense of others, and 'Confrontation' implies a direct conflict rather than a collaborative approach to resolution.

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