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. Which of the following theories explains that organizations are made up of intertwined links and diversified choices that generate unanticipated consequences?

• A. Contingency theory
• B. Closed system theory
• C. Open system theory
• D. Chaos theory

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The chaos theory explains that organizations are made up of intertwined links and diversified choices that generate unanticipated consequences. Choice A, Contingency theory, focuses on how organizations adapt to their environment. Choice B, Closed system theory, suggests that organizations are self-contained and do not interact with their environment. Choice C, Open system theory, emphasizes that organizations interact with their environment but does not specifically address intertwined links and diversified choices generating unanticipated consequences.

3. A manager has been given a deadline to complete an assignment by the end of the day. It will take every minute left of the afternoon to complete. Which interventions illustrate assertiveness to minimize interruptions in order to meet the deadline? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Allowing voicemail to answer all incoming calls or turning off email notification
• B. Delegating a discharge planning issue for a patient to one of the staff nurses
• C. Placing a 'Do Not Disturb for the Afternoon' sign on the office door
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: All the interventions listed are appropriate ways to minimize interruptions. By allowing voicemail to answer calls or turning off email notifications, the manager can focus solely on the assignment. Delegating tasks to staff nurses frees up the manager's time. Placing a 'Do Not Disturb for the Afternoon' sign on the office door sends a clear message to minimize interruptions and focus on the deadline. Therefore, all of the above interventions illustrate assertiveness to meet the deadline by minimizing interruptions.

4. Which of the following best describes the role of an informatics nurse specialist?

• A. Managing electronic health records
• B. Providing technical support
• C. Educating nursing staff
• D. Improving patient care through technology

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An informatics nurse specialist focuses on improving patient care through technology by implementing, optimizing, and leveraging healthcare information systems. While managing electronic health records and providing technical support may be part of their responsibilities, the primary goal is to enhance patient outcomes and healthcare delivery through the strategic use of technology. Educating nursing staff, although important, is typically not the core role of an informatics nurse specialist.

5. Horizontal violence may be observed among staff interactions and causes stress among staff. To minimize stress associated with such interactions, nurses can: (Select all that apply.)

• A. Encourage venting as a way to express feelings.
• B. Take control of the situation by being assertive.
• C. Ignore staff who are volatile.
• D. Avoid interactions with angry staff.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To minimize stress associated with horizontal violence among staff interactions, nurses should take control of the situation by being assertive. Being assertive allows nurses to address the issues causing stress in a constructive and professional manner. Encouraging venting without addressing the underlying problems may not resolve the situation effectively. Ignoring staff who are volatile can escalate the issue further, and avoiding interactions with angry staff does not address the root cause of the problem. Therefore, being assertive and addressing the situation directly is the most effective approach to minimize stress and promote a healthy work environment.

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