Nursing Elites

1. A manager has a budget request deadline today at 3:00. He stops his work to answer the phone, check emails as they arrive, and speak with staff who stop by his office. As a result, he misses the deadline. What best describes the cause of missing his deadline?

• A. Goal setting
• B. Organization
• C. Time wasters
• D. Assertiveness

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.

2. When in opposition to an immediate superior, a nurse manager should use which important strategy in a confrontation?

• A. Using 'I' language
• B. Using absolutes
• C. Using 'why' questions
• D. Using negative assertions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When in a confrontation, using 'I' language is crucial for a nurse manager. This approach allows the manager to express personal feelings without sounding accusatory, which can help reduce defensiveness and promote open communication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Using absolutes can come off as rigid and may escalate the conflict. 'Why' questions can be perceived as confrontational and may put the other person on the defensive. Negative assertions can lead to a more hostile exchange rather than fostering a constructive dialogue.

3. Which of the following indicators is viewed as important by the nurse manager in relation to a performance model?

• A. Patient outcomes
• B. Rapport with staff
• C. Daily job performance
• D. Flexibility

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Patient outcomes. In a performance model, one of the key indicators that a nurse manager would focus on is patient outcomes. Patient outcomes are a direct reflection of the quality of care provided by the staff, making it a crucial aspect of evaluating performance. Choice B, rapport with staff, though important for team dynamics, is not directly related to a performance model that primarily assesses job performance. Choice C, daily job performance, is relevant but more of an outcome rather than an indicator itself. Choice D, flexibility, is a valuable trait but not specifically highlighted in the context of a performance model.

4. A 54-year-old patient is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis. Which admission order should the nurse implement first?

• A. Infuse 1 liter of normal saline per hour.
• B. Give sodium bicarbonate 50 mEq IV push.
• C. Administer regular insulin 10 U by IV push.
• D. Start a regular insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/hr.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a patient admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis, the initial priority is to address dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Infusing 1 liter of normal saline per hour helps correct hypovolemia and restore electrolyte balance, making it the first essential step in managing diabetic ketoacidosis. Sodium bicarbonate is not routinely recommended in treating diabetic ketoacidosis and should not be given routinely as it may worsen the acidosis. Administering regular insulin and starting an insulin infusion are important but should come after fluid resuscitation to stabilize the patient's condition.

5. The manager of a medical-surgical unit is very task-motivated. Using Fiedler's Contingency Theory, under what circumstances would the manager be most effective?

• A. Only during highly stressful situations.
• B. When there is little to no stress.
• C. Under highly structured situations.
• D. When the situation is loosely structured.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: According to Fiedler's Contingency Theory, task-motivated managers are most effective under highly structured situations. This is because in such environments, where priorities are clear and tasks are well-defined, task-oriented managers can excel in organizing and accomplishing objectives efficiently. Choices A and B are incorrect because the effectiveness of a task-motivated manager is not solely linked to stress levels but rather to the structure of the situation. Choice D is also incorrect as a loosely structured situation would not provide the clarity and direction that a task-motivated manager thrives in.

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