Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Politics is defined as the art of influencing the allocation of scarce resources. An example of a scarce resource allocated by the manager of a patient care unit is:

• A. Raises for the staff.
• B. Patient supplies in the utility room.
• C. Staffing that minimizes overtime.
• D. Paper for the printer.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a healthcare setting, scarce resources can include money, time, personnel, and materials. Staffing decisions directly impact the allocation of personnel resources and can affect overtime costs, making it a critical resource managed by the unit manager. Patient supplies in the utility room and paper for the printer are important, but staffing decisions have a more direct impact on resource allocation within the unit. Raises for staff are typically granted by the institution and are not directly controlled by the unit manager.

3. Which of the following is the correct definition of 'chain of command'?

• A. The hierarchy of authority and responsibility
• B. Relationship without authority
• C. Activity directed through linear authority
• D. The tendency for people to perform as expected

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct definition of 'chain of command' is the hierarchy of authority and responsibility. This term refers to the order in which authority and power in an organization are wielded and delegated from top management to every employee at every level. Choice B, 'Relationship without authority,' is incorrect because the chain of command specifically involves authority and responsibility. Choice C, 'Activity directed through linear authority,' is not a precise definition of the chain of command, as it does not encompass the full scope of authority and hierarchy. Choice D, 'The tendency for people to perform as expected,' is unrelated to the concept of the chain of command.

4. The problem of overrating staff performance is called ___________ .

• A. Recency error
• B. Absolute judgment
• C. Halo error
• D. Leniency error

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Leniency error.' Leniency error occurs when a manager tends to overrate staff performance, giving higher ratings than deserved. Choice A, 'Recency error,' refers to the tendency to focus only on recent behaviors or events when evaluating performance. Choice B, 'Absolute judgment,' is not directly related to overrating staff performance; it refers to making evaluations without considering the context or comparison points. Choice C, 'Halo error,' involves allowing one positive aspect of an individual to overshadow other factors in performance evaluation, which is different from overrating overall staff performance.

5. Two RNs are discussing the benefits of professional liability insurance. Which of the following is a reason for an RN to have a professional liability insurance policy?

• A. No expenses are involved in frivolous lawsuits.
• B. If a nurse is found guilty of malpractice, the institution cannot sue the nurse.
• C. Liability policies may also cover charges of libel, slander, assault, and HIPAA violations.
• D. Only doctors are sued for malpractice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Liability policies can cover charges of libel, slander, assault, and HIPAA violations, in addition to malpractice claims. Choice A is incorrect as there are expenses involved in frivolous lawsuits. Choice B is incorrect because institutions can sue nurses found guilty of malpractice. Choice D is incorrect as nurses, not just doctors, can be sued for malpractice.

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