Nursing Elites

1. A manager identifies that he is spending more time than desired on completing repetitive paperwork. Which of the following would be appropriate ways to address this issue? (EXCEPT)

• A. Combining data reports to reduce duplication
• B. Delegating staff evaluations to the staff nurse on the unit with the most experience
• C. Assigning the preliminary draft of the schedule to a subcommittee of staff nurses
• D. Saying no to inappropriate paperwork assignments

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Delegating staff evaluations to a staff nurse, even if experienced, is not appropriate as it falls outside their scope and responsibility. Choices A, C, and D are suitable ways to address the issue of spending excessive time on repetitive paperwork. Combining data reports, assigning the preliminary draft of the schedule to a subcommittee of staff nurses, and saying no to inappropriate paperwork assignments are all effective strategies to streamline processes and reduce managerial workload.

2. Which of the following is a common characteristic of a high reliability organization (HRO)?

• A. Flexibility
• B. Reluctance to simplify
• C. Preoccupation with failure
• D. Deference to expertise

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A common characteristic of a high reliability organization (HRO) is a preoccupation with failure. HROs focus on identifying and addressing potential failure points to prevent errors and maintain high levels of safety and reliability. This mindset helps them anticipate and mitigate risks proactively, leading to better outcomes and performance. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While flexibility, reluctance to simplify, and deference to expertise may be important in various contexts, they are not the primary defining characteristics of a high reliability organization. The core focus of HROs is on continuously monitoring for potential failures and working to prevent them.

3. In determining a way to make shift change more effective for the nurse and the client, a hospital implemented a course of action. After a week of implementation, the decision was deemed inappropriate. What step of Roger's diffusion of innovations is this?

• A. Confirmation
• B. Implementation
• C. Knowledge
• D. Persuasion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Confirmation. In the diffusion of innovations theory by Rogers, the confirmation stage seeks reinforcement of the action taken. In this scenario, after implementing the course of action regarding shift changes, the decision was reviewed and found inappropriate, aligning with the confirmation phase. Choice B, 'Implementation,' refers to putting the plan into action, which had already been done. Choice C, 'Knowledge,' pertains to becoming aware of the innovation, not evaluating its effectiveness. Choice D, 'Persuasion,' involves efforts to influence individuals to adopt the innovation, not verifying its appropriateness.

4. 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.

5. A nurse manager is considering the variances of the budget. Fewer monies were spent than expected. What type of variance is this?

• A. Unfavorable variance
• B. Favorable variance
• C. Dependent variance
• D. Independent variance

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, favorable variance. When fewer funds are spent than expected, it indicates efficient budget management, making it a favorable outcome. Choice A, unfavorable variance, is incorrect as it would apply if more money than expected was spent. Choices C and D, dependent variance and independent variance, are unrelated terms in the context of budget variances and do not apply to the situation described.

Similar Questions