Nursing Elites

1. A new nurse is thinking about the ways she can demonstrate leadership in her position. Which of the following is true about leadership?

• A. Leadership is a component of nursing practice.
• B. Leadership requires a position of oversight.
• C. Leadership depends on the actions of others.
• D. Only experienced nurses can demonstrate leadership.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Leadership is a component of nursing practice.' Leadership is an essential aspect of nursing practice that involves inspiring, guiding, and influencing others to achieve common goals. Choice B is incorrect because leadership can be demonstrated at various levels within an organization, not just positions of oversight. Choice C is incorrect as leadership involves taking initiative and guiding others, rather than depending solely on the actions of others. Choice D is incorrect as leadership qualities can be demonstrated by individuals at all levels of experience, not exclusively by experienced nurses.

2. Which of the following best defines the role of a nurse practitioner (NP)?

• A. Provide direct patient care under the supervision of a physician
• B. Diagnose and treat medical conditions independently
• C. Assist with administrative tasks in a healthcare setting
• D. Specialize in a specific area of nursing practice

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Diagnose and treat medical conditions independently.' Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who are qualified to diagnose and treat medical conditions without direct supervision from a physician. Choice A is incorrect because NPs have the autonomy to provide care independently. Choice C is incorrect as NPs focus on clinical care rather than administrative tasks. Choice D is incorrect as specializing in a specific area of nursing practice refers to a different aspect of advanced nursing roles, such as becoming a clinical nurse specialist.

3. Which nursing action can the nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) working in the diabetic clinic?

• A. Measure the ankle-brachial index.
• B. Check for changes in skin pigmentation.
• C. Assess for unilateral or bilateral foot drop.
• D. Ask the patient about symptoms of depression.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Measure the ankle-brachial index. This task involves using a Doppler ultrasound device to assess blood flow, which can be safely delegated to UAP. Choices B, C, and D require a higher level of assessment and interpretation that should be performed by licensed nursing staff. Checking for changes in skin pigmentation (B) and assessing for foot drop (C) involve more complex assessments that require nursing judgment. Asking about symptoms of depression (D) involves a psychosocial assessment, which should be performed by licensed personnel qualified to address mental health concerns.

4. When looking at the issue surrounding absenteeism, an innovative approach would be:

• A. Rewarding those who do not use days.
• B. Substituting personal days.
• C. Termination.
• D. Disciplinary actions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Substituting personal days for sick days can be considered an innovative approach to addressing absenteeism as it allows for proper planning by the nurse manager. This approach promotes a proactive and flexible solution that encourages employees to manage their time off more effectively. Choice A, rewarding those who do not use days, may not address the root causes of absenteeism and could create a culture of presenteeism. Choices C and D, termination and disciplinary actions, are punitive measures that do not focus on preventive strategies or address the underlying reasons for absenteeism.

5. A nurse manager has two out of six staff nurses call in sick for one shift. Because of reduced availability of staff, the manager decides to manage the unit with the three remaining nurses, which keeps the unit at minimal staffing standards. What type of decision-making strategy would this be?

• A. Satisficing
• B. Routine
• C. Adaptive
• D. Rationalizing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Satisficing. Satisficing is a decision-making strategy where the person chooses an alternative that is good enough given the circumstances. In this scenario, the nurse manager is making a satisfactory decision by managing the unit with the three remaining nurses to meet minimal staffing standards despite the reduced availability of staff. Choice B, Routine, does not apply as the decision made in the scenario is not part of a regular or standard procedure. Choice C, Adaptive, is not the best fit as the decision is more about making do with the available resources rather than adapting to a new situation. Choice D, Rationalizing, does not align with the scenario as it refers to justifying decisions rather than making a practical choice under constraints.

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