Nursing Elites

1. A Nurse Manager completes an interruption log and identifies two staff members who take an inordinate amount of time with drop-in issues that are not urgent. What are some methods to address this behavior in an attempt to better manage time? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Designate specific time slots for drop-in visits.
• B. Position the desk chair so it is not facing the hallway.
• C. Communicate with staff about using e-mail for non-urgent matters to improve time management.
• D. When staff members drop in, the manager should stand and remain standing during the conversation.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Designating specific time slots for drop-in visits helps in managing interruptions effectively by consolidating them into designated periods. This approach allows the Nurse Manager to allocate focused time for addressing these issues without disrupting workflow. Option B, repositioning the desk chair, is not a standard strategy for managing time or interruptions. Option C, promoting the use of e-mail for non-urgent matters, may help in some cases but may not entirely address the behavior of extended drop-in visits. Option D, standing during conversations, may not be practical for longer discussions and does not provide a structured approach to address time management issues.

2. Which of the following strategies is most effective for reducing medication errors on a nursing unit?

• A. Increasing the nurse-to-patient ratio
• B. Providing ongoing education on safe medication practices
• C. Using barcoding technology for medication administration
• D. Increasing the use of PRN medications

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most effective strategy for reducing medication errors on a nursing unit is using barcoding technology for medication administration. Barcoding technology helps to ensure the right medication is given to the right patient in the right dose at the right time. Increasing the nurse-to-patient ratio (choice A) may help in preventing errors due to workload, but it may not address the root cause of medication errors. Providing ongoing education (choice B) is important but may not be as effective as implementing technology to directly prevent errors during administration. Increasing the use of PRN medications (choice D) can actually increase the risk of errors if not carefully monitored and controlled.

3. By using ___________ in the workplace, nurses increase their professional influence.

• A. political skills
• B. reward power
• C. expert power
• D. power and politics

Correct answer: C

Rationale: By using expert power in the workplace, nurses increase their professional influence. Expert power is derived from an individual's knowledge, skills, or expertise in a particular area. This allows nurses to influence others based on their competence and credibility, rather than through political skills (choice A), reward power (choice B), or the combination of power and politics (choice D). While political skills and understanding power dynamics can be beneficial, expert power is particularly effective in enhancing a nurse's professional influence.

4. A staff nurse describes the unit manager as 'a born leader.' The nurse ascribes to which theory of leadership?

• A. Trait theories
• B. Behavioral theories
• C. Formal leadership theories
• D. Democratic leadership theories

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Trait theories. The nurse describing the unit manager as 'a born leader' aligns with trait theories of leadership, which suggest that certain inborn characteristics or traits contribute to effective leadership. This theory emphasizes that leaders possess natural qualities that make them suitable for leadership roles. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Behavioral theories focus on the actions and behaviors of leaders, formal leadership theories emphasize organizational structure and roles, and democratic leadership theories pertain to a style of leadership that involves participative decision-making.

5. What is the main focus of the Six Sigma methodology in healthcare?

• A. Reducing healthcare costs
• B. Improving patient satisfaction
• C. Enhancing clinical decision making
• D. Increasing healthcare access

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main focus of the Six Sigma methodology in healthcare is enhancing clinical decision making through data-driven approaches. By using statistical methods and quality improvement tools, Six Sigma aims to reduce errors, improve processes, and enhance overall decision-making in healthcare settings. While reducing healthcare costs and improving patient satisfaction are important goals, they are not the primary focus of Six Sigma in healthcare. Increasing healthcare access is also a valuable objective but not the main focus of the Six Sigma methodology.

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