Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. When a client who is in pain refuses to be repositioned, what should the nurse consider first in making a decision about what to do?

• A. Why a decision is needed.
• B. Who actually gets to make the decision?
• C. What are the alternatives?
• D. When a decision is needed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should first consider why a decision is needed. Understanding the underlying reason for the decision helps in selecting the best action to meet the desired goal. Who actually makes the decision is important but not the primary consideration. Exploring alternatives comes after determining the reason for the decision, who makes it, and when it is needed.

3. Which of the following best describes the concept of evidence-based practice (EBP)?

• A. Clinical expertise as the primary basis for decision making
• B. Research findings as the sole basis for decision making
• C. Combining clinical expertise with the best available research evidence
• D. Following institutional guidelines for patient care

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Combining clinical expertise with the best available research evidence.' Evidence-based practice (EBP) emphasizes integrating clinical expertise with the most current and relevant research evidence when making decisions about patient care. Choice A is incorrect because EBP does not rely solely on clinical expertise. Choice B is incorrect as EBP considers research evidence alongside clinical expertise, not as the sole basis. Choice D is incorrect because EBP is not about blindly following institutional guidelines, but rather about integrating research evidence with clinical judgment to provide the best possible care.

4. When planning to run for the local school board, which of the following sources of power would a nurse find important?

• A. Connection
• B. Reward
• C. Charisma
• D. Expertise

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a nurse is planning to run for the local school board, the important source of power would be 'Connection.' In politics, building relationships and forming connections are crucial for gaining support, forming coalitions, and accessing valuable information. Being charismatic is not a necessary attribute for utilizing power effectively in this context. While expertise is valuable, especially in education-related matters, it is not specified as a primary source of power for a political candidate. Rewards are not typically within the purview of a candidate running for a position such as the local school board.

5. Which of the following is a primary responsibility of a nurse case manager?

• A. Direct patient care
• B. Financial planning
• C. Conduct health education
• D. Coordinate patient transitions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A primary responsibility of a nurse case manager is to coordinate patient transitions. This involves ensuring smooth transitions between healthcare settings, coordinating care plans, and ensuring continuity of care for patients. While direct patient care, financial planning, and health education are important aspects of healthcare, they are not primary responsibilities of a nurse case manager. Nurse case managers focus on managing and coordinating the overall care and services for patients.

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