Nursing Elites

1. A nurse manager is interested in solving a serious conflict that exists among the nursing staff. He uses a strategy that involves allowing the group to explore a number of solutions and come to a consensus on a solution. What strategy for conflict resolution has the manager used?

• A. Integrative decision-making
• B. Win-win
• C. Competing
• D. Confrontation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Integrative decision-making. Integrative decision-making involves allowing a group to explore various solutions and work together to reach a consensus. This strategy focuses on collaboration and finding a solution that meets the needs of all parties involved. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. 'Win-win' is another term for integrative decision-making, 'Competing' involves pursuing one's own interests at the expense of others, and 'Confrontation' implies a direct conflict rather than a collaborative approach to resolution.

2. Many patient classification systems have some type of shortcoming. Among these are:

• A. The client's condition changes before the next shift.
• B. The staffing needs are predicted on a short-term basis.
• C. The potential admissions cannot be accounted for.
• D. The staffing mix changes because of illness.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Patient classification systems have limitations in accounting for changes in a client's condition, unexpected influx of new admissions, and changes in staffing due to illness. These systems often focus on short-term staffing needs rather than utilizing demand management, which considers client outcomes to predict staffing needs over a longer period. Not being able to account for potential admissions can lead to challenges in effectively managing staff allocation and resources. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not address the specific limitation of patient classification systems related to accounting for potential admissions.

3. Nonverbal messages in communication, including body language and environmental factors, are called ___________.

• A. lateral communication
• B. upward communication
• C. metacommunications
• D. downward communication

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Nonverbal messages in communication, such as body language and environmental factors, are termed metacommunications. Choice A, lateral communication, refers to communication between individuals or groups on the same hierarchical level. Choice B, upward communication, involves the flow of information from lower levels to higher levels in an organization. Choice D, downward communication, relates to the transmission of information from higher levels to lower levels within an organization. Therefore, the correct term for nonverbal messages in communication is metacommunications.

4. What is a common barrier to effective delegation?

• A. Lack of trust in team members
• B. Lack of communication
• C. Inadequate training
• D. Lack of resources

Correct answer: A

Rationale: One of the common barriers to effective delegation is a lack of trust in team members. Delegating tasks involves entrusting responsibilities to others, and without trust in the team members' capabilities, the delegator may struggle to effectively assign tasks. Trust is essential for successful delegation as it allows for empowerment and accountability within the team. While lack of communication is crucial for effective delegation, the lack of trust has a more profound impact as it directly affects the ability to delegate tasks. Inadequate training and lack of resources, although important factors, are not as fundamental as trust in team members when it comes to effective delegation.

5. Which of the following is a trait that was found to be common among leaders in trait theory?

• A. Communication of duties assigned
• B. Adaptability and changing priorities
• C. Order giving and decision making for a group
• D. Communication of goal direction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Communication of goal direction.' Trait theory suggests that effective leaders possess certain traits, one of which is the ability to clearly communicate the direction and goals of the group. This trait helps in aligning the efforts of the team towards a common objective. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while communication, adaptability, decision-making, and order giving are important skills for leaders, the specific trait commonly associated with leaders in trait theory is the ability to communicate the direction and goals.

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