Nursing Elites

1. After her evaluation, a staff nurse exclaims: 'I'm not sure if my manager knows much about my performance, really. He only had three specific examples to give me, two good performance examples and one to work on, and they all happened in the last month. I don't feel like he can see the whole picture.' What kind of performance appraisal rating does this statement exemplify?

• A. Recency error
• B. Leniency error
• C. Halo error
• D. Absolute judgment

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The statement exemplifies a recency error. Recency error occurs when a manager assesses an employee's performance primarily based on recent events, rather than considering the entire evaluation period. In this case, the staff nurse feels that her manager focused only on recent examples, leading to an incomplete assessment of her overall performance. Choice B, Leniency error, refers to a rater consistently giving high ratings to all employees regardless of performance, which is not evident in this scenario. Choice C, Halo error, involves allowing one positive attribute of an individual to overshadow other characteristics during appraisal, which is not the case here. Absolute judgment, Choice D, is when a rater evaluates an employee without reference to any specific criteria, which is not reflected in the staff nurse's feedback.

2. Which of the following is used as an indirect estimate of voluntary absenteeism?

• A. Involuntary absenteeism
• B. Voluntary absenteeism
• C. Total time lost
• D. Absence frequency

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Absence frequency.' Absence frequency is the total number of distinct absence periods, regardless of duration. It is used as an indirect estimate of voluntary absenteeism because it provides insights into the frequency of absences. Voluntary absenteeism refers to absences that are under the employee's control, while involuntary absenteeism is not under their control. Total time lost, on the other hand, represents the number of scheduled days that employees miss, which is different from absence frequency.

3. Which of the following is an example of an ethical dilemma in nursing?

• A. Choosing between two equally undesirable alternatives
• B. Reporting a colleague's unethical behavior
• C. Balancing patient confidentiality with the need to disclose information
• D. Deciding whether to comply with a patient's request that conflicts with professional ethics

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. An ethical dilemma in nursing involves deciding whether to comply with a patient's request that conflicts with professional ethics, balancing competing values and principles. Choices A, B, and C do not directly represent ethical dilemmas in nursing. Choice A describes a general ethical dilemma, choice B involves professional conduct rather than a dilemma, and choice C refers to a confidentiality issue rather than conflicting ethical principles.

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.

• A. She has acted in a professional manner.
• B. She may lose her RN license for driving without a license.
• C.
• D. Under the circumstances, she will not be faulted for driving without a license.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Driving without a license is deemed an unprofessional and illegal behavior for which a nurse may lose his or her license.

Similar Questions