Nursing Elites

1. Behavioral leadership theory recognizes three styles of leadership. Which of the following best describes democratic leadership?

• A. The democratic leader communicates meaning and purpose.
• B. The democratic leader gives orders and makes decisions for the group.
• C. The democratic leader does little planning or decision making.
• D. The democratic leader makes plans and decisions with the team.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Democratic leadership involves the leader working collaboratively with the team to make plans and decisions. This style values input from team members, encourages participation in the decision-making process, and fosters a sense of ownership among the team. Choice A is incorrect because simply communicating meaning and purpose does not capture the essence of democratic leadership. Choice B is incorrect as giving orders and making decisions for the group is more characteristic of an autocratic leadership style. Choice C is incorrect as democratic leaders are actively involved in planning and decision-making processes, contrary to doing little of it.

2. Which of the following best describes the concept of holistic nursing?

• A. An approach that integrates the mind, body, and spirit in patient care
• B. A method that focuses solely on physical health
• C. A practice that considers only the patient's physical condition
• D. A framework for improving hospital administration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'An approach that integrates the mind, body, and spirit in patient care.' Holistic nursing is a comprehensive approach that considers the whole person, including their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Choice B is incorrect because holistic nursing goes beyond just physical health. Choice C is incorrect because holistic nursing considers various aspects of the patient, not just the physical condition. Choice D is incorrect because holistic nursing is focused on patient care and well-being, not hospital administration.

3. 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.

4. Politics is defined as the art of influencing the allocation of scarce resources. An example of a scarce resource allocated by the manager of a patient care unit is:

• A. Raises for the staff.
• B. Patient supplies in the utility room.
• C. Staffing that minimizes overtime.
• D. Paper for the printer.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a healthcare setting, scarce resources can include money, time, personnel, and materials. Staffing decisions directly impact the allocation of personnel resources and can affect overtime costs, making it a critical resource managed by the unit manager. Patient supplies in the utility room and paper for the printer are important, but staffing decisions have a more direct impact on resource allocation within the unit. Raises for staff are typically granted by the institution and are not directly controlled by the unit manager.

5. A nurse recognizes which of the following as a primary goal of nursing?

• A. Assist patients to achieve a peaceful death.
• B. Improve personal knowledge and skills to enhance patient outcomes.
• C. Advocate for quality of life rather than quantity of life.
• D. Work to control costs to enhance patients' quality of life.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary goal of nursing is to promote health, prevent illness, alleviate suffering, and care for the sick. Assisting patients to achieve a peaceful death is an essential aspect of nursing care, ensuring dignity and comfort in the end-of-life phase. While improving personal knowledge and advocating for quality of life are important aspects of nursing, the primary goal remains the well-being and comfort of patients, even in death. Working to control costs, while a consideration in healthcare, is not the primary goal of nursing, which is centered on patient care and well-being.

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