Nursing Elites

1. Healthcare systems primarily have functional structures. Which of the following would be an example of this?

• A. Open communication exists between Physical Therapy and Nursing.
• B. Medicine has authority over nursing.
• C. Laboratory services have little authority.
• D. All nursing tasks fall under nursing service.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. In functional structures, employees are grouped in departments by specialty, with similar tasks being performed by the same group. This means that in a healthcare system with a functional structure, all nursing tasks would fall under the nursing service. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because open communication between departments, one department having authority over another, or the level of authority of a particular department do not necessarily represent a functional structure.

2. What is the major difference between managers and leaders?

• A. Leaders usually have legitimate power.
• B. Leaders do not necessarily make good managers.
• C. Managers are not always leaders.
• D. Managers always have legitimate power.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The major difference between managers and leaders is that managers always have legitimate power. This is because managers derive their authority from their position within an organization, giving them legitimate power over subordinates. On the other hand, leaders do not always have legitimate power; their influence may come from various sources such as expertise, charisma, or the ability to inspire others. Choice A is incorrect because not all leaders necessarily have legitimate power. Choice B is incorrect as it is a generalization that leaders do not make good managers, which is not always the case. Choice C is incorrect as there can be managers who are also effective leaders.

3. An RN is working through an ethical dilemma involving a patient on his unit. He has just identified the decision-makers involved. Which step best describes the current stage the RN is working through?

• A. Assessment
• B. Diagnosis
• C. Planning
• D. Implementation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Planning. In the ethical decision-making process, after identifying the decision-makers involved, the next step is typically planning. During the planning stage, the RN will consider the available options, weigh the ethical principles involved, and develop a course of action to address the ethical dilemma. Choice A, Assessment, involves gathering information and data about the situation. Choice B, Diagnosis, involves analyzing the gathered information to identify the ethical issue. Choice D, Implementation, comes after planning and involves putting the chosen course of action into practice.

4. 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.

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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