Nursing Elites

1. In dealing with a conflict on a unit, the nurse manager decides to ask one of the staff nurses, who is not moving towards resolution, to transfer to another unit. What tactic has the manager implemented?

• A. Avoidance
• B. Withdrawal
• C. Suppression
• D. Competition

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Suppression. In this scenario, the nurse manager has implemented a suppression tactic by asking the staff nurse to transfer to another unit, which eliminates one of the conflicting parties from the current unit. This technique aims to resolve the conflict by physically separating the individuals involved. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: Avoidance involves ignoring the conflict, withdrawal is the act of pulling out or retreating, and competition refers to a situation where one party's gain is at the expense of the other.

2. Horizontal violence may be observed among staff interactions and causes stress among staff. To minimize stress associated with such interactions, nurses can: (Select all that apply.)

• A. Encourage venting as a way to express feelings.
• B. Take control of the situation by being assertive.
• C. Ignore staff who are volatile.
• D. Avoid interactions with angry staff.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To minimize stress associated with horizontal violence among staff interactions, nurses should take control of the situation by being assertive. Being assertive allows nurses to address the issues causing stress in a constructive and professional manner. Encouraging venting without addressing the underlying problems may not resolve the situation effectively. Ignoring staff who are volatile can escalate the issue further, and avoiding interactions with angry staff does not address the root cause of the problem. Therefore, being assertive and addressing the situation directly is the most effective approach to minimize stress and promote a healthy work environment.

3. When a nurse observes a fellow nurse preparing an incorrect dose of medication, what is the best action to take?

• A. Ignore the error
• B. Administer the medication anyway
• C. Correct the error without informing the nurse
• D. Report the error to the supervisor immediately

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The best action to take when a nurse observes a fellow nurse preparing an incorrect dose of medication is to report the error to the supervisor immediately. Reporting the error is crucial to ensure patient safety and prevent any potential harm. Ignoring the error (Choice A) is not appropriate as it puts the patient at risk. Administering the medication anyway (Choice B) could harm the patient. Correcting the error without informing the nurse (Choice C) does not address the root cause of the issue, which should be brought to the attention of the supervisor for proper investigation and resolution.

4. Which of the following statements about ethical principles and laws is true?

• A. The government holds the power to enforce ethics.
• B. Laws provide standards that assist in decision making.
• C. Ethics are very specific.
• D. As a standard for measuring actions, ethical principles may be the basis for laws.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'As a standard for measuring actions, ethical principles may be the basis for laws.' This statement is true as ethical principles can influence the creation and implementation of laws. Ethical principles often serve as a foundation for laws by reflecting societal values and moral standards. Choice A is incorrect because while the government may enforce laws, ethics are typically guided by moral principles rather than government enforcement. Choice B is incorrect because laws provide legal standards, not ethical standards, for decision-making. Choice C is incorrect because ethics are not always very specific; they can be broad and encompass various moral values and principles.

5. 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.

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