Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. A client complains every morning that the night shift nursing staff does not answer his call light promptly to assist his elimination needs. His concerns are not shared with the Nurse Manager, and he falls while trying to walk to the bathroom. This fall could be attributed to which of the following?

• A. Breakdown in communication
• B. Lack of staff
• C. Lack of concern
• D. Breakdown in management

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Breakdown in communication. In this scenario, the client's complaints about the night shift nursing staff not responding promptly to his call light indicate a lack of effective communication. If the client's concerns were properly communicated to the Nurse Manager, steps could have been taken to address the issue and prevent the fall. Choice B, Lack of staff, is incorrect as the issue here is not related to staffing levels but rather to communication breakdown. Choice C, Lack of concern, is not the primary cause of the fall; the root cause lies in communication failure. Choice D, Breakdown in management, while related, is not as direct a cause as the breakdown in communication which led to the fall.

3. Which of the following best describes the role of a nurse advocate?

• A. Direct patient care provider
• B. Advocate for patient needs
• C. Manage nursing staff
• D. Ensure policy adherence

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Advocate for patient needs.' A nurse advocate's primary role is to stand up for the patient's rights and ensure their needs are met. Choice A, 'Direct patient care provider,' is incorrect as while nurses do provide direct patient care, the specific role of a nurse advocate goes beyond that. Choice C, 'Manage nursing staff,' is incorrect as this pertains to a nurse manager's role, not a nurse advocate. Choice D, 'Ensure policy adherence,' is also incorrect as this reflects more of a quality assurance or compliance role, rather than the advocacy role of a nurse advocate.

4. Politics is a means for influencing events and the decisions of others. The nurse manager who consistently reminds the staff that 'there is no I in team' and periodically brings treats for the staff is using:

• A. Image enhancement
• B. Political skills
• C. Reward power
• D. Expert power

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Political skills. Politics involve interpersonal endeavors, collective activities, analysis, planning, and managing image. In this scenario, the nurse manager is skillfully building team morale and influencing staff dynamics by emphasizing teamwork ('there is no I in team') and boosting morale through occasional treats. This demonstrates the use of political skills to influence and manage relationships within the team. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the manager's actions are not solely focused on image enhancement, reward power, or expert power. Instead, they are aimed at fostering teamwork and boosting staff morale.

5. One of the perceptions of turnover is:

• A. Poor management
• B. Rejection of the job
• C. Loss of poor performers
• D. Poor job atmosphere

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Rejection of the job.' According to Steers and Stone, turnover can be perceived by coworkers as a rejection of the job. Choice A, 'Poor management,' is incorrect because turnover perception is more related to individual feelings about the job rather than management. Choice C, 'Loss of poor performers,' is incorrect as it focuses on the outcome of turnover rather than the perception. Choice D, 'Poor job atmosphere,' is incorrect as it describes a cause of turnover rather than a perception.

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