Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. How will working in a high-volume, noisy emergency room in an urban area with a high incidence of assault victims affect staff?

• A. Feelings of extreme overload.
• B. Fear of failure.
• C. A pessimistic sense about the world.
• D. Inability to separate intense work situations from personal situations.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Working in a high-volume, noisy emergency room in an urban area with a high incidence of assault victims can lead to feelings of extreme overload, a pessimistic sense about the world, and an inability to separate intense work situations from personal situations. Fear of failure is not specifically mentioned in the context of the question, so it is the correct answer. The constant noises and intense emotional situations can create tension, stress, and negative reactions among staff. Managers can help by assessing the environment, labeling situations, and debriefing with staff to make them more aware of how stressors impact their behaviors.

3. Lippitt's phases of change are important factors in the change process. The phase that involves key people in data collection is known as:

• A. Assess the motivation.
• B. Choose a change agent.
• C. Diagnose the problem.
• D. Maintain the change.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Diagnose the problem.' In Lippitt's phases of change, the first step is to diagnose the problem, which involves key people in data collection and problem-solving. This step is crucial as it helps identify the root causes of the issues that need to be addressed. Assessing the motivation (A) comes later in the change process once the problem has been diagnosed. Choosing a change agent (B) and maintaining the change (D) are also important steps in the change process but do not specifically involve key people in data collection as in the diagnosis phase.

4. A 38-year-old patient who has type 1 diabetes plans to swim laps daily at 1:00 PM. The clinic nurse will plan to teach the patient to

• A. check glucose levels before, during, and after swimming.
• B. delay eating the noon meal until after swimming.
• C. increase the morning dose of neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin.
• D. time the morning insulin injection so that the peak occurs while swimming.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to teach the patient to check glucose levels before, during, and after swimming. This is important to monitor blood sugar levels and make adjustments as needed to prevent hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Delaying eating the noon meal until after swimming (Choice B) is not advisable as the patient needs proper nutrition both before and after exercise. Increasing the morning dose of NPH insulin (Choice C) should not be done without proper medical advice as it can lead to hypoglycemia. Timing the morning insulin injection to coincide with swimming (Choice D) is risky as the peak effect of insulin may lead to hypoglycemia during swimming.

5. Within the fast-paced, changing healthcare environment, job satisfaction will influence your success. What other characteristic is an asset?

• A. Being friendly
• B. Humility
• C. Ability to anticipate consequences
• D. Flexibility

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the fast-paced and evolving healthcare setting, flexibility is a crucial asset. Shaffer (2006) emphasizes the importance of being adaptable to change for professional growth. While being friendly and having humility are positive traits, they may not directly address the need to adapt to the dynamic healthcare environment. Anticipating consequences is valuable but may not encompass the breadth of skills needed to navigate rapid changes effectively.

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