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. Which of the following is a key component of patient-centered care?

• A. Provider-centered decision making
• B. Timely discharge
• C. Respect for patient preferences
• D. Focusing on clinical outcomes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respect for patient preferences. Patient-centered care focuses on involving patients in their care decisions and respecting their preferences. Choice A, provider-centered decision making, goes against the concept of patient-centered care as it prioritizes the provider over the patient. Timely discharge, choice B, is important but not a defining component of patient-centered care. Focusing on clinical outcomes, choice D, is essential in healthcare but does not solely represent patient-centered care, which is more about personalized care and involving patients in decision-making.

3. From a unit perspective, disruptive and violent patient behavior may be distracting to patients and staff. As the nurse manager, you are concerned about: (EXCEPT)

• A. Patient and staff safety.
• B. Team tension.
• C. Fear of disappointment.
• D. Stress levels.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Disruptive and violent patient behavior can indeed pose challenges on a unit. Concerns as a nurse manager would revolve around patient and staff safety (Choice A) due to the risk of harm, team tension (Choice B) arising from managing such situations, and stress levels (Choice D) of both patients and staff. Fear of disappointment (Choice C) is not a typical concern in this scenario and does not directly relate to the immediate impact of disruptive and violent patient behavior.

4. Which of the following leaders would be considered a transformational leader?

• A. The supervisor of a unit who requests staff to work overtime.
• B. The unit secretary who encourages staff to use the proper forms.
• C. A unit manager who reminds a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) to work on time management skills.
• D. The Advanced Practice Nurse who encourages a staff nurse to pursue additional education for career advancement.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because transformational leaders are known for inspiring and motivating their followers to reach their full potential. They focus on fostering a positive work environment, encouraging growth, and supporting career development. In this scenario, the Advanced Practice Nurse is displaying characteristics of a transformational leader by encouraging a staff nurse to pursue additional education for career advancement. Choices A, B, and C do not align with the traits of a transformational leader as they involve more routine tasks or directives without the inspirational and visionary approach typical of transformational leadership.

5. What is the primary responsibility of a nurse manager in a healthcare setting?

• A. To provide direct patient care
• B. To manage healthcare facilities
• C. To oversee administrative tasks
• D. To conduct clinical research

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To oversee administrative tasks.' Nurse managers in healthcare settings are primarily responsible for managing the administrative aspects of a unit, ensuring smooth operations and efficiency. Choice A is incorrect because providing direct patient care is usually the responsibility of staff nurses, not nurse managers. Choice B is incorrect as managing healthcare facilities involves a broader scope of responsibilities beyond the role of a nurse manager. Choice D is also incorrect as conducting clinical research is typically not a primary responsibility of a nurse manager in a healthcare setting.

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