Nursing Elites

1. The nurse manager has two employees with a longstanding conflict that is affecting the group's productivity and cohesiveness. She decides to meet with the employees in private, bring the conflict out into the open, and attempt to resolve it through knowledge and reason. Which conflict management strategy did she employ?

• A. Confrontation
• B. Suppression
• C. Collaboration
• D. Intervention

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse manager employed the conflict management strategy of 'Confrontation.' Confrontation involves bringing the conflict out into the open and attempting to resolve it through knowledge and reason, making it the most effective means of resolving conflict in this scenario. Choice B, 'Suppression,' involves ignoring or avoiding the conflict, which is not what the nurse manager did. Choice C, 'Collaboration,' refers to working together to find a mutually acceptable solution and was not explicitly mentioned in the scenario. Choice D, 'Intervention,' typically involves a third party stepping in to help resolve the conflict, which was not the case here.

2. If a staff member does not respond to discipline, the manager must ______ employment.

• A. Terminate
• B. Confront
• C. Describe the staff nurse's behavior that violated the policy
• D. Determine the employee's awareness of the policy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When an employee does not respond to disciplinary measures, termination may be necessary. This is a last resort for managers when other strategies to improve performance have failed. Terminating an employee means ending their employment with the organization. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as the question specifically asks what action the manager must take when an employee does not respond to discipline. Confronting the employee, describing the behavior, or determining awareness of the policy are steps that may precede termination but are not the final action to be taken.

3. Which of the following best describes the concept of evidence-based management?

• A. Using personal experience to make managerial decisions
• B. Combining managerial expertise with the latest research evidence
• C. Using intuition and experience to guide management decisions
• D. Relying on peer-reviewed literature to inform management practices

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The concept of evidence-based management involves combining managerial expertise with the latest research evidence to make informed decisions. Choice A is incorrect because relying solely on personal experience may not align with the best available evidence. Choice C is incorrect as it emphasizes intuition over research evidence. Choice D is incorrect because evidence-based management involves not only peer-reviewed literature but also incorporating managerial expertise.

4. As a new nurse at a healthcare organization offering a nurse residency program, what would benefit you the most?

• A. Avoiding challenging patient assignments to minimize the risk of errors.
• B. Relying on your clinical preceptor, similar to your relationship with your nurse faculty.
• C. Establishing professional goals based on your clinical knowledge.
• D. Engaging in evidence-based practice projects immediately.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: As a new nurse joining a nurse residency program, the most beneficial action would be to establish professional goals based on your clinical knowledge. Setting clear goals allows you to focus on your learning needs, competency development, and guidance from your clinical preceptor. This proactive approach helps you maximize your learning opportunities, shape your professional growth, and enhance your skills as a novice nurse. Choice A is incorrect because avoiding challenging patient assignments may hinder your learning and skill development. Choice B is incorrect as while the clinical preceptor is essential, solely relying on them without personal professional goals may limit your growth. Choice D is incorrect because engaging in evidence-based practice projects immediately may be overwhelming for a new nurse without first establishing foundational goals.

5. A nurse manager has two out of six staff nurses call in sick for one shift. Because of reduced availability of staff, the manager decides to manage the unit with the three remaining nurses, which keeps the unit at minimal staffing standards. What type of decision-making strategy would this be?

• A. Satisficing
• B. Routine
• C. Adaptive
• D. Rationalizing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Satisficing is the correct decision-making strategy in this scenario. The nurse manager is not aiming for the best solution but rather choosing an alternative that is good enough given the circumstances of staff shortage. Choice B, Routine, does not apply here as the situation is not part of the manager's regular tasks. Choice C, Adaptive, involves adjusting to new conditions, which is not the primary focus in this scenario. Choice D, Rationalizing, does not fit as the decision made is more about finding an acceptable solution rather than justifying it.

Similar Questions