Nursing Elites

1. The unit manager of a 32-bed medical-surgical unit allows the staff nurses to do self-governance for scheduling, client care assignments, and committee work. The manager would be considered which type of leader?

• A. Autocratic
• B. Democratic
• C. Bureaucratic
• D. Laissez-faire

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Laissez-faire. In a laissez-faire leadership style, the manager exerts very little control and allows the staff to have a high degree of autonomy in decision-making and problem-solving. This type of leader provides guidance when needed but largely leaves the decision-making process to the staff. Autocratic leadership (choice A) is characterized by centralizing decision-making authority, democratic leadership (choice B) involves shared decision-making, and bureaucratic leadership (choice C) relies on adherence to rules and procedures.

2. Which of the following is an example of an effective conflict resolution strategy?

• A. Ignoring the conflict
• B. Assigning blame to one party
• C. Encouraging open communication
• D. Enforcing strict rules

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Encouraging open communication is an effective conflict resolution strategy because it promotes transparency, understanding, and collaboration among individuals involved in the conflict. By encouraging open communication, parties can express their perspectives, concerns, and needs, leading to the identification of common ground and potential solutions. This approach fosters a positive and constructive environment for resolving conflicts and can help prevent misunderstandings and escalation of issues. Choices A, B, and D are not effective conflict resolution strategies. Ignoring the conflict can lead to unresolved issues, assigning blame can escalate tensions and hinder problem-solving, and enforcing strict rules may not address the underlying causes of the conflict or promote mutual understanding.

3. A 27-year-old patient admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has a serum glucose level of 732 mg/dL and serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which action prescribed by the healthcare provider should the nurse take first?

• A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor
• B. Administer IV potassium supplements
• C. Obtain urine glucose and ketone levels
• D. Start an insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/hr

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the initial priority is to assess for any cardiac arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalances. Since the patient has a low serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L, placing the patient on a cardiac monitor is crucial to monitor for any potential cardiac complications. Administering IV potassium supplements (Choice B) may be needed, but it is not the first action to take. Obtaining urine glucose and ketone levels (Choice C) and starting an insulin infusion (Choice D) are important interventions in managing DKA, but ensuring patient safety by monitoring for arrhythmias takes precedence.

4. What is the main concern with collective bargaining?

• A. Create tension among nurses.
• B. Reform health care.
• C. Secure economic security.
• D. Unite the nurses.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main concern with collective bargaining is that it can create tension among nurses. The bargaining process may lead to divisions between staff nurses and management, rather than uniting them. This tension can arise from differing priorities, goals, or interests between the two groups, potentially impacting the effectiveness of the bargaining process. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the primary focus of the concern is on the potential negative impact on nurse relationships, not on reforming healthcare, ensuring economic security, or uniting nurses.

5. A nurse manager is preparing to review medication documentation with a group of newly licensed nurses. Which of the following statements should the nurse manager plan to include in the teaching?

• A. Use the complete name of the medication magnesium sulfate.
• B. Delete the space between the numerical dose and the unit of measure.
• C. Use the abbreviation SC when indicating a subcutaneous injection.
• D. Write the letter U when noting the dosage of insulin.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement that the nurse manager should include in the teaching session is to use the abbreviation SC when indicating a subcutaneous injection. This is important for accurate and standardized medication documentation. Choice A is incorrect because using the complete name of medications is not always necessary and may lead to errors. Choice B is incorrect as spaces between dose and unit of measure are required for clarity and to avoid misinterpretation. Choice D is incorrect because the standard abbreviation for units should be used instead of the letter U to prevent confusion.

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