what is the primary role of a nurse mentor

ATI RN

ATI Leadership

1. What is the primary role of a nurse mentor?

A. To supervise nursing staff
B. To provide emotional support
C. To guide new nurses in their roles
D. To enforce policy compliance

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary role of a nurse mentor is to guide new nurses in their roles. This involves providing support, sharing knowledge and expertise, offering guidance for professional development, and assisting new nurses in adjusting to their roles and responsibilities. Option A, supervising nursing staff, is more aligned with a nurse manager's responsibilities rather than a mentor's. Option B, providing emotional support, is a part of the mentorship role but not the primary focus. Option D, enforcing policy compliance, is essential but not the primary role of a mentor, as mentoring focuses more on nurturing and developing new nurses.

2. After examining her client's abdomen and noting assessment of significant findings, even though the client says it doesn't hurt, the nurse says to a colleague, 'I think something is going on here; I am going to investigate further.' This nurse is using:

A. Deductive reasoning.
B. Intuition.
C. Trial and error.
D. Modified scientific method.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Intuition. In this scenario, the nurse is relying on intuition, which refers to a 'gut feeling' or instinctive understanding without the conscious use of reasoning. Deductive reasoning (choice A) involves drawing specific conclusions from general principles. Trial and error (choice C) is a problem-solving method that involves trying various methods until the correct one is found. The modified scientific method (choice D) refers to a structured approach to conducting experiments in a scientific setting, which is not applicable in this situation where the nurse is relying on a hunch or intuition.

3. A new nurse manager is attempting to solve a management issue by using one solution after another until she solves the problem. This would be known as what type of method?

A. Decision making
B. Trial and error
C. Experimentation
D. Analysis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Trial and error is a method used by new managers to solve problems by trying different solutions until one is successful. In this scenario, the nurse manager is using a trial and error approach by attempting various solutions until the issue is resolved. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because decision making involves making choices based on available information, experimentation involves testing hypotheses in a controlled setting, and analysis entails examining data and information to gain insights or draw conclusions, none of which directly reflect the iterative process of trial and error.

4. Which of the following statements about ethical principles and laws is true?

A. The government holds the power to enforce ethics.
B. Laws provide standards that assist in decision making.
C. Ethics are very specific.
D. As a standard for measuring actions, ethical principles may be the basis for laws.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'As a standard for measuring actions, ethical principles may be the basis for laws.' This statement is true as ethical principles can influence the creation and implementation of laws. Ethical principles often serve as a foundation for laws by reflecting societal values and moral standards. Choice A is incorrect because while the government may enforce laws, ethics are typically guided by moral principles rather than government enforcement. Choice B is incorrect because laws provide legal standards, not ethical standards, for decision-making. Choice C is incorrect because ethics are not always very specific; they can be broad and encompass various moral values and principles.

5. A nurse manager is preparing the budget for the year. The budgeted amounts have been set without regard to changes that may occur during the year. What type of budget is the manager preparing?

A. Fixed budget
B. Zero-based budget
C. Variable budget
D. Operating budget

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fixed budget. A fixed budget is one where the budgeted amounts are set without considering changes that may occur during the year. This type of budget is based on the assumption that the business environment will remain stable. Choice B, Zero-based budget, involves setting the budget at zero and justifying all expenses. Choice C, Variable budget, adjusts based on changes in activity levels. Choice D, Operating budget, is a comprehensive projection of all revenue and expenses for the upcoming period.