Nursing Elites

1. When should a critical pathway be revised?

• A. When variances show a new trend.
• B. When the variances show a new trend.
• C. When a member of the team retires.
• D. When the client leaves the hospital.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A critical pathway should be revised when variances in the patient's progress indicate a new trend or deviation from the expected course of treatment. This allows healthcare providers to adjust the pathway to ensure optimal patient care and outcomes. Changes in the critical pathway are not typically driven by its length or external factors like team member retirements or client discharges. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A is a better phrasing of the correct answer, emphasizing the importance of variances showing a new trend. Choices C and D are irrelevant to the patient's progress and treatment plan, making them incorrect.

2. The staff of a medical-surgical unit is in disagreement about holiday scheduling. The nurse manager knows that this is what type of conflict?

• A. Intragroup conflict
• B. Intergroup conflict
• C. Interpersonal conflict
• D. Intrapersonal conflict

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Intragroup conflict. Intragroup conflict occurs within one group, in this case, the staff of the medical-surgical unit. Intergroup conflict, on the other hand, happens between two or more groups. Interpersonal conflict involves conflicts between two or more individuals, and intrapersonal conflict is conflict within one individual. Since the disagreement about holiday scheduling involves members within the same group (staff of the medical-surgical unit), it is an example of intragroup conflict. Therefore, the nurse manager would recognize this as an intragroup conflict rather than any of the other types mentioned.

3. Which of the following is one of the positive benefits of conflict within an organization?

• A. Conflict leads to compromise on values and beliefs.
• B. Conflict leads to intergroup competition.
• C. Conflict helps people recognize differences and motivates people towards improved performance.
• D. Conflict always leads to a win-win resolution.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Conflict within an organization can help people recognize legitimate differences and motivate them towards improved performance. This recognition of differences can lead to constructive discussions and solutions. Choice A is incorrect because conflict does not necessarily always lead to compromising values and beliefs. Choice B is incorrect as conflict should not be about fostering intergroup competition but rather about addressing and resolving issues. Choice D is incorrect as conflicts do not always result in a win-win resolution; sometimes, compromises or trade-offs are necessary for resolution.

4. Which of the following best describes the role of an informatics nurse specialist?

• A. Managing electronic health records
• B. Providing technical support
• C. Educating nursing staff
• D. Improving patient care through technology

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An informatics nurse specialist focuses on improving patient care through technology by implementing, optimizing, and leveraging healthcare information systems. While managing electronic health records and providing technical support may be part of their responsibilities, the primary goal is to enhance patient outcomes and healthcare delivery through the strategic use of technology. Educating nursing staff, although important, is typically not the core role of an informatics nurse specialist.

5. 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.

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