Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a root cause analysis (RCA)?

• A. Identify the person responsible for an error
• B. Determine who should be disciplined
• C. Discover the underlying causes of an error
• D. Evaluate the effectiveness of a new policy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Discover the underlying causes of an error.' Root cause analysis (RCA) focuses on identifying the fundamental reason(s) that led to an error or problem rather than placing blame on individuals. Choice A and B are incorrect as RCA is not about pinpointing a specific person to blame or determining disciplinary actions. Choice D is also incorrect as the primary goal of RCA is not to evaluate policy effectiveness but to uncover the root causes of issues for effective problem-solving.

2. A unit director at a local hospital knows even leadership may face ethical dilemmas. Which of the following should the director take into consideration when dealing with an employee who is incompetent?

• A. The situation should be tolerated for as long as possible because of the amount of time and paperwork required to terminate an incompetent nurse.
• B. Incompetence only impacts the individual nurse.
• C. The director should follow her institution�s formal process for reporting and handling practices that jeopardize patient safety.
• D. Most nurse practice acts direct how to handle incompetent nurses.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The director should follow her institution�s formal process for reporting and handling practices that jeopardize patient safety.

3. What is the major difference between managers and leaders?

• A. Leaders usually have legitimate power.
• B. Leaders do not necessarily make good managers.
• C. Managers are not always leaders.
• D. Managers always have legitimate power.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The major difference between managers and leaders is that managers always have legitimate power. This is because managers derive their authority from their position within an organization, giving them legitimate power over subordinates. On the other hand, leaders do not always have legitimate power; their influence may come from various sources such as expertise, charisma, or the ability to inspire others. Choice A is incorrect because not all leaders necessarily have legitimate power. Choice B is incorrect as it is a generalization that leaders do not make good managers, which is not always the case. Choice C is incorrect as there can be managers who are also effective leaders.

4. When someone is consistently late for work due to unreliable transportation, this is known as which type of barrier?

• A. Attendance
• B. Voluntary
• C. Motivation
• D. Involuntary

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Attendance.' In this scenario, the nurse being late for work due to unreliable transportation is an example of an attendance barrier. This type of barrier refers to factors that affect an individual's ability to be present at work on time, such as transportation issues. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because voluntary barriers are ones that individuals choose to impose on themselves, motivation barriers relate to lacking the drive to perform a task, and involuntary barriers are obstacles beyond one's control.

5. Which of the following is a key aspect of transformational leadership?

• A. Maintaining the status quo
• B. Encouraging innovation
• C. Focus on short-term goals
• D. Top-down communication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging innovation. Transformational leadership is characterized by inspiring and motivating team members to think creatively, embrace change, and strive for continuous improvement. Choice A is incorrect as transformational leaders seek to challenge the status quo rather than maintain it. Choice C is incorrect because transformational leadership emphasizes long-term vision and goals rather than short-term objectives. Choice D is incorrect as transformational leadership promotes open, two-way communication rather than top-down communication.

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