Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following can cause negative effects on decision making among groups?

• A. Rationalization
• B. Groupthink
• C. Risky shift
• D. Dialectical inquiry

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Groupthink. Groupthink is a negative phenomenon occurring in highly cohesive, isolated groups where members tend to think alike, which hinders critical thinking and can lead to poor decision-making. Rationalization refers to justifying or explaining behaviors or decisions in a logical manner. Risky shift is a phenomenon in groups where decisions become riskier or more extreme than individual members would make on their own. Dialectical inquiry is a technique used to counteract groupthink by encouraging debate and presenting opposing viewpoints to arrive at more thoughtful decisions.

2. A group of physicians comes into conflict with the nursing staff of a unit over when AM vital signs are recorded. What type of technique might be used that respects the professionalism of both parties?

• A. Accommodating
• B. Collaboration
• C. Avoiding
• D. Competing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate technique to use is collaboration. Collaboration involves working together with mutual attention to the problem, utilizing the talents of all parties involved. This approach respects the professionalism of both physicians and nursing staff by valuing their input and expertise. Choice A, accommodating, involves giving in to the other party's concerns, which may not fully address the conflict. Choice C, avoiding, suggests ignoring or sidestepping the issue, which does not promote a resolution. Choice D, competing, involves pursuing one's own concerns at the expense of the other party's, leading to a win-lose situation, which is not conducive to resolving conflicts in a professional setting.

3. Which of the following best describes decertification?

• A. Encourage union affiliation
• B. Change union affiliation
• C. Reward union affiliation
• D. Empower union affiliation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Decertification is the process of removing or changing union affiliation. Choosing option B, 'Change union affiliation,' correctly reflects this definition. Option A, 'Encourage union affiliation,' is incorrect as decertification is not about promoting union membership but rather altering it. Option C, 'Reward union affiliation,' is incorrect as decertification does not involve rewarding union membership. Option D, 'Empower union affiliation,' is incorrect as decertification does not empower union membership but rather modifies or eliminates it.

4. What is the primary role of a nurse in palliative care?

• A. To provide emotional support to patients and families
• B. To coordinate patient care and provide pain management
• C. To administer medications and treatments
• D. To conduct research on end-of-life care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In palliative care, a nurse's primary role is to coordinate patient care and provide pain management. While emotional support (Choice A) is a crucial aspect of palliative care, it is not the primary role of a nurse in this setting. Administering medications and treatments (Choice C) is part of the nurse's responsibilities but not the primary role. Conducting research (Choice D) is important for advancing palliative care but is not the primary role of a nurse providing direct patient care in this context.

5. Which of the following is a common characteristic of a high reliability organization (HRO)?

• A. Flexibility
• B. Reluctance to simplify
• C. Preoccupation with failure
• D. Deference to expertise

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A common characteristic of a high reliability organization (HRO) is a preoccupation with failure. HROs focus on identifying and addressing potential failure points to prevent errors and maintain high levels of safety and reliability. This mindset helps them anticipate and mitigate risks proactively, leading to better outcomes and performance. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While flexibility, reluctance to simplify, and deference to expertise may be important in various contexts, they are not the primary defining characteristics of a high reliability organization. The core focus of HROs is on continuously monitoring for potential failures and working to prevent them.

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