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. 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.

3. A patient who was admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis secondary to a urinary tract infection has been weaned off an insulin drip 30 minutes ago. The patient reports feeling lightheaded and sweaty. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Infuse dextrose 50% by slow IV push.
• B. Administer 1 mg glucagon subcutaneously.
• C. Obtain a glucose reading using a finger stick.
• D. Have the patient drink 4 ounces of orange juice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first when a patient reports feeling lightheaded and sweaty after being weaned off an insulin drip is to obtain a glucose reading using a finger stick. This will provide crucial information on the patient's current blood glucose level, helping the nurse assess if the symptoms are due to hypoglycemia. Based on the glucose reading, appropriate interventions can be initiated, such as administering dextrose, glucagon, or oral sugars like orange juice if hypoglycemia is confirmed. However, verifying the blood glucose level is the initial step to guide subsequent actions and ensure patient safety.

4. Which of the following is one of the sources used to determine the reason for voluntary turnover?

• A. Following-up phone calls
• B. Employee questioning
• C. Benchmarking
• D. Exit interviewing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Exit interviewing.' Exit interviews are a crucial source used to determine the reasons for voluntary turnover. During exit interviews, departing employees provide valuable insights into their reasons for leaving, which can help organizations identify areas for improvement. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Following-up phone calls and benchmarking are not commonly used methods for determining the reasons behind voluntary turnover. While employee questioning can be a part of the exit interview process, the primary source mentioned in the context of voluntary turnover is exit interviewing.

5. Professionalism has historically been difficult to define. Early definitions of professionalism included which of the following characteristics?

• A. Expertise
• B. Empathy
• C. Ethical and moral values
• D. Honesty

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Expertise.' Historically, professionalism was defined by one's knowledge and expertise in a particular field. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because early definitions of professionalism did not focus on qualities like empathy, ethical and moral values, or honesty, but rather on the individual's level of skill and competence in their area of work.

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