Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is a key principle of team nursing?

• A. Decentralized decision making
• B. Centralized decision making
• C. Individual accountability
• D. Shared responsibility

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Shared responsibility.' Team nursing emphasizes shared responsibility among team members for patient care. This approach promotes collaboration and coordination among healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive and holistic care. Choices A and B are incorrect because team nursing typically involves collaborative decision-making rather than centralized or decentralized decision-making. Choice C, 'Individual accountability,' does not align with the collaborative nature of team nursing, where responsibility is shared among team members rather than falling solely on individuals.

2. The complexities of the current health care delivery systems require a variety of leadership styles. Which of the following leadership styles would be most effective in this environment?

• A. Autocratic leadership
• B. Laissez-faire leadership
• C. Transactional leadership
• D. Transformational leadership

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In complex health care environments, transformational leadership is the most effective style. This leadership approach focuses on inspiring and motivating staff towards a shared vision. Autocratic leadership (choice A) is too controlling and may not foster innovation and adaptability needed in complex systems. Laissez-faire leadership (choice B) lacks guidance and may lead to confusion in intricate healthcare settings. Transactional leadership (choice C) focuses on tasks and rewards, but may not be as effective in promoting innovation and change management required in complex health care delivery systems.

3. What term refers to the situation where the pay of newer employees is similar to or higher than that of more experienced employees?

• A. Salary compression
• B. Salary expectations
• C. Salary range
• D. Salary inflation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Salary compression is the term used to describe the situation where the pay of newer employees is similar to or higher than that of more experienced employees. This can happen when newer employees are paid higher salaries to attract them, leading to a compressed salary structure in the organization. Choice B, 'Salary expectations,' does not specifically refer to the scenario described in the question. Choice C, 'Salary range,' is a broader term referring to the range of salaries offered for a particular job or position, not specifically related to the disparity between new and experienced employees. Choice D, 'Salary inflation,' does not accurately describe the situation of newer employees earning higher salaries than more experienced ones; instead, it refers to a general increase in wages across the board.

4. After her evaluation, a staff nurse exclaims: 'I'm not sure if my manager knows much about my performance, really. He only had three specific examples to give me, two good performance examples and one to work on, and they all happened in the last month. I don't feel like he can see the whole picture.' What kind of performance appraisal rating does this statement exemplify?

• A. Recency error
• B. Leniency error
• C. Halo error
• D. Absolute judgment

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The statement exemplifies a recency error. Recency error occurs when a manager assesses an employee's performance primarily based on recent events, rather than considering the entire evaluation period. In this case, the staff nurse feels that her manager focused only on recent examples, leading to an incomplete assessment of her overall performance. Choice B, Leniency error, refers to a rater consistently giving high ratings to all employees regardless of performance, which is not evident in this scenario. Choice C, Halo error, involves allowing one positive attribute of an individual to overshadow other characteristics during appraisal, which is not the case here. Absolute judgment, Choice D, is when a rater evaluates an employee without reference to any specific criteria, which is not reflected in the staff nurse's feedback.

5. Nurse Managers work with staff to educate them about ways to diffuse potentially violent situations. Which of the following diagnoses can staff expect to be more frequently associated with violence?

• A. Alcohol or drug withdrawal
• B. Anxiety
• C. Depression
• D. Confusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Alcohol or drug withdrawal is more frequently associated with violence as these conditions alter a person's inhibitions. Gilmore (2006) highlights that working with the public involves inherent risks and stressors. Individuals with head trauma, mental illnesses, and those withdrawing from substances are more likely to respond with violence. Anxiety, depression, and confusion do not typically lead to increased violent behavior compared to conditions involving substance withdrawal.

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