Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is a trait that was found to be common among leaders in trait theory?

• A. Communication of duties assigned
• B. Adaptability and changing priorities
• C. Order giving and decision making for a group
• D. Communication of goal direction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Communication of goal direction.' Trait theory suggests that effective leaders possess certain traits, one of which is the ability to clearly communicate the direction and goals of the group. This trait helps in aligning the efforts of the team towards a common objective. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while communication, adaptability, decision-making, and order giving are important skills for leaders, the specific trait commonly associated with leaders in trait theory is the ability to communicate the direction and goals.

2. Which of the following scenarios would be an example of shared governance on a nursing unit?

• A. Staff nurses delegate activities to CNAs.
• B. Procedure manuals are written by a committee of nurse managers.
• C. Staff nurses and CNAs make their own schedules.
• D. A unit manager seeks advice from her supervisor.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Shared governance in a nursing unit involves staff nurses and CNAs having autonomy and decision-making power in aspects like scheduling, which is reflected in them making their own schedules. This scenario aligns with the philosophy of shared governance where nursing practice is best determined by nurses. Choices A, B, and D do not exemplify shared governance as they involve hierarchical delegation, managerial decision-making, and seeking advice from superiors rather than autonomous decision-making by frontline staff.

3. A client is having difficulty breathing while receiving supplemental oxygen via a nasal cannula in a supine position. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take first?

• A. Suction the client's airway.
• B. Instruct the client to perform incentive spirometry every hour.
• C. Assist the client to an upright position.
• D. Humidify the client's supplemental oxygen.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client is experiencing difficulty breathing, the priority intervention is to assist the client to an upright position. This position helps improve ventilation by maximizing lung expansion and promoting better oxygenation. Suctioning the airway may be necessary if there is an obstruction, but repositioning the client is the initial step. Instructing the client to perform incentive spirometry and humidifying oxygen are important interventions but not the first priority in this scenario.

4. Which of the following is an example of an ethical dilemma in nursing?

• A. Choosing between two equally undesirable alternatives
• B. Reporting a colleague's unethical behavior
• C. Balancing patient confidentiality with the need to disclose information
• D. Deciding whether to comply with a patient's request that conflicts with professional ethics

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. An ethical dilemma in nursing involves deciding whether to comply with a patient's request that conflicts with professional ethics, balancing competing values and principles. Choices A, B, and C do not directly represent ethical dilemmas in nursing. Choice A describes a general ethical dilemma, choice B involves professional conduct rather than a dilemma, and choice C refers to a confidentiality issue rather than conflicting ethical principles.

5. 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.

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