Nursing Elites

1. While interviewing for a position at City Hospital, the nurse asks about the organizational structure of the institution. She is told that the hospital is organized into departments based on specialty (e.g., nursing, dietary, pharmacy, etc.). Based on what you know about organizational structure, select the structure in this example.

• A. Parallel
• B. Functional
• C. Service-integrated
• D. Matrix

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Functional.' In a functional structure, organizations group employees into departments based on specialty, where similar tasks are performed by the same group. In this scenario, the hospital organizing its departments by specialty such as nursing, dietary, and pharmacy aligns with the characteristics of a functional structure. Choice A, 'Parallel,' does not fit the scenario described; parallel structures involve separate, independent units operating in parallel with little interaction. Choice C, 'Service-integrated,' does not align with the scenario either as it involves integrating services across departments. Choice D, 'Matrix,' is not the correct answer as it involves a complex organizational structure where employees report to multiple managers simultaneously, which is not the case in the scenario provided.

2. Which of the following statements is true regarding nursing ethics?

• A. Nursing ethics focus on the organizational level at the workplace.
• B. Nursing ethics focus on the duties and rules of behavior for professional nurses.
• C. Nursing ethics focus on the moral character of nurses.
• D. Nursing ethics focus on the experiences and needs of nurses.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Nursing ethics focus on the duties and rules of behavior for professional nurses.' Nursing ethics primarily revolve around the principles and standards that guide the actions and decisions of nurses in their professional roles. Choice A is incorrect as nursing ethics are not limited to the organizational level but extend to individual conduct. Choice C is incorrect as while moral character is important, nursing ethics encompass more than just character traits. Choice D is incorrect as nursing ethics are centered on professional responsibilities rather than personal experiences and needs.

3. A technique used to eliminate negative behavior by ignoring the behavior is known as __________.

• A. Punishment
• B. Extinction
• C. Shaping
• D. Equity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Extinction.' Extinction is a behavioral psychology technique where undesirable behavior is ignored, leading to its eventual decrease or elimination. This process involves withholding reinforcement that was previously maintaining the behavior. Choice A, 'Punishment,' involves applying negative consequences to reduce unwanted behavior, which is different from extinction. Choice C, 'Shaping,' is a method of gradually molding or reinforcing behaviors to reach a desired behavior, not ignoring negative behavior. Choice D, 'Equity,' refers to fairness and equal treatment, which is unrelated to eliminating negative behavior through ignoring it.

4. In order to assist an older diabetic patient to engage in moderate daily exercise, which action is most important for the nurse to take?

• A. Determine what type of activities the patient enjoys.
• B. Remind the patient that exercise will improve self-esteem.
• C. Teach the patient about the effects of exercise on glucose levels.
• D. Give the patient a list of activities that are moderate in intensity.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to determine what type of activities the patient enjoys. This approach is crucial as it helps in personalizing the exercise plan to the patient's preferences, making it more likely for them to adhere to it. Choice B is incorrect because focusing on self-esteem may not directly motivate the patient to engage in exercise. Choice C, although important, may not be the initial step as understanding the patient's preferences comes first. Choice D limits the patient's autonomy by not involving them in the decision-making process.

5. 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.

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