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. A nurse manager is using the nominal group technique to gather input from the staff on a new policy. What is the primary method of exchange in this technique?

• A. Oral presentations
• B. Email exchanges
• C. Written reports
• D. Group discussions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the nominal group technique, the primary method of exchange is through written reports. Participants independently generate ideas in writing, which are then shared and discussed within the group. This structured process allows for equal participation and prevents dominant individuals from influencing the group's outcome. Oral presentations (choice A) involve speaking rather than written communication, making it less suitable for the nominal group technique. Email exchanges (choice B) are also not the primary method as they lack the structured approach of the nominal group technique. Group discussions (choice D) do occur in the nominal group technique but are secondary to the initial written idea generation phase.

3. Which of the following best describes the role of an informatics nurse specialist?

• A. Managing electronic health records
• B. Providing technical support
• C. Educating nursing staff
• D. Improving patient care through technology

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An informatics nurse specialist focuses on improving patient care through technology by implementing, optimizing, and leveraging healthcare information systems. While managing electronic health records and providing technical support may be part of their responsibilities, the primary goal is to enhance patient outcomes and healthcare delivery through the strategic use of technology. Educating nursing staff, although important, is typically not the core role of an informatics nurse specialist.

4. What behaviors can be observed before a person becomes violent? (EXCEPT)

• A. Wandering
• B. Tense shoulders and clenched fists
• C. Blank stare
• D. Positioned with one foot in back and an arm pulled back

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Before a person becomes violent, observable behaviors may include tense shoulders, clenched fists, a blank stare, and being positioned with one foot in back and an arm pulled back. Wandering is not typically associated with threatening behaviors signaling imminent violence. DelBel (2003) suggests that strategies such as relaxed body language, maintaining physical distance, and silence can help de-escalate an agitated individual's response.

5. Which of the following factors contributes to conflicts in professional nursing today?

• A. Some nurses who had planned to retire but find themselves forced to continue working because of the current economic situation
• B. Balancing state practice acts, codes of ethics, and standards of practice
• C. Advances in technology
• D. Multiple generations in the workforce

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The presence of multiple generations in the nursing workforce today with diverse viewpoints and work styles can lead to conflicts. This diversity in perspectives and approaches may result in disagreements on how tasks should be done or how patient care should be managed. Option A refers to economic factors impacting individual nurses rather than conflicts within the profession. Option B is related to compliance and ethical considerations, not conflicts. Option C, advances in technology, may influence nursing practices but is not directly linked to conflicts among professionals.

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