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 B: Functional. In functional structures, employees are grouped into departments based on specialty, allowing individuals with similar skills and tasks to work together efficiently. In this scenario, organizing the hospital into departments such as nursing, dietary, and pharmacy based on their specialties exemplifies a functional organizational structure. Choice A, Parallel structure, involves independent units working on similar tasks, which is not the case here. Choice C, Service-integrated structure, emphasizes cross-functional teamwork across various departments, which is not the main focus in the scenario. Choice D, Matrix structure, involves employees reporting to multiple managers for different projects or tasks, which is not described in the scenario.

2. What is the primary role of a nurse manager in a healthcare setting?

• A. To enforce hospital policies
• B. To oversee patient care
• C. To manage the financial aspects of the unit
• D. To ensure efficient operation of the unit

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary role of a nurse manager in a healthcare setting is to ensure the efficient operation of the unit. While enforcing hospital policies and overseeing patient care are important aspects of their role, the main responsibility lies in ensuring the smooth and effective functioning of the unit. Managing the financial aspects of the unit is also crucial, but it is not the primary role of a nurse manager, as their focus is more on operational efficiency and quality of care.

3. Why is increasing the use of advanced practice nurses encouraged?

• A. A 2010 Institute of Medicine report recommended nurses practice to the full extent of their education.
• B. Advanced practice nurses act as an extension of physicians.
• C. The National League for Nursing advocates for the master of science in nursing (MSN) as the terminal degree for nurse practitioners.
• D. Advanced practice nurses lack the skills to diagnose.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the 2010 Institute of Medicine report recommended that nurses practice to the full extent of their education, which includes utilizing advanced practice nurses. This supports the efficient delivery of healthcare services by leveraging the expertise and skills of advanced practice nurses. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the role of advanced practice nurses rather than providing a reason for increasing their use. Choice C is unrelated to the encouragement of increasing the use of advanced practice nurses as it focuses on the terminal degree for nurse practitioners. Choice D is incorrect as advanced practice nurses do possess the skills necessary to diagnose and provide advanced care, so the statement that they lack diagnostic skills is inaccurate.

4. 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.

5. The staff nurse is experiencing what type of conflict when the babysitter calls to cancel on the day of an important committee meeting?

• A. Intergroup conflict
• B. Perceived conflict
• C. Role conflict
• D. Structural conflict

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Role conflict. Role conflict arises when one has conflicting responsibilities or obligations, such as being scheduled to work while also needing to care for children. In this scenario, the staff nurse faces a conflict between their role as a parent needing childcare and their role as a professional scheduled to present at a committee meeting. Intergroup conflict (A) involves disputes between different groups, not conflicting roles within an individual. Structural conflict (D) stems from issues within the organizational structure, not conflicting responsibilities. Perceived conflict (B) refers to misunderstandings or misinterpretations between parties, not conflicting roles.

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