Leadership HESI
Which leadership theory focuses on the role of leaders in relational and contextual terms? Multiple choice question Style theory Two-factor theory Expectancy theory Transformational theory
Style theory Style theories focus on what leaders do in relational and contextual terms. The two-factor leadership theory refers to using motivator factors to inspire work performance. The expectancy theory of leadership refers to providing specific feedback about positive performance. The transformational theory of leadership refers to a process in which the leader attends to the needs and motives of followers.
Under a leader, a team of followers has failed to achieve success in conducting research. What does an effective leader do in this situation? Multiple choice question Criticizes the team members for failure Provides excuses for the negative outcome Refuses to take the responsibility for failure Accepts failure and gains experience from it
An effective leader should accept the failure and gain experience from it to avoid repetition of the same errors. The effective leader should counsel and motivate the team members for future success and should not criticize them. Making excuses for the negative outcome is not the correct action of the effective leader. The effective leader should take responsibility for the failure and the growth he or she will gain from it.
The nurse leader performs his or her own honest appraisals on a regular basis and feels good about the job. Which rule is the nurse leader implementing by this action? Maintaining balance Building self-confidence Listening to constituents Generating self-motivation
Building self-confidence The nurse leader implements the rule of " build self-confidence" by performing his or her own honest appraisals on a regular basis and by feeling good about the job. The nurse leader implements the rule "maintain balance" by setting priorities and maintaining work-life balance in his or her life. The nurse leader implements the rule "listen to constituents" by listening the views of his or her followers. The nurse leader follows the rule "generate self-motivation" by motivating himself or herself.
Which characteristic of a manager should the nurse leader exclude while addressing the complex issues of the hospital? Multiple choice question Developing a vision Budgeting the target goal Organizing and planning to address the issue Addressing the complex issue on a priority basis
Developing a vision Developing a vision in solving a complex issue is the characteristic of a leader, not a manager. Budgeting the target goal, organizing and planning the issue, and addressing complex issues first are the characteristics of a manager.
An obese client leads a sedentary lifestyle and complains of leg pain when walking long distances. A nurse leader is teaching the client different exercises that can relieve the pain and can be performed while working in an office or doing daily activities. Which of Gardner's leadership tasks is the leader nurse following? Multiple choice question Managing Explaining Motivating Affirming values
The nurse leader is performing the explaining element of Gardner's leadership tasks. Explaining includes teaching and interpreting information to promote client functioning and well-being. Managing involves assisting the client with planning, priority setting, and decision making while ensuring the organizational systems work on the client's behalf. Motivating is inspiring clients to achieve their vision. Assisting clients in sorting out and articulating personal values in relation to health problems falls under the affirming values task.
Which statement made by the nurse leader would satisfy the basic expectations of the client? Multiple choice question "I will return at 5 o'clock pm." "What do you want us to do?" "I am listening to you; please explain how you are affected by this problem." "The problem was due to a delay in medication, but I have a solution to prevent this from happening again."
"I will return at 5 o'clock pm." The basic expectations of a client are reliability, assurance, tangibles, empathy, and responsiveness. By saying "I will return at 5 o'clock pm," the nurse leader shows reliability, which is important for satisfying the basic needs of the client. By asking "What do you want us to do?," the leader shows a spirit of partnership in problem solving, which is not related to basic expectations. The leader should listen to the client and should ask him or her to explain a problem, but this is not associated with basic expectations. The leader should always tell the truth to the client about what went wrong, the plans for resolving this problem, and the prevention of a recurrence. This quality is reflected in the statement made by the leader, which is "The problem was due to a delay in medication, but I have a solution to prevent this from happening again." This quality also is not related to the basic expectations of a client.
The leader teaches the student nurse about STAMP (staring, tone and volume of voice, anxiety, mumbling, pacing) assessment. During the session, the leader mentions rapid speech and dilated pupils. What component is responsible for these two conditions? Multiple choice question Pacing Staring Anxiety Mumbling
Anxiety Anxiety may be indicated by conditions such as rapid speech and dilated pupils. Pacing involves actions such as walking around confined areas or walking back and forth to the nurses' area. Staring is glaring for a long period of time when the nurse is engaged in nursing practice. Mumbling can be defined by conditions such as talking "under the breath."
A nurse leader has prepared an objective for strategic planning. Which point indicates that the nurse possesses the ability to write objectives clearly and concisely? Multiple choice question Inclusion of the timeline and deadline Leaving expectations open to interpretation Starting with an article followed by a noun Specifying multiple dates for the attainment of a goal
Inclusion of the timeline and deadline In order for objectives to be clear and concise, they should have a timeframe within which the activity or improvement must be achieved. The timeline and deadlines should be included in the written objective. A clear and concise objective should leave no question about the expectations; it should not be open to interpretation. An objective should always start with "to" followed by an action verb. A single date for attaining the goal is the indication of a clear and concise objective.
The nurse manager uses operant conditioning when managing the staff by providing positive reinforcement to motivate them to repeat constructive behavior. Which leadership theory is reflected in this practice? Multiple choice question Hierarchy of needs Transformational theory Situational contingency theory Organizational behavior (OB) modification
OB modification theory is applied by providing positive reinforcement to the staff to motivate them to repeat constructive behaviors in the workplace. Awareness of the hierarchy of needs can be used to understand what motivates staff; for example, the need for security will override social needs. Transformational theory does not utilize operant conditioning for motivation. Situational contingency theory is applied to consider the challenge of a situation and encourages an adaptive leadership style to complement the issue being faced.
Which constructive aspects of conflict does the nurse leader identify? Multiple selection question Polarizes groups Releases pent-up emotions Promotes ineffective communication Helps individuals grow personally Builds cohesiveness among people Eugene off target
Releases pent-up emotions Helps individuals grow personally Builds cohesiveness among people Conflict serves as a release for pent-up emotion, anxiety, and stress. It helps individuals to grow personally and apply what they learn to future situations. It helps to build cohesiveness among people sharing the conflict, celebrating in its settlement and learning more about each other. It polarizes groups so they increase internal cohesiveness and reduce intergroup cooperation; this is a destructive aspect of conflict. Authentic communication is an aspect of conflict but not improbable communication.
The nurse leader has implemented a change in documentation of nursing care. The nurse leader finds that the licensed practitioner nurse (LPN) is resistant to change and is not participating in the change process. Which approach made by the nurse leader would be appropriate in dealing with the LPN? Multiple choice question To ignore the resistance displayed by the LPN To instruct the LPN to comply with the change or lose his/her employment To confront the LPN and encourage verbalization of feelings regarding the change To calm the LPN by stating that the documentation is done by the registered nurse
To confront the LPN and encourage verbalization of feelings regarding the change
The nurse manager is teaching the nursing team about funds allocated to health departments for personal health services by local, state, and federal governments. Which statement made by a member of the team would indicate effective learning? . Multiple selection question "The funds provide care for newborns." "The funds provide care for clients with pneumonia." "The funds provide care for clients with dengue." "The funds provide care for clients with tuberculosis." "The funds provide care for children with birth defects."
"The funds provide care for newborns." "The funds provide care for clients with tuberculosis." "The funds provide care for children with birth defects." The funds provided by the local, state, and federal governments for the personal health services include care for newborn, care for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, and care for children's with birth defect. Care for pneumonia and dengue is not included in the funds for personal health services.
The nurse manager monitors employees' performance and takes punitive action when necessary. What could be the expected organizational outcomes in this type of leadership? Multiple selection question Increased loyalty Adherence to deadlines Increased performance Limited job satisfaction Low-to-stable levels of commitment
Adherence to deadlines Limited job satisfaction Low-to-stable levels of commitment
What are the desired attributes of the nurse as a leader? Multiple selection question Identifying the needs of followers Avoiding the use of personal intuition over facts Motivating others assertively towards the objective Focusing on a single option to accomplish the objective Using a critical thinking approach while making a decision
Identifying the needs of followers Motivating others assertively towards the objective Using a critical thinking approach while making a decision A desired attribute of a nurse as a leader includes the identification of others' needs. The nurse should assertively motivate others towards the objective. A critical thinking approach is the desired attribute to make decisions in nurse leadership. The nurse should rely on personal intuition as well as facts. While accomplishing any objective, multiple options should be discussed before making decisions.
What are the attributes of a nurse leader? . Multiple selection question Identifying the needs of others Accepting responsibility willingly Using critical-thinking skills in making decisions Using focused energy and stamina to accomplish a vision Performing follow up on the consequences of actions taken
Identifying the needs of others Using critical-thinking skills in making decisions Using focused energy and stamina to accomplish a vision A nurse leader should possess attributes such as identifying the needs of others. A nurse leader should also use critical-thinking skills in making decisions and focused energy and stamina to accomplish a vision. Accepting responsibility willingly and performing follow up on the consequences of actions taken are the responsibilities of a follower.
What are the major issues identified by the nurse leader as reasons for increased union activity? Multiple selection question Low wages Adequate staffing Professional autonomy Mandatory overtime requirement Absence of reporting unsafe work environments
Mandatory overtime requirement Low wages and poor benefits may lead to an increase in union activity. Mandatory overtime and work overload have led to increased union activity in nursing. The absence of procedures for reporting of unsafe work environments and poor quality of care may increase union activity. Inadequate staffing and unqualified caregivers may lead to increased union activity. Lack of professional autonomy and professional practice models may increase union activity.
A staff nurse states "I am sorry, I am responsible for the situation" while communicating to the nurse leader. Which communication pattern is the staff nurse using? Multiple choice question Placation Irrelevant Congruence Attribution of blame
Placation Placation means to appease. By saying "I am sorry, I am responsible for the situation," the staff nurse is taking the blame. An irrelevant pattern is used when someone is trying avoid a situation or ignore his or her feelings. Congruence is used when matching inner feelings with words. While blaming others for any situation, attribution of blame is applied.
A nurse leader is promoting dialogue within the team successfully. Which actions of the nurse leader are responsible for this success? Multiple selection question Serving as a facilitator Encouraging the sharing of ideas Discouraging the sharing of fears Reacting to changed proposals honestly Assigning different tasks to team members
Serving as a facilitator Encouraging the sharing of ideas Reacting to changed proposals honestly Serving as a facilitator, encouraging the sharing of ideas, and reacting honestly to the changed proposals establishes a common goal. Therefore the nurse leader should perform these actions to promote the dialogue within the team. The nurse leader should encourage the sharing of fears to promote dialogue. Assigning different tasks to members of the team is not an example of team "dialogue."
A Hispanic nurse is celebrating a quinceañera for her 15-year-old daughter. What is the appropriate action of the culturally competent nurse manager? Multiple choice question Make a joke about the cultural ritual. Allow the nurse to take time off for this celebration. Ask the nurse not to put so much value in cultural rituals. Suggest that the nurse not invite other staff members to the occasion
Allow the nurse to take time off for this celebration.
How does a nurse leader effectively implement change in an organization? Multiple choice question By avoiding using managerial skills By using personal and professional skills By avoiding giving timely feedback to team members By removing the ineffective team members from the group
By using personal and professional skills A nurse leader should use both personal and professional skills to ensure effective implementation of a change in an organization. A nurse leader should also use managerial skills, not avoid them, to ensure effective implementation of a change in an organization. A nurse leader should give regular and timely feedback to the team members to implement change effectively. A nurse leader should motivate the team members to work effectively rather than removing them from the team.
Which actions can the mentor take to develop effective leadership qualities in the aspiring leader? Multiple selection question Avoiding criticism Modeling behavior Noting the mistakes Giving timely feedback Providing appropriate advice
Modeling behavior Giving timely feedback Providing appropriate advice The mentor should model professional and desired behavior and give timely feedback and appropriate advice to make the aspiring leader an effective leader. The mentor should not criticize, but rather coach the new aspiring leader to develop a personal leadership style. Noting the mistakes without feedback does not help an aspiring leader become an effective leader.
Which model of nursing care would include working "within the walls" as well as "beyond the walls" of the hospital? Multiple choice question Primary nursing method Practice partnership model Patient-focused care model Nursing case-management model
Nursing case-management model In the nursing case-management model, the nurse needs to provide care for a client in nurse-managed centers, home health agencies, urgent care centers, schools, and rural settings. In the primary nursing method, a single nurse cares for a client while that client is in the hospital. In the practice partnership model, a registered nurse (RN) is paired with a technical assistant. In the patient-focused care model, an RN is paired with a cross-trained technician who provides patient-side care.
A client is concerned about not receiving treatment due to a Medicare policy change. What is the accurate response of a nurse as a leader? Multiple choice question "The change will not affect your treatment." "The change can increase the duration of your treatment." "The change may affect your follow-up visits to the hospital." "The change can decrease the effectiveness of your treatment."
"The change will not affect your treatment." A nurse leader ensures the changes made by the federal government or organization will not cause harm or financial burden to the client. Therefore a nurse leader should support the client by saying that the changes will not affect treatment. Follow-up visits are based on the client's condition, not on the changes made on the insurance policies. Increased duration and decreased effectiveness of the treatment indicates harm to the client and will not be caused by a Medicare policy change.
The registered nurse is teaching a group of student nurses about the role of the nurse as a leader. Which statement by a student nurse indicates effective learning? Multiple choice question "The nurse manager has a plan for identification of charge nurses." "The nurse executive need not be aware of information on succession planning." "The primary goal of the nurse executive is leadership within and outside the workplace." "The goal of the nurse manager is to develop a shared vision of the future with direct care nurses."
"The goal of the nurse manager is to develop a shared vision of the future with direct care nurses." The goal of a nurse manager as a leader is to develop a shared vision of the future with direct care nurses. The nurse manager ensures that the day-to-day elements of the workplace are being performed correctly. The nurse executive has a plan for identification of charge nurses and should be aware of information on succession planning. The primary goal of the nurse executive is leadership within the workplace.
The registered nurse is interviewing for a management position and wants to present a powerful image. What can the nurse focus on when preparing for the interview? . Multiple selection question Conveying positive body language Appearing well groomed and well dressed Showing confidence in work and abilities Communicating a conservative, safe philosophy Demonstrating an ability to work independently without the need for collaboration
Conveying positive body language Appearing well groomed and well dressed Showing confidence in work and abilities Positive body language, appearing well groomed and well dressed, and conveying self-confidence are essential for establishing a powerful image. An effective leader should always be ready to take risks rather than maintaining a conservative, safe philosophy. A successful leader should also be comfortable collaborating and utilizing the assistance of others.
A senior nurse finds that the nurse leader is implementing Gardner's task of "achieving workable unity" effectively. Which action of the nurse leader supports the senior nurse's finding? Multiple choice question Being honest and keeping promises to clients Representing the values of organization to clients Developing conflict resolution skills effectively Inspiring the team members to achieve their vision
Developing conflict resolution skills effectively ardner's task of " achieving workable unity" can be implemented by inculcating the unity in the team. This can be achieved by developing the conflict resolution skills effectively. The nurse leader implements the Gardner's task of "developing trust" by being honest and keeping promises to clients. The nurse leader implements Gardner's task of "affirming values" by representing the value of organization to clients. The nurse leader implements the Gardner's task of "motivating" by inspiring the team members to achieve their vision.
A discussion between a group of team members results in a serious conflict in an organization. The nurse, as a leader, accepts the challenge of the situation and uses an adaptive style. Which theory of leadership is the nurse applying in practice? Multiple choice question Trait theory Two-factor theory Hierarchy of needs Situational-contingency theory
Situational-contingency theory takes into account the challenge of a situation and encourages an adaptive style of leadership. Trait theory holds that self-awareness of traits is required to inspire others to achieve a goal. The two-factor theory of leadership posits that both hygiene and motivator factors are required for inspiring work performance. The hierarchy of needs theory of leadership holds that motivation is achieved by providing individuals with a hierarchy of needs.
If a leader is using the simplest and fastest method of communication with his or her constituents, which of the five rules of the leader best describes this approach? Multiple selection question Maintain balance Manage time Listen to constituents Generate self-motivation Maintain a positive attitude
Maintain balance Manage time Leaders must maintain balance and control over their lives. Good leaders use the simplest and fastest method of communication so as to be accessible and to manage their personal and professional time. Listening to constituents emphasizes that leaders must listen to their subordinates to determine whether action is necessary. The rule of generating self-motivation expresses the idea that leaders should not expect followers to be appreciative for the time spent on followers' needs and must generate enthusiasm by their own actions and attitudes. Maintaining a positive attitude involves using positive thinking and positive messages to create an environment in which followers believe in the organization, the leader, and themselves.
The nurse leader is calculating the productive hours of the staff nurse for that year. The nurse took a vacation for 19 days. Assuming an 8-hour workday, what are the productive hours of the staff nurse? Round your answer using a whole number.
1928 hours The formula for calculating the productive hours is (Total number of working hours per year - Nonproductive hours). So the nonproductive hours are (Total leave x Full time equivalent per day = Nonproductive hours) 26 x 8 = 152. Therefore, 2080 - 152 = 1,928 productive hours.
The transformational leader demonstrates charismatic behavior and the careful consideration of the value of every individual in the organization. What might be the expected organizational outcomes with this type of leadership? Multiple selection question Increased loyalty Deadlines are met Increased performance Low-to-stable levels of commitment Work is supervised and completed according to the rules
Increased loyalty Increased performance Charismatic behavior and individual consideration are the behaviors of transformational leadership. A leader displaying this behavior would increase the loyalty and performance level of the followers. In transactional leadership, deadlines are typically met but followers have low-to-stable levels of commitment and the work needs to be supervised and completed according to the rules.
Which action of the nurse leader indicates implementing Gardner's task of "explaining"? Multiple choice question Assisting clients and families in formulating their vision of future well-being Providing self-care to enhance the ability to care for staff, clients, and their families Teaching and interpreting the information to ensure clients' functioning and well-being Assisting clients in sorting out and articulating personal values in relation to health problems
Teaching and interpreting the information to ensure clients' functioning and well-being The nurse leader implements Gardner's task of " explaining" by teaching and interpreting the information that ensures clients' functioning and well-being. The nurse leader implements Gardner's task of "envisioning goals" by assisting clients and their families in formulating their vision of future well-being. The nurse leader implements Gardner's task of "renewing" by providing self-care to enhance the ability to care for staff, clients, and their families. The nurse leader implements Gardner's task of "affirming values" by assisting clients and their families as they sort out and articulate personal values in relation to health problems.
What are the responsibilities of a nurse manager when leading a case-management system? Multiple selection question Assessing the quality improvement constantly Coordinating communication among all systems Providing client care according to direct care nurse specifications Assisting clients in overcoming obstacles from screening to treatment Educating the staff of other departments about nursing care management (NCM)
Assessing the quality improvement constantly Coordinating communication among all systems Assisting clients in overcoming obstacles from screening to treatment Educating the staff of other departments about nursing care management (NCM) Quality improvement is assessed constantly to ensure that the clinical pathway is appropriate for the diagnosis-related group and that case managers are adequately managing their caseloads. Communication among all systems must be coordinated because working with all departments within a health care organization may facilitate interdepartmental communication. Educating the staff of other departments on roles and responsibilities will increase the effectiveness of the case-management process. The client care must be provided by the direct care nurse according to case manager specifications. Assisting clients in overcoming obstacles from screening to treatment is the responsibility of a nurse navigator.
While trying to define a problem, the nurse leader finds out the external and internal constraints on implementing a solution. Which problem-defining process is the leader nurse performing? Multiple choice question Justifying the need Writing the problem Establishing the need Contextualizing the problem
Contextualizing the problem As per the problem-definition process, while contextualizing a problem, a nurse leader will determine the external and internal constraints of the problem. This may help in figuring out how to best implement a solution. To justify the need, the nurse leader should decide the desired benefits. Writing the problem includes how to evaluate the solution and measure success. To establish the need, the nurse leader should understand the desired outcomes.
What would the nurse describe as "leadership" in nursing practice? Multiple choice question The member contributing optimally but following a peer who is managing in a setting The ability to plan and evaluate others in situations where the outcomes are pre-established The use of individual traits to interpret the environment in an emerging situation to execute a plan The transfer of responsibility for performance of a task from one individual to another while retaining accountability for the outcome
The use of individual traits to interpret the environment in an emerging situation to execute a plan Leadership is defined as the use of abilities and traits by an individual to interpret the environment in an emerging situation to execute a defined plan. In followership, each member contributes optimally and follows a peer who leads in the setting. The ability to plan, direct, control, and evaluate other members in situations with a pre-established outcome is management. Collaboration is the transfer of responsibility for the performance of a task while retaining the accountability for the outcome.
The registered nurse as a leader encourages a student nurse to think of the big picture. Which action of the student nurse indicates thinking of the big picture? Multiple choice question Understanding community and cultures Balancing decision making for quality outcomes Focusing on the needs of all residents in a long-term care setting Recognizing results of actions taken today have a long-term effect on the organization
Focusing on the needs of all residents in a long-term care setting In the context of systems thinking theory, thinking of the big picture involves focusing on the needs of all clients and understanding the needs of all units of the hospital or long-term healthcare facility. When the nurse develops an understanding of communities and cultures within a society, it refers to recognition of the dynamic, complex, and interdependent nature of systems. When the nurse balances decision making for quality outcomes and recognizes the results of actions taken today, it indicates balancing short-term and long-term objectives.
The nurse leader is teaching nursing executives regarding the primary nursing model of practice implemented in healthcare systems. Which statement made by the nurse executive indicates effective learning? Multiple choice question "I will use a task approach method for providing care to the client." "I will use managed care concepts and tools in providing care to the client." "I will incorporate total client care from the client's admission to discharge." "I will have unlicensed assistive personnel provide care to the client under the guidance of the registered nurse."
"I will incorporate total client care from the client's admission to discharge." In the primary model of nursing, a single registered nurse provides all the care to the client starting from admission to discharge. In functional nursing, the nurse uses the task approach method in providing care to clients. Use of managed care concepts and tools in providing client care indicates a case management model of nursing. In team nursing, the registered nurse guides the unlicensed assistive personnel to provide client care.
The registered nurse is teaching a nursing student the qualities of a leader for effectively managing conflicts. Which statement by the nursing student indicates the need for further teaching? Multiple choice question "I will provide a forum for open discussion." "I will ask the staff or clients to learn from the situation." "I will immediately resume efforts to resolve the conflict if initial efforts fail." "I will motivate followers to use skills and resources for dispute resolution."
"I will immediately resume efforts to resolve the conflict if initial efforts fail." The effective approach toward managing conflicts as a leader is to provide a " cooling off" period before reconvening if the resolution fails. If the nurse reconvenes the parties immediately after initially failing to find a resolution, it may not help the nurse manage the conflict properly. Providing a forum for discussion will help in eliciting feedback before and after negotiations. Working with staff or clients after the conflict to learn from the situation may help prevent a similar kind of conflict in the future. Motivating others to implement skills and resources for dispute resolution is an effective way to manage conflicts.
While interviewing a nurse for the position of leader, the chief executive officer of a healthcare facility asks "How will you develop political skills in your team?" Which answers provided by the nurse most likely will result in an offer for the position? Multiple selection question "I will teach them to be honest." "I will encourage their participation in Nurse Lobby Day." "I will teach them to be comfortable with conflict and ambiguity." "I will develop their ability to take constructive criticism gracefully." "I will encourage their active memberships in the state nurses' association."
"I will encourage their participation in Nurse Lobby Day." "I will encourage their active memberships in the state nurses' association." The participation in Nurse Lobby Day to meet the state legislators may help build the team's political skills. The nurses should be encouraged to be active members of the state nurses' association, which also helps develop their political skills. Honesty building may be associated with the development of personal power strategies. The leader might have taught the team to be comfortable with conflict and ambiguity, which helps develop the personal power strategies of the team. The ability to take constructive criticism gracefully would be taught for developing a personal power strategy.
