Marquis Leadership 8e Ch 1-25 (exclude 9)
16. When was the veteran generation born? A) 1925 to 1942 B) 1943 to early 1960s C) Early 1960s to 1980 D) Late 1970s to 1986
Ans: A Feedback: The veteran generation is typically recognized as those nurses born between 1925 and 1942.
7. What is inferred if an item is ìcost-effectiveî? A) It is the least expensive product available B) It is worth the cost C) It is reimbursable D) Its cost was anticipated
Ans: B Feedback: Cost-effective does not necessarily imply the cheapest, but it requires that the expenditure be worth the cost. The other options are not characteristic of the term cost effective.
25. Which personal characteristics will best help meet the psychological needs of conflict negotiation? A) Perseverance and assertiveness B) Calmness and self-assuredness C) Compassion and reflectiveness D) Organization and preparedness
Ans: B Feedback: Negotiation is psychological and verbal. The effective negotiator always appears calm and self-assured. The other options are not as impactful when considering the psychological aspects of the negotiation process.
14. Which would suggest that flattening of the organization is occurring? A) There is a collective spirit B) There is reduction in the administration levels C) There are shared work goals across units D) There are formal and informal systems are in place to address conflicts
Ans: B Feedback: Reducing the numbers of administration levels is called flattening the organization. The remaining options are not related to organizational flattening.
4. What has research shown regarding interviewing reliability? A) Interviewer reliability is high if the interview is unstructured B) Interviewer reliability improves if the interview is structured uniformly C) Reliability increases when there is a team approach to the interview D) Positive information is weighed more heavily than negative information
Ans: B Feedback: Reliability means that something is measured consistently time after time. Therefore, if more than one interviewer uses the same format to interview a candidate, the reliability of the interviews improves. None of the other options identify the research findings.
6. What is the priority goal for a manager with regard to staffing and scheduling? A) Schedule staff so there is no overtime B) Ensure that there is adequate staff to meet the needs of each patient C) Develop trust in staff by seeing that staffing is carried out in a fair manner D) Ensure that staff members usually have days off and special requests granted
Ans: B Feedback: The manager is tasked with seeing that patient care needs are met first and foremost. While the other options are relevant, they are not the priority goal of the manager.
7. Which is the most accurate statement regarding staffing and scheduling policies? A) It is more important to communicate policies verbally than in writing B) It is necessary that policies are written in a manner that allows some flexibility C) Policies should focus on the process D) Managers should have autocratic control over scheduling and staffing policies
Ans: B Feedback: To retain employees, the staffing policies must allow some flexibility, which could include job sharing, flextime, a part-time staffing pool for weekends, or allowing employees to exchange hours of work among themselves.
17. In preparation for an appraisal conference, how many days of advanced notice will the manager give the employee? A) 1 B) 2 to 3 C) 4 to 5 D) 6 to 7
Ans: B Feedback: Give the employee 2- to 3-day advance notice of the scheduled appraisal conference so that he or she can be prepared mentally and emotionally for the interview.
22. Which factor affects the accurate prediction of staffing needs? Select all that apply. A) When staff resignations historically occur B) How long new hires usually stay employed C) Education of current nursing staff members D) Third-party insurer reimbursement levels
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Accurately predicting staffing needs is a crucial management skill because it enables the manager to avoid staffing crises. Managers should know the usual length of employment of newly hired staff and peak staff resignation periods. In addition, managers must consider the education and knowledge level of needed staff and have a fairly sophisticated understanding of third-party insurer reimbursement since this has a significant impact on staffing in contemporary health-care organizations.
21. Which statement regarding the view of power held by some women is true'? Select all that apply. A) Power is inherently possessed by men B) Power is associated with personal attributes C) Power is viewed as dominance versus submission D) Power is associated with personal qualities not accomplishment
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: As a result, some women view power as dominance versus submission; associated with personal qualities, not accomplishment; and dependent on personal or physical attributes, not skill. Also, some women believe that they do not inherently possess power but instead must rely on others to acquire it. Thus, rather than feeling capable of achieving and managing power, some women feel that power manages them. The end result has been that so far 100 many women have remained unskilled in the art of the political process.
25. Which statement is true concerning a bureaucratic organization? A) It is commonly referred to as a line organization B) It is typically found in large health-care organizations C) They resemble Weber's original design of organization D) Its authority is represented by its staff organizational chart
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Bureaucratic organizational designs are commonly called line structures or line organizations. Those with staff authority may be referred to as staff organizations. Both of these types of organizational structures are found frequently in large health-care facilities and usually resemble Weber's original design for effective organizations. Because of most people's familiarity with these structures, there is little stress associated with orienting people to these organizations.
It is appropriate to make a change for which reason? Select all that apply. A) To solve an existing problem B) To increase staff efficiency C) To reduce unnecessary workload D) To improve staff productivity
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Change should be implemented only for good reasons such as the solution of an existing problem, increasing staff efficiency, eliminating unnecessary workload and improving productivity. Boredom alone is not a sufficient reason to institute change.
Which intervention demonstrates that the nurse-manager is to advocate for patients in common areas of concern? Select all that apply. A) Staffing a unit with sufficient care providers B) Orienting staff to safely use a new patient lift C) Providing an in-service on culturally meeting end-of-life needs D) Arranging for patient consultations with members of the financial office
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Common areas for managers to advocate for patients include distribution of resources; use of technology; end-of-life decisions; and health-care reimbursement. While aesthetics is an important consideration, it is not a common area for managers to act as advocators
21. Which component is considered a part of an organizational structure? Select all that apply. A) Group formation B) Lines of communication C) Decision-making process D) Channels of legitimate authority
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Organizational structure refers to the way in which a group is formed, its lines of communication, and its means for channeling authority and making decisions.
What is a characteristic of strategic planning? Select all that apply. A) Requires managerial expertise in health-care economics B) Should reflect political issues related to health care C) Human resource expertise is required D) Should be based on a planning theory
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Strategic planning generally forecasts 3 to 10 years into the future and requires managerial expertise in health-care economics, human resource management, and political and legislative issues affecting health care, as well as planning theory.
4. Which power-building strategy would be the appropriate for a new employee? Select all that apply A) Maintaining a sense of humor B) Gaining additional nursing certifications C) Learning the institution's organizational culture. D) Attending a training seminar on a new piece of unit equipment
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Trying to induce change when one is a new employee is not an appropriate power building strategy while the other options are all appropriate for a new employee to engage in.
24. A staff member asks the manger for a particular day off on the next schedule. Which response demonstrates the concept of under promising and help the manager retain the staff's trust? A) I will do my best to give you the time off. B) Be sure to get the written request in early C) If staffing stays the same, I will arrange for your request. D) If you don't take any sick time before then, I'll give it to you
Ans: C Feedback: Less trust is lost between the manager and the subordinate when underpromising occurs.
14. What is important to remember about gender differences in communication? A) Men are more collaborative communicators B) It rarely impacts nursing care C) It affects the quality of organization communication D) Women are more competitive communicators
Ans: C Feedback: Men are usually more competitive and less collaborative than women in their communication patterns, and differences often impact the quality of organization communication.
How many characteristics such as servant leadership does Tabaka suggest is required of an agile organization today? A) 1 B) 5 C) 10 D) 15
Ans: C Feedback: Tabaka suggests that servant leadership is one of the top 10 characteristics of an agile organization today.
10. Which is a true statement about the patterns of patient care management? A) Functional nursing is organized according to the desires of the worker B) Primary nursing and total patient care are synonymous C) Team leading includes the concept of patient care conferences D) Case load nursing provides little autonomy for nurses
Ans: C Feedback: Team leading includes the need for patient care conferences. None of the other options identify that need.
8. What role has the Joint Commission assumed in ensuring quality at the organizational level? A) Establishing clinical practice guidelines B) Reducing diagnosis-related group reimbursement levels C) Standardizing clinical outcome data collection D) Assessing monetary fines for hospitals that fail to meet standards
Ans: C Feedback: The Joint Commission ensures quality at the organizational level by requiring participating organizations to choose from among 60 acceptable performance measurement systems. The Joint Commission is not actively involved in any of the other options.
9. What outcome is associated with a good PCS? A) It eliminates most staffing problems B) It decreases the amount of overtime C) It provides an understanding of staffing problems D) It eliminates the need for adjustment or review
Ans: C Feedback: The main strength of the PCS is that it provides data with which to make staffing decisions. It will not solve all staffing problems, and it will not replace a manager's judgment.
Place the planning hierarchy in its proper order from top (being 1) to bottom (being 7) represent. A) Philosophy B) Goals C) Mission statement D) Objectives E) Policies F) Procedures G) Rules
Ans: C Feedback: The planning hierarchy follows this order: begins with organization's mission statement, philosophy, goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and ends with rules.
5. What does the term unity of command mean? A) The number of individuals directly reporting to a manager B) Having a limited number of top-level managers C) Each employee having only one boss D) A flexible structure that encourages participative decision making
Ans: C Feedback: Unity of command means one immediate boss per employee. None of the other options correctly describes the term unity of command.
16. Which is an example of a hygiene factor according to Herzberg? A) Achievement B) Recognition C) Salary D) Work
Ans: C Feedback: A hygiene factor is salary. Motivators include achievement, recognition, and work.
17. What type of interview is a predictor of job performance and overall effectiveness? A) Unstructured B) Semistructured C) Structured D) Informal
Ans: C Feedback: As a predictor of job performance and overall effectiveness, the structured interview is much more reliable than the unstructured, semistructured, or informal interviews.
20. What is one of the most powerful yet frequently overlooked or underused motivators that the manager can use to create a motivating climate? A) Intrinsic motivation B) External motivation C) Positive reinforcement D) Self-care
Ans: C Feedback: Positive reinforcement is one of the most powerful motivators the manager can use and is frequently overlooked or underused. The other options are personal in nature.
18. Which term is used to identify the effect that occurs when the appraisal is based on recent performance over less recent performance during the evaluation period? A) Halo B) Horns C) Recency D) Mathew
Ans: C Feedback: Taking regular notes on employee performance is a way to avoid the recency effect, which favors appraisal of recent performance over less recent performance during the evaluation period. None of the other options accurately identifies this effect.
18. What are often neglected areas of the indoctrination process? 1. Induction 2. Orientation 3. State or national laws 4. Union contracts A) 1, 2, 3 B) 1, 2, 4 C) 1, 3, 4 D) 2, 3, 4
Ans: D Feedback: Socialization and re-socialization are often neglected areas of the indoctrination process.
7. Which strategy is most effective in empowering staff? A) Serving as a role model of an empowered nurse B) Following a rigid but consistent rule enforcement policy C) Providing all employees with an annual cost-of-living raise D) Encouraging staff to establish a strong unit culture with turf boundaries
Ans: A Feedback: By serving as a role model of an empowered nurse, the individual encourages others to become empowered.
3. Which is a motivating factor identified in Herzberg's motivationñhygiene theory? A) Money B) A chance for promotion C) A well-lighted parking lot D) Free meals in the cafeteria
Ans: B Feedback: Herzberg maintained that motivators such as promotion are present in work itself; they give people the desire to perform well. The other options were viewed less impactful on motivation.
8. Which statement concerning the queen bee syndrome is true? A} It occurs more often with women than with men B) It encourages the empowerment of subordinates C) It prevents the sharing of power D) It is an informal leadership role
Ans : C Feedback: Individuals who have the queen bee syndrome do not empower others, because they want to keep all the power for themselves. None of the other options are associated with the queen bee syndrome.
21. Which statement concerning a budget is true? A) A budget's reliability is related to how far in advance it was created B) Budgets should be created as far in advance is possible C) A budget is revised every 3 months during a fiscal year D) Budgets are reliable only when expenses are fixed
Ans: A Feedback: A budget that is predicted too far in advance has greater probability for error. The other options are incorrect statements regarding a budget.
23. What is the primary goal of a performance appraisal? A) Promotion of employee growth B) Compliance with stated regulations C) Identification of ineffective staff D) Providing a basis for staff wage increases
Ans: A Feedback: A performance appraisal wastes time if it is merely an excuse to satisfy regulations and the goal is not employee growth. None of the remaining options express the goal of a performance appraisal.
Which change is easier to make? A) Personal behavior B) Group behavior C) Group knowledge D) Personal attitudes
Ans: A Feedback: It is much easier to change a person's behavior than it is to change an entire group's behavior. It is easier to change knowledge levels than attitudes.
What is one way to promote open communication between patients and practitioners? A) Involving health-care consumers as active members of the health-care team B) Promoting the creation of cultures of patient safety in health-care organizations C) Establishing a federal leadership locus for advocacy of patient safety and healthcare quality D) Building an evidence-based information and technology system that impacts patient safety and pursue proposals to offset implementation costs
Ans: A Feedback: One way to promote open communication between patients and practitioners is involving health-care consumers as active members of the health-care team. Pursing patient safety initiatives prevent medical injury by promoting the creation of cultures of patient safety in health-care organizations; establishing a federal leadership locus for advocacy of patient safety and health-care quality; and building an evidence-based information and technology system that impacts patient safety and pursue proposals to offset implementation costs.
21. What is a leadership role associated with staffing and scheduling? A) Role models the use of evidence in making appropriate staffing and scheduling decisions B) Uses organizational goals and patient classification tools to minimize understaffing C) Periodically examines the unit standard of productivity to determine if changes are needed D) Evaluates scheduling and staffing procedures and policies on a regular basis
Ans: A Feedback: Role modeling is a leadership responsibility. The other options are recognized management responsibilities associated with staffing and scheduling.
Goleman in his best seller Emotional Intelligence identifies self-awareness as one of the five components of emotional intelligence. What is self-awareness? A) The ability to recognize and understand one's moods, emotions, and drives as well as their effects on others B) The ability to control or redirect disruptive impulses or moods as well as the propensity to suspend judgment C) A passion to work for reasons that go beyond money or status; a propensity to pursue goals with energy and commitment D) The ability to understand and accept the emotional makeup of other people
Ans: A Feedback: Self-awareness: The ability to recognize and understand one's moods, emotions, and drives as well as their effects on others. Self-regulation: The ability to control or redirect disruptive impulses or moods as well as the propensity to suspend judgment. Motivation: A passion to work for reasons that go beyond money or status; a propensity to pursue goals with energy and commitment. Empathy: The ability to understand and accept the emotional makeup of other people.
17. What are the least common sources of organizational conflict? A) Communication problems B) Organizational structure C) Individual behavior within the organization D) Self-scheduling
Ans: A Feedback: Self-scheduling is not generally associated with common causes of organizational conflict. The most common sources of organizational conflict are communication problems, organizational structure, and individual behavior within the organization.
5. Which statement reflects the contemporary thinking about conflict? A) It can lead to new ideas B) It leads to decreased motivation C) It should be avoided whenever possible D) It is neither qualitative nor quantitative
Ans: A Feedback: Some level of conflict in an organization appears to be desirable since it appears to prevent organizational stagnation. None of the other options reflect contemporary thinking about conflict.
25. What is the advantage of staff turnover? A) Fresh ideas B) Younger staff C) Cost containment D) Increased groupthink
Ans: A Feedback: Some turnover is normal and, in fact, desirable. Turnover infuses the organization with fresh ideas. It also reduces the probability of groupthink, in which everyone shares similar thought processes, values, and goals. However, excessive or unnecessary turnover reduces the ability of the organization to produce its end product and is expensive.
23. Which is the positive outcome for a manager perceived to possess manager power? A) Staff have trust in the manager B) Unit staffing tends to remain stable C) The manager will be a leader as well D) Administration supports the manager's decisions
Ans: A Feedback: The term 'manager power' may explain subordinates' response to the manager's authority. The more power subordinates perceive a manager to have, the smaller the gap between the right to expect certain things and the resulting fulfillment of those expectations by others. None of the other options present a positive outcome of manager power.
Which situation is characteristic of the weakness of the nursing process? A) The frequent absence of well-written patience-focused objectives B) The confusion created by the existence of numerous nursing diagnoses C) The ever-increasing need for effective assessment skills required of the nurse D) The amount of nursing staff required to implement the patients' plans of care
Ans: A Feedback: The weakness of the nursing process, like the traditional problem-solving model, is in not requiring clearly stated objectives. Goals should be clearly stated in the planning phase of the process, but this step is frequently omitted or obscured. While the remaining options relate to the nursing process, they are not directly a result of the process itself.
3. Which task is a management function associated with quality control? A) Periodic evaluation of unit mission and philosophy B) Making out the daily patient care assignments C) Creating a yearly budget D) Distributing holiday staffing policies
Ans: A Feedback: Unit mission, philosophy, goals, and objectives are the blocks on which policies and standards rest. All these must be in place to measure whether quality is being achieved on the unit. The other options are not related to quality control.
9. Who is involved in quality control measurement functions? Select all that apply. A) Facility staff B) Consumers C) All levels management D) Health-care professionals
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Consumers, health professionals, staff, and all levels of management should be involved in quality control measurement. Community members become involved when they become health-care consumers.
25. Which activity is directed toward a new graduate's responsibility to their nursing career? Select all that apply. A) Earning a professional nursing certification B) Gaining expertise in a specific field of nursing C) Being a member of a professional nursing association D) Earning an advanced nursing degree within 5 years of initial licensure
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: New graduates also have responsibility during the crucial first few years of employment to gain the expertise they need to have more opportunities for career divergence in the future. This includes becoming an expert in one or more areas of practice, gaining professional certifications, and being well informed about professional nursing and health-care issues. This is also a time where participation in professional associations has great value as a result of the opportunities for mentoring and networking. Finally, all new graduates should consider at what point, continued formal education will be a part of their career ladder and professional journey.
Which action is associated with relationship age leadership? Select all that apply. A) Communicates regularly with subordinates B) Encourages teamwork to achieve problem solving C) Includes committee representatives from all areas that will be affected by the change D) Recognizes staff members who have contributed plausible problem-solving solutions
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: People skills, cooperation, and valuing staff knowledge are all characteristics of the relationship age leader. Focus on fact gathering rather than finding the meaning of the data is characteristic of an industrial age leader.
Which statement concerning the role of the leader-manager in organizational planning is true? Select all that apply. A) They need to be future oriented B) They must be willing to take risks C) They must possess human resource management skills D) They need to be prepared to appraise the social climate that affects the organization
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Planning requires managerial expertise in health-care economics, human resource management, political and legislative issues affecting health care, and planning theory. Planning also requires the leadership skills of being sensitive to the environment, being able to appraise accurately the social and political climate, and being willing to take risks. Managers then must draw on the philosophy and goals established at the organizational and nursing service levels in implementing planning at the unit level. The manager then draws on his or her leadership skills in creativity, innovation, and futuristic thinking to problem solve.
Which characteristics are associated with Collin's Highly Capable Individual level of leadership? Select all that apply. A) Possesses useful knowledge B) Builds effective interdisciplinary teams C) Galvanizes members to achieve goals D) Demonstrates effective organization skills
Ans: A, D Feedback: Level 1: Highly capable individual makes high quality contributions with their work; possesses useful levels of knowledge; and has the talent and skills needed to do a good job. Team building is a Level 2 characteristic. Organizational skills are associated with Level 3 while galvanizing members to achieve goals is demonstrated by Level 4 leaders.
19. What is coercive power based on? A) The ability to grant rewards to others B) The power of fear and of punishment C) The power inherent in one's position D) The gaining of knowledge and skills
Ans: B Coercive power is based on fear and punishment. Reward power is obtained by the ability to grant reward s to others. Legitimate power is the power inherent in one's position . Expert power is gained through knowledge or skill.
What makes an organizational philosophy useless? A) Being expensive to implement B) Viewed as being impossible to implement C) Not having the support of all the involved parties D) Involving a change in the organizational point of view
Ans: B Feedback: An organizational philosophy that is not or cannot be implemented is useless. While challenging, the other options are surmountable.
24. What results from the development of plan of correction associated with health-care delivery errors? A) Sentinel event B) Root cause analysis C) Quality assessment (QA) program D) Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA)
Ans: B Feedback: Another Joint Commission priority is the development of root cause analysis with a plan of correction for the errors that do occur. A sentinel event is likely the trigger of the root cause analysis. FMEA examines all possible failures in a design including sequencing of events, actual and potential risk, points of vulnerability, and areas for improvement. QA is an ongoing process that focuses on continued delivery improvement.
22. Which statement concerning the process of arbitration is true? A) Arbitration is the initial step in grievance resolution B) Arbitration involves a third party arriving at a solution C) Arbitration requires both parties to present the facts of the conflict D) Arbitration is reserved for situations that involve the state or federal government
Ans: B Feedback: Arbitration is the terminal step in the grievance procedure, where a third party reviews the grievance, completes fact finding, and reaches a decision. Always indicates the involvement of a third party. Arbitration may be voluntary on the part of management and labor or imposed by the government in a compulsory arbitration.
5. Which statement is true regarding the Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scale (BARS)? A) Has long been used as a performance appraisal tool in the health-care industry B) Requires that a separate rating form be developed for each job classification C) Is often referred to as a free-form review D) Is a rapidly scored and administered performance appraisal tool
Ans: B Feedback: The BARS key areas of responsibility are delineated and ranked by importance. This system reduces subjectivity, but has the drawback of being time-consuming.
What is the best definition for the process of planning? A) Problem oriented B) Short-term goal setting C) Continuous with cyclic evaluation checkpoints D) A long-range needs assessment
Ans: C Feedback: Planning can be short term or long term, but should always include built-in evaluation checkpoints so there can be a midcourse correction if unexpected events occur.
13. Two of the organizational goals are to increase physician satisfaction and reduce costs. A unit goal is to increase professional RN staffing. Which statement best supports all the stated goals? A) Increasing the RN staff will cut down on nursing errors, prevent burn out, and decrease the cost associated with staff turnover B) Increasing the RN staff will result in increased patient safety and quality care, and thus improve physician satisfaction C) Increasing the RN staff will free more nurses to be available to answer doctors' concerns during their rounds and will reduce our costly use of overtime D) Increasing the RN staff will lead to improved patient education and a reduction in costly patient stays
Ans: C Feedback: Politically wise requests should always be made using the goals of the organization ; therefore, stating that increasing the staff would meet the organization's goals is most appropriate. The other options do not address all of the stated goals.
19. What must be completed before a position is offered? A) Physical examination B) Preemployment testing C) Reference check D) Personal interview
Ans: C Feedback: Positions should never be offered until information on the application has been verified and references have been checked.
1. What is the best combination that characterizes the communication process? A) Sender receiver message B) Receiver message sender C) Sender message receiver D) Message sender receiver
Ans: C Feedback: The combination that best characterizes the communication process is sender message receiver. The other options would result in the likelihood of miscommunication.
21. What is the primary outcome resulting from the implementation of the functional nursing care delivery system? A) A cost-effective method of care delivery B) Another permanent care delivery option C) Ancillary staff with varying levels of training and education D) A care delivery system addressing the needs of the baby boom patient
Ans: C Feedback: The employment of personnel with various levels of skill and education proliferated as new categories of health-care workers were created. Currently, most health-care organizations continue to employ health-care workers of many educational backgrounds and skill levels. None of the other options represent a primary outcome of resulting from the implementation of functional nursing.
12. Regarding group building, what is the responsibility of the gatekeeper? A) Mediating, harmonizing, and resolving conflict B) Accepting and praising the contributions and viewpoints of group members C) Facilitating and promoting open communication of all group members D) Recording the group's process and providing feedback to the group
Ans: C Feedback: The gatekeeper makes sure all voices in the group are heard in order to facilitate and promote open communication. The role of gatekeeper is not accurately described by any of the other options.
3. Which statement best describes the manager's role in socialization? A) Providing the employee with organizational rules and regulations B) Providing the new employee with a good preceptor C) Ensuring that there are sufficient numbers of good role models D) Sharing organizational values, expected attitudes, and history
Ans: D Feedback: New group members must be socialized into the group, and these socialization efforts are led by the manager.
6. Which position is characteristic of a middle-level manager? A) Primary care nurse B) Team leader C) Charge nurse D) Nursing supervisor
Ans: D Feedback: Nursing supervisors are middle-level managers. All the others are first-level managers.
22. Which statement is true regarding the factors that impact patient satisfaction with a hospitalization? A) The quality of care delivered is the primary factor related to B) The patient's understanding of his/her condition influences satisfaction C) The length of the hospital stay is the deciding influence on satisfaction D) The patient's satisfaction has little to do with actual health improvement
Ans: D Feedback: Patient satisfaction often has little to do with whether a patient's health improved during a hospital stay. It is important to remember that quality care, length of stay, and patient perception do not always equate with patient satisfaction.
3. Which statement represents a powerful image of a team leader? A) I'm in charge here, and so all requests need to come to me. B) I'm too tired to deal with Dr. Jones today. When he gets here, tell him I've gone to lunch C) Is it okay with the rest of you if I do all the charting and you do the direct patient care? D) We have a great deal to accomplish today, but I am confident that, by working together, we can do it and do it well.
Ans: D Feedback: The empowerment of staff is a hallmark of transformational leadership. To empower means to enable, develop, or allow. Empowerment can be defined as decentralization n of power. Empowerment occurs when leaders communicate their vision; employees are given the opportunity 10 make the most of their talents; and learning, creativity, and exploration are encouraged. Empowerment plants seeds of leadership, collegiality, self- respect, and professionalism
22. Which is the basic factor involving staff motivation and its relationship with the achievement of unit-oriented goals? A) The autonomy the staff has to achieve the stated goals B) The input the staff has in establishing the unit goals C) The value the staff places on the stated unit goals D) The relationship staff has with their management
Ans: D Feedback: The interpersonal relationship between an employee and his or her supervisor is critical to the employee's motivation level. We often forget that the only way to achieve our goals is through the people who work with us. While the other options reflect factors that may impact goal achievement, they are not considered the basic factor.
11. Which action by the manager is most likely to reduce the incidence of sexual harassment in the workplace? A) Create all-male and all-female work teams B) Encourage workers to confront the harasser directly and work it out C) Provide desensitivity training to minimize employee reactions D) Actively pursue an investigation of all complaints
Ans: D Feedback: The manager must take all incidents of perceived sexual harassment seriously and actively pursue an investigation of all such complaints. The other options are means of avoiding the problem.
11. A member of the team reports that they have been given too much to do and are not going to be able to complete the work on time. What action will the RN take to effectively manage this situation? A) Assign the work to another team member B) Take on the responsibility of the tasks C) Have the team member perform only the necessary tasks D) Examine the workload and assist the individual in reprioritizing
Ans: D Feedback: The manager should help the overwhelmed employee reprioritize the workload with the goal of making it manageable for that employee. None of the other options realistically assist the team member in managing time and prioritizing effectively.
15. What type of evaluation has been proved to increase productivity and commitment in employees? A) Rating scale B) Checklist C) Essay D) MBO
Ans: D Feedback: MBO has been proved to increase productivity and commitment in employees. Research does not support that claim related to the other options.
19. What is the most important strategy for avoiding burnout and maintaining a high motivation level? A) Intrinsic motivation B) External motivation C) Positive reinforcement D) Self-care
Ans: D Feedback: Perhaps the most important strategy for avoiding burnout and maintaining a high motivation level is self-care. The other options are not as impactful in avoiding burnout and sustaining motivation.
19. The promise phase of career development typically reflects how many years of initial nursing employment'? A) 1 B) 2 C) 5 D) 10
Ans: D Feedback: Promise is the earliest of the career phases and typically reflects the first 10 years of nursing employment.
Which term is used for strategies that are neither written nor stated verbally and that have developed over time called? A) Implied policies B) Expressed policies C) Understood precedents D) The organizational culture
Ans: A Feedback: Implied policies are neither written nor stated verbally and have developed over time. The other options fail to meet this description.
8. Which statement best describes case management? A) Clinical outcomes should occur within a prescribed time frame B) Case managers do not provide direct patient care C) Managed care practice is a unit-based model of care D) The goal is outcome management for every patient
Ans: A Feedback: In case management, clinical outcomes need to occur within prescribed time frames. Case managers do not provide care; neither is managed care unit based. The goal is outcome management for specific patients, but not every patient needs case management.
What type of manager is concerned with the day-to-day operations? A) Transactional B) Transformational C) Interactional D) Bureaucratic
Ans: A Feedback: The traditional manager, concerned with the day-to-day operations, is termed a transactional leader. This is not a characteristic of the other options.
25. Which statement supports the manager's commitment to staff empowerment? A) Unit goals include hiring an additional 2 nursing assistants B) A staff committee will be formed to address that unit issue . C) We can arrange for you to spend 2 months working on another unit. D) I've got funding to support staff who are interested in earning certifications.
Ans: A, B, C, D
23. Since 2008 what is the legal minimum staffing radios for a medicalñsurgical nursing unit? A) 1:4 B) 1:5 C) 1:6 D) 1:7
Ans: B Feedback: The expected legal ratio is 1:5.
16. What is the name of the gap that sometimes exists between a position of authority and subordinate response? A) Leadership subordinate B) Manager subordinate C) Administrator power D) Authority power
Ans: D Feedback: The gap that sometimes exists between a position of authority and subordinate response is called the authority power gap.
19. What does a competence assessment evaluate? 1. Knowledge and education to perform the task 2. Skills to perform the task 3. Experience to perform the task 4. How well the individual completes the task A) 1, 2, 3 B) 1, 2, 4 C) 1, 3, 4 D) 2, 3, 4
Ans: A Feedback: A competence assessment evaluates whether an individual has the knowledge, education, skills, or experience to perform the task, whereas a performance evaluation examines how well that individual actually completes that task.
What does a decision grid allow the decision maker to do? A) Examine alternatives visually and compare each against the same criteria B) Quantify information C) Plot a decision over time D) Predict when events must take place to complete a project on time
Ans: A Feedback: A decision grid allows one to visually examine the alternatives and compare each against the same criteria. Although any criteria may be selected, the same criteria are used to analyze each alternative.
Which leadership role is associated with advocacy? A) Create a climate where advocacy and its associated risk-taking are valued B) Give subordinates and patients adequate information to make informed decisions C) Ensure that rights and values of patients supersede those of the health-care providers D) Seek appropriate consultation when advocacy results in intrapersonal or interpersonal conflict
Ans: A Feedback: A leadership role associated with advocacy is to create a climate where advocacy and its associated risk-taking are valued. Management functions include the following: give subordinates and patients adequate information to make informed decisions; ensure that rights and values of patients supersede those of the health-care providers; and seek appropriate consultation when advocacy results in intrapersonal or interpersonal conflict.
Which management function is associated with advocacy? A) Awareness of current legislative efforts affecting nursing practice and organizational and unit management B) Role modeling proactive involvement in health-care policy through both formal and informal interactions with the media and legislative representatives C) Participation in professional nursing organizations and other groups that seek to advance the profession of nursing D) Assertively advocating on behalf of patients and subordinates when an intermediary is necessary
Ans: A Feedback: A management function associated with advocacy is awareness of current legislative efforts affecting nursing practice and organizational and unit management. Leadership roles include the following: role models' proactive involvement in health-care policy through both formal and informal interactions with the media and legislative representatives; participates in professional nursing organizations and other groups that seek to advance the profession of nursing; assertively advocate on behalf of patients and subordinates when an intermediary is necessary.
8. Which statement accurately identifies a concern associated with decentralized staffing? A) It carries risks that employees may be treated unequally or inconsistently B) It uses one individual or a computer to do the staffing C) The manager's role is that of making minor adjustments or providing input D) It provides good control for the organization
Ans: A Feedback: A manager being perceived as granting special treatment to some employees is a risk of decentralized staffing. None of the other options identifies an associated concern.
15. What is the primary influence that shapes a person's response to authority? A) Power figures in the family unit B) Work experiences in each job held C) Administrative figures in the workplace D) Experiences in the spiritual dimension of life
Ans: A Feedback: A person's response to authority is conditioned early through authority figures and experiences in the family unit. While the other options may influence an individual, none are the primary influence.
16. What is the definition of a standard? A) A predetermined baseline condition or level of excellence that constitutes a model to be followed and practiced B) Diagnosis-based, step-by-step interventions for nurses to follow in an effort to promote evidence-based, high-quality care C) Process of measuring products, practices, and services against those of best- performing organizations D) Identify not only what and how an event happens but why it happens, with the end goal being to ensure that a preventable negative outcome does not recur
Ans: A Feedback: A standard is a predetermined baseline condition or level of excellence that constitutes a model to be followed and practiced. The remaining options all fail to accurately define a standard.
9. Determine the nursing care hours per patient day (NCH/PPD) if the following staffing existed for a 24-hour period (unit census = 10): 12 midnight to 12 noon, 1 registered nurse, 1 licensed vocational nurse 12 noon to 12 midnight, 1 registered nurse, 1 licensed vocational nurse, 1 unit clerk (8 hours only) A) 5.6 NCH/PPD B) 4.8 NCH/PPD C) 5.0 NCH/PPD D) 6.2 NCH/PPD
Ans: A Feedback: A total of 56 hours of nursing was worked in 24 hours (unit clerks are counted in NCH/PPD) and the census was 10 patients. Dividing the total number of nursing care hours by the census (56 divided by 10) yields an NCH/PPD calculation of 5.6 NCH/PPD.
A transition has occurred in the twenty-first-century industrial age leadership to what type of leadership? A) Relationship age B) Quantum C) Authentic D) Thought
Ans: A Feedback: A transition has occurred in the twenty-first-century industrial age leadership to relationship age leadership. Quantum leadership suggests that the environment and context in which people work is complex and dynamic and that this has a direct impact on organizational productivity required by leader-managers in order to enhance their success. Authentic leadership suggests that in order to lead, leaders must be true to themselves and their values and act accordingly. Thought leadership refers to any situation whereby one individual convinces another to consider a new idea, product, or way of looking at things.
Which activity best demonstrates a nursing unit manager's attention to the ethics standards of practice required of that position? A) Membership on the institution's ethic board B) Terminates a staff member for absenteeism C) Assures staff and patients that unit decisions are ethically sound D) Holds membership in the local and state American Nurses Association (ANA)
Ans: A Feedback: ANA standards for ethics related to nurse administrators identifies participants on multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams that address ethical risks, benefits, and outcomes as a criteria measurement. The remaining options while addressing ethical behaviors on the administrator's part are not as directly identified by the ANA.
12. In checking the background of a potential candidate for hire, which is the least frequently checked source? A) Academic credentials B) References of former employers C) References of recent teachers D) Verification of work history
Ans: A Feedback: Academic credentials are the least frequently checked background information. All of the other options are frequently checked.
19. What is the advantage of decentralized scheduling? A) Unit manager understands the needs of the unit and staff intimately B) Employees will be treated equally and consistently C) Manager role is limited to making minor adjustments and providing input D) It allows the most efficient use of resources
Ans: A Feedback: Advantages of decentralized staffing are that the unit manager understands the needs of the unit and staff intimately, which leads to the increased likelihood that sound staffing decisions will be made. In addition, the staff feels more in control of their work environment because they are able to take personal scheduling requests directly to their immediate supervisor. Decentralized scheduling and staffing also lead to increased autonomy and flexibility, thus decreasing nurse attrition.
12. Which characteristics are associated with a constructive culture? 1. Affiliative norms 2. Self-actualization 3. Encouragement of humanism 4. Perfectionist norms A) 1, 2, 3 B) 1, 2, 4 C) 1, 3, 4 D) 2, 3, 4
Ans: A Feedback: Affiliation, self-actualization, and encouragement are all characteristics of a constructive culture, whereas perfectionist norms are a characteristic of destructive organizational cultures.
16. What is the primary responsibility of the committee chairperson during a committee meeting? A) Keeping members on task B) Asking questions C) Resolving conflicts D) Providing information on each agenda item
Ans: A Feedback: Although all the items may be something the chairperson does, the primary responsibility is to keep members on task so committee work gets completed.
14. Which use of limited resources would result in increased reimbursement revenues? A) Education on appropriate documentation on patient care records B) Number of clinical nurse specialists C) Educational paid days for licensed staff D) Mix and number of clinical staff
Ans: A Feedback: Although options B, C, and D have the potential to improve patient care, education on documentation would most likely increase revenues.
Which statement about a national Patient Bill of Rights is accurate? A) Not yet been enacted by the federal government B) Became the law of the land C) Became legally binding in every state D) Has not been beneficial to patients
Ans: A Feedback: Although there has been significant progress in the field of patient rights since 1960, there is still no comprehensive federal legislation directed at the granting and protection of patient rights.
21. How can the Internet be best used as a means of improving one's personal nursing practice? A) Accessing the latest research and best practice information B) Communicating with other health-care team members C) Minimizing the need for paper documentation D) Securing patient information for confidentially
Ans: A Feedback: As an information source, the Internet allows nurses to access the latest research and best practice information so that their care can be evidence based. The remaining options are not focused on personal nursing practice.
7. Which area of questioning is considered an illegal interview inquiry? A) Questions about the applicant's marital status B) The languages the applicant speaks or writes C) Inquiries about educational experiences D) Place of residence
Ans: A Feedback: Asking applicants about their marital status or whether they have children is unlawful. None of the other options are considered illegal areas of questioning.
8. An RN is orienting a new graduate nurse to the unit and has found this individual's charting to be inadequate. What is the most appropriate statement to initiate a discussion with the new RN? A) Tell me in your own words what you intend your charting to convey. B) Your charting is non-descriptive. C) Do you think a refresher course in charting would help you? D) Are you having difficulty assessing your patient?
Ans: A Feedback: Assertive communication is not rude or insensitive, nor is it passive aggressive.
6. What does proactive political strategy include? A) Assuming authority to do something if it is not expressly prohibited B) Using competitive approaches to the decision-making process C) Attempting 10 appear as a victim so future gains can be made D) Verbalizing discontent with the politics of an organization
Ans: A Feedback: Assuming authority to do something that is not prohibited allows the individual to accomplish goals for the organization, which will lead to greater empowerment. None of the remaining options are associated with the proactive political strategy.
What does the morale principle of autonomy govern? A) A person's right to make his or her own decision B) The obligation to do good and prevent harm C) Doing what is right and fair D) Truth telling
Ans: A Feedback: Autonomy, or self-determination, is also referred to as freedom of choice and accepting the responsibility for one's choice. None of the other options addresses this concept.
Avolio states that there are four factors that cover the components of authentic leadership. What is occurring when analyzing data rationally before making decisions? A) Balanced processing B) Internalized moral perspective C) Relational transparency D) Self-awareness
Ans: A Feedback: Balanced processing refers to analyzing data rationally before making decisions. Internalized moral perspective suggests that the authentic leader is guided by internal moral standards, which then guide his/her behavior. Relational transparency refers to openly sharing feelings and information appropriate to a situation, and self-awareness alludes to a knowing of self so as to make sense of the world.
3. Although some subjectivity is inescapable in performance appraisals, what action can the manager take to arrive at a more fair and accurate assessment? A) Written anecdotal notes regarding the employee's performance should be maintained throughout the evaluation period B) Evaluation criteria that reflect on the employee as a person rather than just on work performance should be used C) Data gathered by the manager in preparation for the performance appraisal should be limited to not more than two sources, so no conflicting information is received D) The manager should rate all employees using central tendency whenever possible
Ans: A Feedback: Because a manager will tend to remember an employee's performance better in the weeks or months directly preceding the appraisal, a manager should take notes on an employee's performance throughout the year. The other options are less effective in proving a balanced appraisal.
21. Which action demonstrates the leadership role to the socialization and education of new nursing staff during their orientation? A) Discusses the value the unit places upon patient satisfaction B) Addresses all questions regarding the responsibilities of the RN C) Schedules orientation sessions at times when patient acuity is at its lowest D) Plans for budget constraints so that educational needs are minimally impacted
Ans: A Feedback: Clarifying unit norms and values to all new employees is a leadership responsibility; the remaining options are appropriate management responsibilities.
24. Which is a management function associated with dealing with a problem employee? A) Forewarns the employee of the consequences of breaking a rule B) Encourages employees to be self-disciplined in conforming to rules C) Serves in the role of coach in performance deficiency coaching D) Recognizes and reinforces the intrinsic self-worth of each employee
Ans: A Feedback: Clearly identifies performance expectations for all employees and confronts employees when those expectations are not met. The other options are leadership roles.
22. What is the purpose of competency assessment regarding a nurse's career? A) Identifying ways to exceed minimal licensing requirements B) Fulfilling state requirements for minimal nursing practice C) Facilitating advancement up the facility's career ladder D) Satisfying institutional employment qualification
Ans: A Feedback: Competency assessment and goal setting in career planning should help the employee identify how to exceed the minimum levels of competency required by federal, state, or organizational standards. The remaining options do not describe the purpose of competency assessments.
21. What is the result of arriving at a consensus? A) All involved parties agree to support the way a conflict has been resolved B) A conflict is resolved by meeting the goals of all involved parties C) It resolves a conflict by an initial unanimous decision D) Conflict is resolved through the mediation process
Ans: A Feedback: Consensus means that negotiating parties reach an agreement that all parties can support, even if it does not represent everyone's first priorities. Consensus decision making does not provide complete satisfaction for everyone involved in the negotiation as an initially unanimous decision would, but it does indicate willingness by all parties to accept the agreed-upon conditions. Mediation is not a required factor in arriving at a consensus.
11. Where did critical pathways originate from? A) Case management B) Functional nursing C) Team nursing D) Primary care nursing
Ans: A Feedback: Critical pathways were developed as a result of the case management system. None of the other options identify that original connection.
7. How does decentralized organizational structure promote decision making? A) Allows problems to be solved at the level at which they occur B) Encourages decisions to be made by top-level hierarchy C) Limits communication to managers at various levels D) Assigns responsibility at the highest practical level
Ans: A Feedback: Decentralized organizational structure allows decision making to be made at the level at which problems occur. None of the other options describes how decentralized organizational structure promotes decision making.
Which would be a normal and expected behavioral response during the unfreezing phase of change? A) Anger B) Withdrawal and acceptance C) Open acceptance D) Active collaboration
Ans: A Feedback: During the unfreezing stage, people become discontented, and even angry, with the status quo. Ironically, they may also become angry that change is needed, because of the resistance that is a normal and expected part of the change process. The other options are not usually associated with the unfreezing phase of change.
Which behavior/attitude makes it likely that a planned change will be unsuccessful? A) The suggested change is brought forward after the plan has been formalized B) Individuals affected by the change are involved in planning for the change C) The change agent is aware of the organization's internal and external environment D) An assessment of resources to carry out the plan is completed before unfreezing
Ans: A Feedback: Employees should be involved in the change process. When information and decision making are shared, subordinates will be more accepting of the change. The other options support the change.
1. What is fiscal planning? A) A learned skill that improves with practice B) A job role of the facility business manager C) Part of the organizing phase of the management process D) Reactive based on political, social, and economic forces
Ans: A Feedback: Fiscal planning is a learned skill and must include nursing management input. It should never be reactive, and it is part of the planning process of management.
11. Why would an experienced nurse voluntarily opt for a self-selected downward transfer? A) Doing so increases the chances of long- term career success B) It allows for keeping a similar salary while decreasing energy expenditure C) lo times of downsizing, it allows a nurse to stay employed D) It occurs when a nurse is physically impaired and productivity is affected
Ans: A Feedback: For individuals to gai n experience in a new area and to enhance long-term career goals, a self-selected downward transfer may be used. None of the other options accurately describe the reason for a self-selected downward transfer.
What does the Hawthorne effect implied about people? A) Human beings under investigation will respond to the fact that they are being studied B) Production will increase or decrease as light in a factory is increased or decreased C) Membership in small groups forms social control D) People are inherently good and will seek out work
Ans: A Feedback: Hawthorne effect indicated that people respond to the fact that they are being studied, attempting to increase whatever behavior they feel will continue to warrant the attention. The other statements do not reflect implied beliefs about people.
8. What is the largest budget expenditure for health-care organizations? A) The personnel budget B) Short-term capital acquisitions C) The operating budget D) Supplies and equipment
Ans: A Feedback: Health care is labor intensive; therefore, the personnel budget makes up the largest expense. The other options represent less expensive expenditures.
13. When do nursing shortages historically occur? A) When the economy is beginning an upswing B) When the economy is receding C) When nursing salaries decline D) When patient acuity increases
Ans: A Feedback: Historically, nursing shortages occur when the economy is on the upswing and decline when the economy recedes. Historically, salaries were not a factor in existing nursing shortages. Currently, as the nursing pool ages, there is a nursing shortage projected.
14. What contributed to beginning of an acute shortage in many health-care settings in the late 1990s? 1. Hospital downsizing 2. National businesses downsizing 3. Shortsightedness regarding recruitment 4. Shortsightedness regarding retention A) 1, 2, 3 B) 1, 2, 4 C) 1, 3, 4 D) 2, 3, 4
Ans: A Feedback: Hospital downsizing and shortsightedness regarding recruitment contributed to the beginning of an acute shortage of RNs in many health-care settings by the late 1990s. Retention was not considered a factor.
3. Which statement about rules is correct? A) If a rule or regulation is worth having, it should be enforced B) Most rule breaking is a result of the actions of a few employees C) Organizations should have as many rules and regulations as possible so employees are clear about what they are to do D) Managers should increase monitoring efforts if a particular rule is constantly broken by many staff members
Ans: A Feedback: If a rule or regulation is worth having, it should be enforced. When rule breaking is allowed to go unpunished, other people tend to replicate the behavior of the rule breaker. An organization can have too many rules making enforcement very difficult. Evaluation of a rule that is being constantly broken is more effective than simple increased monitoring.
9. Which statement about the proper placement of employees within the organization is correction? A) It occurs when an attempt is made to place employees in units where they have the greatest chance of success B) It is overrated as a retention strategy because most employees readily adapt to whatever unit on which they are placed C) It refers to placing employees on units that have the greatest need for new staff D) It occurs when employees are able to modify their own personal values and beliefs to coincide with that of the unit on which they are placed
Ans: A Feedback: If employees are placed where they have the greatest chance of success, employee morale and retention will be positively affected. None of the other options are accurate statements.
9. Under which circumstance would a supervisor of an oncology unit disregard the federal guidelines for handling chemotherapy agents? A) The state has instituted a policy that is more restrictive than the federal one B) The director of nurses requested more personalized guidelines be put in place C) The staff has an accident-free record for the last 10 years D) The state has a less restrictive policy that supersedes the federal one
Ans: A Feedback: If your organization is in a state that has health and safety regulations similar to those required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, you must comply with whichever regulations are more stringent. None of the other options allow for disregard of the federal guidelines.
9. What is the most important criterion for success for health-care providers collaborate on patient care? A) Having mutual respect for one another's knowledge and expertise B) Having the skills to negotiate successfully C) Liking each other enough to want to collaborate D) Being willing to cooperate with each other
Ans: A Feedback: In collaboration, problem solving is a joint effort with no superior/subordinate relationships. Mutual respect is required for its success. While the other options identify factors that add to the collaborative process, its foundation is mutual respect.
What document permits a registered nurse to offer special skills and knowledge to the public in a particular jurisdiction when such practice would otherwise be unlawful? A) A state nursing license B) Institutional licensure C) ANA certificate D) ANA practice standards
Ans: A Feedback: In general, a license is a legal document that permits a person to offer special skills and knowledge to the public in a particular jurisdiction when such practice would otherwise be unlawful. A state nursing license allows for the practice of nursing in a specific state. Some professionals have advocated shifting the burden of licensure, and thus accountability, from individual practitioners to an institution or agency. Proponents for this move believe that institutional licensure would provide more effective use of personnel and greater flexibility. The ANA is not capable of permitting a person to practice nursing.
6. Which is an appropriate strategy for planning, conducting, and controlling the interview? A) When an applicant clearly does not have the proper qualifications for a position, the interviewer should be tactful, but advise the applicant as soon as possible that there is a lack of appropriate qualifications for the job B) Personal questions should be asked early during the interview process so a rapport can be established between the interviewer and the applicant C) The interviewer should develop questions that can be answered with a yes or no answer D) The interviewer should assess an applicant's perceptive skills by sending nonverbal cues to the applicant during his or her responses
Ans: A Feedback: In situations in which the interviewee is not qualified for the position, the interviewer must inform the interviewee of this early and tactfully. After the interview is completed, the interviewer should take notes for the file of the exact reason for rejection in case of later discrimination charges. None of the other options identify an appropriate strategy.
10. Which statement describes the induction phase of employee indoctrination? A) It occurs after hiring but before performing the role B) It includes the activities performed by the personnel department C) It relates to the information included in the employee's handbook D) It is the responsibility of the staff development department
Ans: A Feedback: Induction, the first phase of indoctrination, includes all activities that educate the new employee about the organization and personnel policies and procedures before actually assuming nursing responsibilities. None of the other options identify that phase accurately.
10. Which statement describes the informal communication referred to as ìthe grapevine? A) Most personnel engaging in the unofficial exchange of information. B) Information exchange is initiated by subordinates and directed upward C) Information is conveyed unofficially by administration through department heads D) The exchange of information initiated by someone in a staff position to someone in a line position
Ans: A Feedback: Informal communication through the grapevine occurs when most personnel are involved in the unofficial exchange of information. This process is not accurately described by any of the other options.
The nurse witnesses a patient sign an operative permit form. Legally, what does the nurse's signature imply? A) Observed the client sign the consent form B) Is certain the client understands the proposed procedure C) Believe the client is capable of understanding the proposed procedure D) Assumes the client has had an adequate evaluation to agree to the procedure
Ans: A Feedback: Informed consent is obtained by a physician; therefore, a nurse is not legally responsible for informed consent but is confirming that the client signed the consent form. The other options are the responsibilities of the professional performing the procedure.
25. Which intervention is associated with the nursing leadership role? A) Inspiring staff to establish and maintain high standards regarding patient care B) Being aware of the changes in quality control regulations C) Reviewing research results upon which to base changes D) Identifying outcomes that support quality nursing care
Ans: A Feedback: Inspiring subordinates to establish and achieve high standards of care is a leadership skill. The remaining options are management roles.
4. Which statement most accurately defines intrinsic motivation? A) Motivation that is directly related to a person's internal level of aspiration B) Motivation that is enhanced by the job's environmental conditions C) Motivation that is not shaped by personal values D) Motivation that is not related to achievement
Ans: A Feedback: Intrinsic motivation comes from within the individual. To be intrinsically motivated at work, the worker must value job performance and productivity. The other options are not as relevant to this factor.
18. What type of interview questions are difficult to respond to without some advance thought? 1. Personal philosophy of nursing 2. Professional organizations membership 3. Individual strengths and weaknesses 4. Career goals A) 1, 3, 4 B) 1, 2, 3 C) 1, 2, 4 D) 2, 3, 4
Ans: A Feedback: It is difficult to spontaneously answer interview questions about your personal philosophy of nursing, your individual strengths and weaknesses, and your career goals if you have not given them advance thought.
13. What is needed to change a unit culture that has become firmly entrenched? A) New leadership B) A change agent with management skills C) Identification with a unit that is not entrenched D) Administration support
Ans: A Feedback: It is extremely difficult to change a unit culture without new leadership. The remaining options are directly involved in the change out of entrenchment.
Which action is reflective of the leadership role necessary for a successful planned change to occur? A) Demonstrates flexibility in goal setting B) Recognizing the need for a planned change C) Identifying the resources that are available to support a change D) Support the staff during the implementation of a planned change
Ans: A Feedback: Leaders demonstrate flexibility in goal setting in a rapidly changing health-care system. The other options are associated with management functions associated with change.
21. How does a leader effectively use a performance appraisal? A) To motive staff B) To identify staff educational needs C) To follow up on identified deficiencies D) To provide feedback on work performance
Ans: A Feedback: Leaders use the appraisal process to motivate employees and promote growth. The remaining options are manager responsibilities.
17. Which is a common feature of a learning organization? A) A tolerance of mistakes B) Hiring RNs with baccalaureate degrees C) Encouraging a variety of visions D) Stressing individual learning
Ans: A Feedback: Learning organizations have a shared vision and promote team learning. A common feature of learning organizations is their tolerance for mistakes. The mistakes should be learning opportunities. The remaining options do not support this aspect of a learning organization.
Which leadership style maintains strong control over the work group and uses coercion to motivate others? A) Authoritarian B) Democratic C) Laissez-faire D) A contingency approach
Ans: A Feedback: Lewin identified three common leadership styles: authoritarian, democratic, and laissezfaire. Authoritarian leadership results in well-defined group actions that are usually predictable, reducing frustration in the work group and giving members a feeling of security. Productivity is usually high, but creativity, self-motivation, and autonomy are reduced. Authoritarian leadership is frequently found in very large bureaucracies such as the armed forces. Coercion to motivate is not associated with the other options.
9. What is one of the most politically serious errors one can make? A) Dispensing fictitious information B) Promoting the advancement of subordinates C) Withholding or refusing to divulge information D) Delaying decision making until there is additional information
Ans: A Feedback: Lying to others is a serious political error . The other options represent appropriate behaviors.
What statement regarding management decision-making aides is true? A) They are subject to human error B) They ensure good decision making C) They eliminate uncertainty and risk D) They tend to save management time
Ans: A Feedback: Management decision-making aides are subject to human error. Some of these aides encourage analytical thinking, others are designed to increase intuitive reasoning, and a few encourage the use of both hemispheres of the brain. Despite the helpfulness of these tools, there is a strong tendency for managers to favor first impressions when making a decision, and a second tendency, called confirmation biases, often follows.
Collecting data about the ethical problem and identifying who should be involved in the decision-making process is accomplished in which phase of the MORAL decisionmaking model? A) Massage the dilemma B) Outline options C) Review criteria and resolve D) Affirm position and act
Ans: A Feedback: Massage the dilemma: Collect data about the ethical problem and who should be involved in the decision-making process. Outline options: Identify alternatives, and analyze the causes and consequences of each. Review criteria and resolve: Weigh the options against the values of those involved in the decision. This may be done through a weighting or grid. Affirm position and act: Develop the implementation strategy.
20. Considering dispute resolution, which statement is true regarding what occurs during mediation? A) It uses a neutral third party; is a confidential, legally nonbinding process designed to help bring the parties together to devise a solution to the conflict B) It asks questions to clarify the issues C) It makes a final decision for the parties in conflict D) It involves presentation of evidence including that of expert witnesses
Ans: A Feedback: Mediation uses a neutral third party; is a confidential, legally nonbinding process designed to help bring the parties together to devise a solution to the conflict. None of the other options accurately describes the process of mediation.
There are many terms used to describe moral issues faced by nurses, including moral uncertainty, moral conflict, moral distress, moral outrage, and ethical dilemmas. Which statement describes how moral uncertainty occurs? A) Occurs when an individual is unsure which moral principles or values apply and may even include uncertainty as to what the moral problem is B) Occurs when the individual knows the right thing to do but organizational constraints make it difficult to take the right course of action C) Occurs when an individual witnesses the immoral act of another but feels powerless to stop it D) Occurs when being forced to choose between two or more undesirable alternatives
Ans: A Feedback: Moral uncertainty occurs when an individual is unsure which moral principles or values apply and may even include uncertainty as to what the moral problem is. Moral distress occurs when the individual knows the right thing to do but organizational constraints make it difficult to take the right course of action. Moral outrage occurs when an individual witnesses the immoral act of another but feels powerless to stop it. Ethical dilemma is being forced to choose between two or more undesirable alternatives.
15. Which statement is true regarding chemical addiction among nursing professionals? A) Most chemically impaired nurses obtain drugs by stealing them from work B) Morphine is the most commonly abused drug by nurses C) Most nurses obtain their drugs on the street and avoid taking drugs from work D) Most chemically impaired nurses cannot be diverted from drug use
Ans: A Feedback: Most chemically impaired nurses abuse drugs they were taking for legitimate health reasons, or they steal drugs from work. The remaining options are not statements supported by research.
What is heuristics? A) Discrete, unconscious process to allow individuals to solve problems quickly B) Set of rules to encourage learners to discover solutions for themselves C) Formal process and structure in the decision-making process D) Trial-and-error method or rules-of-thumb approach
Ans: A Feedback: Most individuals rely on discrete, often unconscious processes known as heuristics, which allows them to solve problems more quickly and to build upon experiences they have gained in their lives. Thus, heuristics use trial-and-error methods or a rules-ofthumb approach, rather than set rules, and in doing so, encourages learners to discover solutions for themselves.
Which statement identifies a characteristic of a planning objective? A) It has a specific time frame for completion B) It is subjectively evaluated on a periodic basis C) It has a100% compliance as a minimum criterion D) It is broad and inclusive in its nature
Ans: A Feedback: Multiple planning objectives, each with a target completion date, make up a goal. The remaining options are not characteristics of this objective.
23. After a compromise has been made, what is the manager's initial action? A) Clearly restating the compromise's specific outcomes to all involved B) Thanking all involved for their cooperation on reaching the compromise C) Evaluating the compromise's outcomes for fairness to all involved parties D) Assuring all involved that the compromise will not cause a change in goals
Ans: A Feedback: Once a compromise has been reached, restate it so that everyone is clear about what has been agreed upon. A compromise by its natural requires a change in original goals. The evaluation for fairness needs to have been done prior to the compromise being agreed upon. Thanking all involved is appropriate but would not be the initial action.
Which statement is true regarding political action committees (PACs)? A) They attempt to persuade legislators to vote in a particular way B) They are comprised of volunteers who are interested in politics C) Their focus is the passage of specific pieces of legislature D) They appear to have little influence with law makers
Ans: A Feedback: PACs of the Congress of Industrial Organizations attempt to persuade legislators to vote in a particular way. Lobbyists of the PAC may be members of a group interested in a particular law or paid agents of the group that wants a specific bill passed or defeated. Currently, PACs appear to have a significant amount of influence on law makers and the legislative process.
Which statement is true regarding individual values? A) They are often modified by parents, peers, and role models throughout life B) They seldom change as a result of life's experiences C) They have little influence on decision making once employed because organizational values eliminate personal values D) They show little variation between nursing managers once they have achieved some level of authority
Ans: A Feedback: Personal values are shaped by the socialization processes experienced by that person, and values change with time. The remaining statements are not true regarding individual values.
20. What are the reasons for losing this power? 1. Being politically naive 2. Failure to use appropriate political strategies 3. The lack of a dynamic and powerful persona 4. Association with others who desire similar power A) 1, 2 B) 1, 3 C) 2,4 D) 3, 4
Ans: A Feedback: Power gained may be lost because one is politically naïve or fails to use appropriate political strategies. The other options are not major factors in the loss of power.
12. What was the primary reason for the development of the prospective payment system? A) Skyrocketing health-care costs following the advent of Medicare and Medicaid B) The passage of the Health Maintenance Act of 1973 C) The introduction of the Health Security Act to Congress D) A coalition held by the three largest private insurers in 1975
Ans: A Feedback: Prospective payment systems were the result of skyrocketing medical costs in the United States. That is not true of the other options.
11. What does readiness to learn imply for individuals? A) Have acquired the skills necessary for what is to be learned B) Have the necessary motivation to learn C) Are in an atmosphere that encourages learning D) Are mature students with much experience
Ans: A Feedback: Readiness means that the individual has the prerequisites to move to the next stage of learning. The prerequisites could be behavior or prior learning. None of the other options accurately describe readiness to learn.
2. What is the basic principle of responsibility accounting? A) An organization's revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities are someone's concern. B) Managers have a responsibility to submit their budgets on time. C) The organization's financial officer works with department heads regarding budget approval. D) Fiscal accounting should be honest and accurate.
Ans: A Feedback: Responsibility accounting requires that someone must be responsible for all revenue, expenses, assets, and liabilities. While true, the other options are not the basic principle of responsibility accounting.
3. Which statement accurately reflects self-scheduling? A) Self-scheduling requires greater worker accountability B) The manager has little responsibility in self-scheduling C) Self-scheduling has few or no shortcomings D) Self-scheduling works in most organizations
Ans: A Feedback: Self-scheduling requires greater worker participation in decision making and shared responsibility for adequate staffing. None of the remaining options is accurate.
A state Nurse Practice Act is an example of which source of law? A) Statutes B) Constitution C) Administrative D) Judicial
Ans: A Feedback: Statutes are the only laws made by official enactment by the legislative body.
One of the most commonly used tools in health-care organizations is SWOT analysis. What is the definition for S? A) Internal attributes that help an organization achieve its objectives B) Internal attributes that challenge an organization in achieving its objectives C) External conditions that promote achievement of organizational objectives D) External conditions that challenge or threaten the achievement of organizational objectives
Ans: A Feedback: Strengths are internal attributes that help an organization achieve its objectives. Weaknesses are internal attributes that challenge an organization in achieving its objectives. Opportunities are external conditions that promote achievement of organizational objectives. Threats are external conditions that challenge or threaten the achievement of organizational objectives.
Which activity supports the principles of strengths-based leadership? A) Tuition reimbursement for LPN to RN transition programs B) Rehab services to staff diagnosed with abuse problems C) Mental health counseling for depression and anxiety D) Smoking cessation support classes
Ans: A Feedback: Strengths-based leadership, which grew out of the positive psychology movement (began in the late 1990s), focuses on the development or empowerment of workers' strengths as opposed to identifying problems, improving underperformance, and addressing weaknesses and obstacles.
6. What is the goal of case management? A) Containing health-care costs B) Providing challenging work C) Enhancing professionalism D) Decreasing length of hospital stays
Ans: A Feedback: The ANA maintains that case management is designed to contain health-care costs. None of the other options identify a goal of casement.
19. What are the four evidence-based standards identified by the Leapfrog Group to reduce medical errors? A) Computerized physician provider order entry, evidence-based hospital referral, ICU physician staffing, and the use of Leapfrog Safe Practices scores B) Computerized physician provider order entry, evidence-based visiting nurse referral, ED physician staffing, and the use of Leapfrog Safe Practices scores C) Computerized primary care provider order entry, evidence-based hospital referral, ICU physician staffing, and the use of Leapfrog Safe Medication scores D) Computerized nurse practitioner provider order entry, evidence-based outpatient referral, ED physician staffing, and the use of Leapfrog Safe Medication scores
Ans: A Feedback: The Leapfrog Group identified four evidence-based standards that they believe will provide the greatest impact on reducing medical errors: computerized physician provider order entry, evidence-based hospital referral, ICU physician staffing, and the use of Leapfrog Safe Practices scores.
20. Which practice has the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggested in order to decrease the risk of medication errors? A) Computerized order entry with a drug bar code system B) Medications automatically dispensed to patients at predetermined times C) Use of medication nurses to administer all ordered medications D) Have patients' medications kept at the bedside for self-administration
Ans: A Feedback: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has suggested that a drug bar code system coupled with a computerized order entry system would greatly decrease the risk of medication errors.
How is the action of advocacy described? A) Informing others of their rights and making certain they have sufficient information to make decisions B) Learning about the need for a decision and then making a good decision for other people C) Supporting an individual's right to make a decision even when they do not have accurate information D) Protecting the rights of patients in accordance with the law
Ans: A Feedback: The advocate informs others of their rights and makes certain they have sufficient information to make decisions. The remaining options are incorrect when describing the action associated with advocacy.
What is the basic premise of the interactional theory? A) Leadership behavior is generally determined by the relationship between the leader's personality and the specific situation B) Manager behaviors are generally determined by the relationship between the manager's personality and the specific situation. C) Both managers and followers have the ability to raise each other to higher levels of motivation and morality. D) Both leaders and followers have the ability to raise each other to higher levels of motivation and morality.
Ans: A Feedback: The basic premise of interactional theory is that leadership behavior is generally determined by the relationship between the leader's personality and the specific situation. Transformational leadership is where both leaders and followers have the ability to raise each other to higher levels of motivation and morality.
12. A nursing aide has been given a formal written warning regarding arguing repeatedly with the team leader about the given assignment. Today the nursing aide has taken four lengthy personal phone calls during work time. This is the first offense of this nature. How will the manager deal with this disciplinary situation? A) Provide a verbal warning that includes the rules related to personal telephone calls B) Determining whether there is a legitimate personal problem that justifies the telephone calls C) Presenting the nursing aide with a formal written reprimand D) Suspending the nursing aide for a week
Ans: A Feedback: The best choice of action in this case would be to provide an explanation for the rule and proceed to give a verbal admonishment. Since this is a new infraction, the progressive discipline starts with a verbal warning again and none of the other options.
18. What is included in an MAP? 1. Critical path 2. Nursing care plan 3. Indication of times when nursing interventions occur 4. Nurses follow the care plan to facilitate expected outcomes A) 1, 2, 3 B) 1, 2, 4 C) 1, 3, 4 D) 2, 3, 4
Ans: A Feedback: The care MAP is a combination of a critical path and a nursing care plan, except that it shows times when nursing interventions should occur as well as variances. All health- care providers follow the care MAP to facilitate expected outcomes.
What is the basic argument for the use of rationalñempirical change strategies? A) Information supports change B) Peer influence brings about change C) Reward-based incentives influence change D) Punishment supports the acceptance of change
Ans: A Feedback: The change agent using this set of strategies assumes that resistance to change comes from a lack of knowledge and that humans are rational beings who will change when given factual information documenting the need for change. Normativeñreeducative strategies use group norms and peer pressure to socialize and influence people so that change will occur. Powerñcoercive strategies, features the application of power by legitimate authority, economic sanctions or rewards, or political clout of the change agent.
In planning strategies to prevent stagnation and promote renewal, which action would most likely result in the desired outcome? A) Developing a program for recruitment of young talent B) Rewarding employees by promoting from within C) Having set pay increases mandated annually D) Using longevity to determine committee selection
Ans: A Feedback: The constant influx of young talent brings new ideas to the organization. The other options are not as relevant to the prevention of stagnation and promotion of renewal.
6. By contract, employees are to receive overtime pay when their workday exceeds 8 hours. A staff member attended a hospital sponsored mandatory CPR certification class after working an 8-hour shift. What type of paycheck adjustment can the employee expect? A) Overtime for the time spent in the class B) Regular pay for the class since there was no charge for the class C) No pay for the class since it was identified as mandatory D) Equal compensated time back during the next pay period
Ans: A Feedback: The employee should receive overtime for the class because overtime is paid for hours worked over the standard number of hours. Hours worked includes all the time an employee is required to be on duty, including classes, orientation, and conferences. Mandatory classes are to be considered as time required on duty. Compensated time is not considered the same as overtime pay.
What type of management was emphasized in the human relations era of management? A) Participatory B) Authoritarian C) Democratic D) Laissez-faire
Ans: A Feedback: The human relations era of management science emphasized concepts of participatory and humanistic management. Three primary leadership styles have been identified: authoritarian, democratic, and laissez-faire.
19. What is the most significant barrier to effective interpersonal communication? A) Incongruence between verbal and nonverbal messages B) Incongruence between telephone and written messages C) Incongruence between verbal and written messages D) Incongruence between telephone and nonverbal messages
Ans: A Feedback: The incongruence between verbal and nonverbal messages is the most significant barrier to effective interpersonal communication.
Whose rights do the legislative controls of nursing practice primarily protect? A) Patients B) Subordinates C) Managers D) Administrators
Ans: A Feedback: The legislative controls of nursing practice primarily protect the rights of patients. Protection of those identified by the other options while important is the primary focus of the nursing practice legislative bodies.
12. Which assessment must the RN do initially when assigning tasks to non-licensed personnel (NAP)? A) Evaluating the NAP's skills and knowledge level B) Assessing which tasks the NAP is interested in assuming C) Evaluating how patients rate the NAP's performance D) Assessing how team members like working with the NAP
Ans: A Feedback: The manager must be knowledgeable about the skills and knowledge of all members of the health-care team. While the other options are factors regarding general NAP utilization, initially skills and knowledge levels take priority.
23. Which action on the part of a manager demonstrates the mark of a great leader? A) Acknowledging the accomplishment of staff members at the unit's staff meeting B) Providing onsite in-services on new equipment for the staff C) Including funds in the unit's budget of staff development D) Stressing the importance of patient safety to all new employees
Ans: A Feedback: The mark of a great leader is when he or she can recognize the excellent performance of someone else and allow others to shine for their accomplishments. While the other options are appropriate, they are not identified as being the mark of a great leader but rather an efficient manager.
What determines the functions and priorities of an organization? A) The organization's mission statement B) The organization's budget C) Consumer satisfaction surveys D) The organization's policy and procedure statements
Ans: A Feedback: The mission statement is a brief statement identifying the reason the organization exists and its future aim or function. This is not the function of the other options.
24. Which factor is considered the greatest obstacle to solving the projected nursing shortage? A) Lack of nursing faculty B) Expense of nursing education C) Lack of interest in nursing as a career D) Poor social respect of the nursing profession
Ans: A Feedback: The nursing faculty shortage will likely be the greatest obstacle to solving the projected nursing shortage. None of the other options have the impact on the nursing shortage that the lack of nursing faculty has on the projected nursing shortage.
Benefits of effective planning include timely accomplishment of higher quality work and the best possible use of capital and human resources. Because planning is essential, managers must be able to overcome barriers that impede planning. What is an important point for successful organizational planning? A) The organization can be more effective if movement within it is directed at specified goals and objectives B) Plans to reach a goal must be rigid and not be distracted by current events C) The manager should include in the planning process the leadership people of units that could be affected by the plan D) A global plan and outline is sufficient to encourage and motivate employees
Ans: A Feedback: The organization can be more effective if movement within it is directed at specified goals and objectives. Because a plan is a guide to reach a goal, it must be flexible and allow for readjustment as unexpected events occur. The manager should include in the planning process all people and units that could be affected by a plan. A plan that is too global or unrealistic discourages rather than motivates employees.
Refusing to work with a staff member who dresses unprofessionally most closely represents which change strategy? A) Powerñcoercive B) Normativeñreeducative C) Rationalñempirical D) Resistanceñwithdrawal
Ans: A Feedback: The powerñcoercive strategy assumes that people are often set in their ways and will change only when faced by negative sanctions or some other method that demonstrates power and/or coercion. This is not the principle guiding any of the other options.
Which statement by a subordinate demonstrates the greatest problem for the leader? A) ìYour plans for the changes will be difficult to implement.î B) ìI don't think you heard what the rest of us had to say.î C) ìDo you have an idea what direction we need to go?î D) ìCan you tell me why my suggestion will not work?î
Ans: A Feedback: The statement is a clear indication that the subordinate feels the leader is not listening and collaborating; this is a fatal flaw. The other statements are more open to explanation by and with the subordinate and leader.
What is the conclusion of interactional theories regarding successful leadership? A) Leaders, followers, and the situation were all variables that interacted B) The situation had the most profound effect on success in leadership C) The situation has a greater effect on outcomes than followers do D) Good results would occur if leaders led well
Ans: A Feedback: The successful leader will diagnose the situation before applying strategies from a large repertoire of skills that involve assessing the various variables presented by the leader, the followers and the situation. The remaining options are not related to interactional leadership theory.
How is the question of whether a nurse acted with reasonable care generally proven? A) The expert testimony of nursing witnesses B) The defendant's explanation of what the nurse did C) The trial judge, after checking the outcome of prior similar court cases D) The testimony of expert medical witnesses
Ans: A Feedback: The testimony of other nurses in the same specialty as the defendant may be used to prove breach of duty. The other options are not considered qualified to testify to this matter.
What is a weakness of the traditional problem-solving model? A) Its need for implementation time B) Its lack of a step requiring evaluation of results C) Its failure to gather sufficient data D) Its failure to evaluate alternatives
Ans: A Feedback: The traditional problem-solving model is less effective when time constraints are a consideration. Decision making can occur without the full analysis required in problem solving. Because problem solving attempts to identify the root problem in situations, much time and energy are spent on identifying the real problem.
What is required in a health-care organization philosophy statement? A) Should be evident in a nursing department's decisions, priorities, and behavior B) Has value, even if not implemented, because it provides a picture of what the organization would like to accomplish C) Should reflect the values and priorities of each specific unit manager D) Should be consistent with that of other health care agencies in the area to avoid competition
Ans: A Feedback: The unit philosophy will be congruent with the organizational philosophy. A philosophy delineates the set of values and beliefs that guide all actions. The other options do not accurately describe requirements of a health-care organization philosophy statement.
24. Which statement made by the Director of Nursing demonstrates the value of internal promotion of nursing staff? A) This facility values the efforts made by its nursing staff to perform at their highest levels of knowledge and practice B) A facility thrives on the injection of fresh, new ideas from those in manager positions C) Our budget allows for monetary incentives directed towards the recruitment of management personnel D) We are willing to extend the recruitment search upon we have the best positive person for this management position
Ans: A Feedback: There are obvious advantages and disadvantages to recruiting for promotions from both inside and outside the organization. Recruiting from within can help to develop employees to fill higher-level positions as they become vacant. It can also serve as a powerful motivation and recognition tool since all employees know that opportunities for advancement are possible, and this encourages them to perform at a higher level. There are advantages to recruiting from outside the organization, however. When promotions are filled with people outside the organization, the organization is infused with people with new ideas. This prevents the stagnation that often occurs when all promotions are internal. External candidates, however, often cost more in terms of salary than internal ones. This is because external candidates generally need a financial incentive to leave their current positions for something else.
Which principle will help increase the likelihood that followers do not mislead their leader? A) Support the followers' right to disagree B) Rely only on facts and discount intuition C) Discourage acceptance until the facts are proved D) Identify who to rely upon and who not to listen to
Ans: A Feedback: There is no guarantee that followers will not mislead leaders, but adhering to certain principles, such as making sure that followers are allowed to disagree, will guard against this happening. The remaining options are flawed in the principles they support.
What concept is servant leadership based upon? A) Trusting and valuing employees B) Genuinely liking your colleagues C) A laissez-faire style of leadership D) A dynamic leadership charisma
Ans: A Feedback: These managers, termed servant leaders, put serving others, including employees, customers, and the community, as the number-one priority. In addition, servant leaders foster a service inclination in others that promotes collaboration, teamwork, and collective activism. The servant leader is not necessarily associated with the concepts identified in the other options.
20. An increasingly common staffing and scheduling alternative is the use of supplemental nursing staff such as agency nurses or travel nurses. Which statement is correct about agency nurses or travel nurses? A) Work for premium pay B) Employed directly by the health-care agency C) Result in increased continuity of nursing care D) They receive the standard facility benefits
Ans: A Feedback: These nurses are usually directly employed by an external nursing broker and work for premium pay (often two to three times that of a regularly employed staff nurse), without benefits. While such staff provide scheduling relief, especially in response to unanticipated increases in census or patient acuity, their continuous use is expensive and can result in poor continuity of nursing care.
1. One of the nurses comes to the charge and reports, I did not receive overtime pay when I acted as ambulance support last week. It is my understanding that our union contract states we get overtime for that type of care. Will you please follow up and see that I get the overtime on my next check? What is this an example of? A) Collective bargaining activity appropriate for a first-level manager B) A problem employee griping C) A formal grievance D) A problem that needs to be reported to the director of nurses immediately
Ans: A Feedback: This example is collective bargaining, which is defined as the activities that concern employee relations and are carried out between organized labor and management. None of the other options accurately describe that interaction.
8. Which statement is accurate when describing performance deficiency coaching? A) It is less spontaneous and requires more planning than ongoing coaching B) It is a one-time way of solving problems C) It requires the manager to assume the role of enforcer rather than supporter or enabler D) It occurs as a component of an employee's annual performance appraisal
Ans: A Feedback: This form of coaching is less spontaneous and requires more managerial planning than ongoing coaching. In performance deficiency coaching, the manager actively brings areas of unacceptable behavior or performance to the attention of the employee and works with him or her to establish a plan to correct deficiencies.
What is a focus of thought leadership? A) Challenging the status quo B) Learning new technology C) Keeping up with current nursing knowledge D) Being a transformational leader
Ans: A Feedback: Thought leadership applies to a person who is recognized among his or her peers for innovative ideas and who demonstrates the confidence to promote those ideas. Thus, thought leadership refers to any situation in which one individual convinces another to consider a new idea, product, or way of looking at things. None of the other options is a focus of thought leadership.
18. What occurs when there is very little conflict in an organization? A) Stasis B) Increased productivity C) Decreased effectiveness D) Employee immobilization
Ans: A Feedback: Too little conflict results in organizational stasis and decreased productivity, whereas too much conflict reduces the organization's effectiveness and eventually immobilizes its employees.
14. What is the oldest form of organizing patient care that is still widely used today? A) Total patient care B) Functional nursing C) Team or modular nursing D) Primary care nursing
Ans: A Feedback: Total patient care, utilizing the case method of assignment, is the oldest form of patient care organization and is still widely used today.
10. Which statement concerning the 1967 and 1987 Age Discrimination and Employment Acts is true? A) Maximum age restrictions were limited for almost all job categories B) Employees can be forced to retire at age 70 if their health is poor C) Underage minors can be employed up to 20 hours per week D) Individuals seeking early retirement (before the age of 60) may be exempt from company pension plans
Ans: A Feedback: Under the 1967 and 1987 Age Discrimination and Employment Acts, employment of older people is protected and is based on their ability rather than their age. None of the remaining options related to these acts.
18. What occurs when a manager has the false assumption that delegation may be interpreted as a lack of ability on the subordinate's part to do the job correctly or completely? A) Underdelegating B) Overdelegating C) Improper delegating D) Inappropriate delegating
Ans: A Feedback: Underdelegating occurs when a manager has a false assumption that delegation may be interpreted as a lack of ability on his or her part to do the job correctly or completely.
Distributing flyers that charge arbitrary action on the part of an employer in an effort to garner interest in employee unionization would be a part of what phase of planned change? A) Unfreezing B) Movement C) Refreezing D) Resistance
Ans: A Feedback: Unfreezing occurs when the change agent coerces members of the group to change, or when guilt, anxiety, or concern can be elicited. This is not observed in the other options.
2. When does communication have the greatest likelihood of being accurately interpreted? A) More than one mode is used B) Face-to-face communication is used C) Written communication is used D) The sender repeats the message using the same mode
Ans: A Feedback: Using various communication methods in combination increases the likelihood that everyone in the organization who needs to hear the message actually will hear it. The other options are single methods.
8. What did Victor Vroom emphasize the importance of? A) Managers knowing each employee's expectation of reward B) Managers being honest with their employees C) Making sure that the employees' lower-level needs are met D) Understanding that individuals react in a stimulus response mode
Ans: A Feedback: Victor Vroom emphasized the importance of managers knowing each employee's expectation of reward. The other options are not related to Vroom's theory.
16. The nurse-manager facilitates a conflict that involves the delineation of staff job descriptions. What is this an example of? A) Responsibility charting B) Smoothing conflict C) Alternate dispute resolution D) Mediation counseling
Ans: A Feedback: When a supervisor delineates job duties to persons in conflict, it is called responsibility charting. The other options are not related to job description conflict.
What is an example of an unintentional tort? A) Professional negligence B) Assault C) Battery D) False imprisonment
Ans: A Feedback: While professional negligence is considered to be an unintentional tort, assault, battery, false imprisonment, invasion of privacy, defamation, and slander are intentional torts.
17. What was the focus historically for case management? A) Individual patient B) Care for populations C) Group of patients with same chronic illness D) Group of patients with same acute need for surgery
Ans: A Feedback: While the focus historically for case management has been the individual patient, the case manager employed in a disease management program plans the care for populations or groups of patients with the same chronic illness.
17. What is the most common initial response of an employee to a manager's confrontation regarding suspected chemical impairment? A) Emphatic denial and defensiveness B) Reluctant acceptance C) Gratefulness for finally being discovered D) Silence
Ans: A Feedback: Employee denial and defensiveness are common behaviors in those who are confronted with their impairment. Often, these individuals are in self-denial.
23. What term is used to identify previously acquired skills that are necessary for further learning? A) Experiential factors B) Transfer of learning C) Reinforcement D) Chunking
Ans: A Feedback: Experiential factors are skills previously acquired that are necessary for the next stage of learning. Transfer of learning refers to the goal of training to transfer new learning to the work setting. Once the behavior or skill is learned, it needs continual reinforcement until it becomes internalized. Chunking occurs when two independent items of information are presented and then grouped together into one unit.
5. It is 2 PM. You are calculating the nursing care hours for the 3 to 11 PM shift and must decide whether you need to call in additional help. You have three RNs, three nursing assistants, and one ward clerk scheduled. You have 22 patients with the following acuity and nursing care hours allotted for the evening shift: Category I, 4 patients @ 2.0 hours Category II, 2 patients @ 2.3 hours Category III, 10 patients @ 2.8 hours Category IV, 6 patients @ 3.4 hours What are the needed hours of nursing care? A) 61 hours B) 52.6 hours C) 68.4 hours D) 48.4 hours
Ans: A Feedback: Four category I patients require 8 hours of care; two category II patients require 4.6 hours of care; 10 category III patients require 28 hours; six category IV patients require 20.4 hours; total nursing care hours equal 61.
14. What are necessary components of leadership and management? I . Power 2. Authority 3. Empowerment 4. Authority power gap A) 1, 2 B) 1, 3 C) 2, 4 D) 3, 4
Ans: A Feedback: Power and authority are necessary components of leadership and management. The gap that sometimes exists between a position of authority and subordinate response is called the authority power gap. Empowerment is the concept of sharing power.
16. Primary care nursing is organized so that the patient is at the center of the structure. How many nurses have 24-hour responsibility for care planning and coordination? A) One B) Two C) Three D) Four
Ans: A Feedback: Primary care nursing is organized so that the patient is at the center of the structure. One nurse has 24-hour responsibility for care planning and coordination.
22. What is the foundation of reference power? A) Association with others B) Ability to grant favors C) Personality D) Fear
Ans: A Feedback: Referent power is power that a person has as others identify with that leader or with what that leader symbolizes. Referent power also occurs when one gives another person, feelings of personal acceptance or approval. It may be obtained through association with the powerful. Reward power, charismatic, and coercive are the powers associated with the other options.
17. Which factors are associated with the empowerment of staff? I . Allow 2. Develop 3. Enable 4. Lead A) 1, 2, 3 B) 1, 2, 4 C) 1, 3, 4 D) 2, 3, 4
Ans: A Feedback: The empowerment of staff is a hallmark of transformational leadership. Empowerment means to enable, develop, or allow. Leading is not associated with empowerment.
20. Which method rates a person against a set standard, which may be the job description, desired behaviors, or personal traits? A) Trait Rating Scale B) Checklist C) Essay D) MBOs
Ans: A Feedback: Trait Rating Scale is a method of rating a person against a set standard, which may be the job description, desired behaviors, or personal traits. The Trait Rating Scale has been one of the most widely used of the many available appraisal methods. None of the other options rates a person against a set standard.
16. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 established regulations for the education and certification of which health-care worker? A) Nurse aide (NA) B) NAP C) Licensed practical nurse (LPN) D) RN
Ans: A Feedback: Although the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 established regulations for the education and certification of nurse's aides (minimum of 75 hours of theory and practice and successful completion of an examination in both areas), no federal or community standards have been established for training the more broadly defined NAP. LPNs and RNs are not addressed by this act.
13. What is the focus of the entry job stage? A) Skill development B) Job esteem C) Sense of purpose D) Indifference
Ans: A Feedback: During the entry phase of learning a job, an individual concentrates on skill development. None of the other options is the focus of this stage.
19. What is the name given to the first stage in the conflict process? A) Latent B) Perceived C) Felt D) Manifest
Ans: A Feedback: The first stage in the conflict process is called latent conflict, which implies the existence of antecedent conditions. Latent conflict may proceed to perceived conflict or to felt conflict. Manifest conflict may also ensue. The last stage in the process is conflict aftermath.
1. Which information is too much in flux to identify on an organizational chart? A) Grapevine lines of communication B) Line and staff authority C) Span of control D) Scalar chains
Ans: A Feedback: The grapevine lines of communication cannot be placed on an organizational chart because they are constantly in flux. The remaining information is stable and so identified on the chart.
Which factor should be considered when assessing the quality of ethical problem solving? Select all that apply. A) Outcomes B) Decision-making process C) Multiple alternatives D) Data gathering
Ans: A, B Feedback: Outcomes should never be used as the sole criterion for assessing the quality of ethical problem solving, because many variables affect outcomes that have no reflection on whether the problem solving was appropriate. Quality, instead, should be evaluated both by the outcome and the process used to make the decision. If a structured approach to problem solving is used, multiple alternatives are analyzed, and data gathering is adequate, then, regardless of the outcome, the manager should feel comfortable that the best possible decision was made at that time with the information and resources available. The satisfaction of the involved parties is not a reliable factor.
Which statement demonstrates a characteristic of a critical thinker? Select all that apply. A) ìSince that didn't work effectively, let's try something different.î B) ìThe solution has to be something the patient is willing to do.î C) ìI'll talk to the patient's primary care giver about the problem.î D) ìMaybe there is no new solution to this particular problem.î
Ans: A, B, C Feedback: A critical thinker displays persistence, empathy, and assertiveness. The remaining options reflect limited thinking and an inability to think outside the box.
Which statement is true regarding criminal law cases? Select all that apply. A) Incarceration is a likely consequence of being found guilty of a criminal offense B) Intentionally giving an overdose of a potent narcotic is a criminal offense C) A guilty verdict requires evidence beyond a reasonable doubt D) Most malpractice cases are tried in criminal court
Ans: A, B, C Feedback: In criminal cases, the individual faces charges generally filed by the state or federal attorney general for crimes committed against an individual or society. In criminal cases, the individual is always presumed to be innocent unless the state can prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Incarceration and even death are possible consequences for being found guilty in criminal matters. Nurses found guilty of intentionally administering fatal doses of drugs to patients would be charged in a criminal court. Most malpractice cases are tried in civil court.
Which action demonstrates appropriate management regarding legal issues? Select all that apply. A) Remains current on all institutional policies and procedures B) Delegates with consideration to appropriate scopes of practice C) Requires physical proof of appropriate professional licensure each year D) Provides yearly in-services on the operation of newly acquired equipment
Ans: A, B, C Feedback: Sound management functions regarding legal issues include understanding and adhering to institutional policies and procedures delegating to subordinates wisely, looking at the manager's scope of practice and that of the individuals he or she supervises, and monitoring subordinates to ensure they have a valid, current, and appropriate license to practice nursing. In-services should be held frequently especially when related to issues that affect care delivery. The reliance on peers for advice in such matters is not prudent; the institution's legal advisor is much better prepared for this task.
What is the typical focus of managers? Select all that apply. A) Establishing a legitimate source of power B) Delegating responsibilities to staff members C) Formulate the budget to achieve the stated goals D) Direct attention to the management of unwilling subordinates
Ans: A, B, C Feedback: The manager is typically involved in the delegation of responsibilities through the power of the legitimate power associated with the position. To manipulate people, the environment, money, time, and other resources to achieve organizational goals is also a manager's focus. Attention to both willing and unwilling subordinates as well as established responsibilities is associated with the role of the manager.
Which characteristic of an organization has influence on the ethical decisions its managers' make? Select all that apply. A) Purpose B) Societal role C) Societal constraints D) Values
Ans: A, B, C Feedback: The manager's ethical obligation is tied to the organization's purpose, and the purpose of the organization is linked to the function that it fills in society and the constraints society places on it. So, the responsibilities of the nurse-manager emerge from a complex set of interactions. Society helps to define the purposes of various institutions, and the purposes, in turn, help to ensure that the institution fulfills specific functions. However, the specific values and norms in any particular institution determine the focus of its resources and shape its organizational life. The values of people within institutions influence actual management practice. The organization's societal status should not be considered when making ethical decisions.
21. Health disparities in the patient care population are most likely to occur when the health-care workforce lacks diversity in which area? Select all that apply. A) Age B) Gender C) Ethnicity D) Education
Ans: A, B, C Feedback: The workforce should also reflect the gender, culture, ethnicity, age, and language diversity of the communities that the organization serves. The lack of ethnic, gender, and generational diversity in the workforce has been linked to health disparities in the populations served. The importance of this goal cannot be overstated. The remaining options do not have the impact that the correct options have on this situation.
25. Which statement regarding a budget is true? Select all that apply. A) A budget contains an estimate of both expenses and income for a year. B) It allows for an institution to plan for the effective use of its resources C) The cost of supplies is an example of a variable expense D) A mortgage is an example of a fixed expense
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: A budget is a financial plan that includes estimated expenses as well as income for a period of time. Accuracy dictates the worth of a budget; the more accurate the budget blueprint, the better the institution can plan the most efficient use of its resources. Because a budget is at best a prediction, a plan, and not a rule, fiscal planning requires flexibility, ongoing evaluation, and revision. In the budget, expenses are classified as fixed or variable and either controllable or noncontrollable. Fixed expenses do not vary with volume, whereas variable expenses do. Examples of fixed expenses might be a building's mortgage payment or a manager's salary; variable expenses might include the payroll of hourly wage employees and the cost of supplies.
Which statement concerning autonomy and the employee is true? Select all that apply. A) It is a form of personal liberty B) Its legal equivalent is self determination C) It is based on a person's right to make a choice D) It is supported by the process of progressive employee discipline
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: A form of personal liberty, autonomy is also called freedom of choice or accepting the responsibility for one's choice. The legal right of self-determination supports this moral principle. The use of progressive discipline recognizes the autonomy of the employee. The employee, in essence, has the choice to meet organizational expectations or to be disciplined further. If the employee's continued behavior warrants termination, the principle of autonomy says that the employee has made the choice to be terminated by virtue of his or her actions, not by that of the manager. Therefore, nurse-managers must be cognizant of the ethical component present whenever an individual's decisional capacity is in question. To take away a person's right to self-determination is a serious but sometimes necessary action.
A lawsuit pertaining to professional negligence must include duty, breach of duty, injury, and a causal relationship between breach of duty and injury. What else must be included? Which element is necessary to prove professional negligence? Select all that apply. A) Breach of duty B) Presence of injury C) Ability to foresee harm D) Causal relationship
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: A lawsuit pertaining to professional negligence must include duty, breach of duty, injury, a causal relationship between breach of duty and injury, and the ability to foresee harm. Intent to cause injury is not a requirement.
During the process of acquiring values, criteria should be used to assist in clarifying the chosen value. Which is a criterion for a true value? Select all that apply. A) It is freely chosen from among alternatives B) It is prized and cherished C) It is positively affirmed D) It is acted upon
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: A value is prized and cherished, positively affirmed and acted upon, and chosen freely from among alternative. Because our values change with time, periodic clarification is necessary to determine how our values may have changed.
24. An effective transition program for new nursing graduates will address which issue? Select all that apply. A) Supporting practice autonomy B) Strengthening new clinical skills C) Introducing time management skills D) integrating into the nursing unit environment
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: A well-designed transition-to-practice program strengthens new graduates skills and competencies and prepares the new nurse for the demands of caring for patients. Fu11hermore, a systematic app roach to transition not only facilitates ion-boarding (integration into staffing on the nursing unit to prov ide direct patient care), it reduces turnover by decreasing the toll associated with insufficient preparation for the work environment. Satisfying nursing position needs is not a focus of a transition program for new graduates.
Which factor contributes to the difficulty health-care organizations are having in planning for identified long-term needs? Select all that apply. A) Government regulations B) Rapidly changing technologies C) Decreased provider autonomy D) Changing population demographics
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Because of the rapidly changing technology, increasing government regulatory involvement in health care, changing population demographics, and reduced provider autonomy, health-care organizations are finding it increasingly difficult to appropriately identify long-term needs and plan accordingly. Consumer distrust is not a current factor contributing to the difficulty health-care organizations are experiencing with long-term planning.
23. Which activity represents a commitment to career planning? Select all that apply. A) Introduces evidence-based practice changes regarding wound dressings B) Discussing the health needs of the homeless with local politicians C) Earning a bachelor's degree(BSN) in nursing D) Working with a seasoned mentor
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Career planning should include, at minimum, a commitment to the use of evidence based practice, learning new skills or bettering practice through the use of role models and mentors, staying aware of and being involved in professional issues, and furthering one's education. Full-time employ ment is not a necessary commitment.
Which are common areas requiring nurseñpatient advocacy? Select all that apply. A) Securing patient consents B) Preventing medication errors C) Facilitating access to health-care services D) Respect for patient dignity and cultural values
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Common areas requiring nurseñpatient advocacy include inadequate patient consents; medical errors; access to health care; and respect for patient dignity and cultural values. While hospitalization is expensive, education on this subject is not considered a nursing advocacy role.
22. Which statement regarding fiscal planning is true? Select all that apply. A) Social influences affect fiscal planning B) The successful fiscal planner is creative C) An understanding of economic forces is necessary D) Practical experience is a key to being a good fiscal planner
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Fiscal planning is not intuitive; it is a learned skill that improves with practice. Fiscal planning also requires vision, creativity, and a thorough knowledge of the political, social, and economic forces that shape health care.
23. Which statement demonstrates an understanding of the factors that are considered when a change in the care delivery system is being proposed? Select all that apply. A) We have determined that our level of care would improve if we provided it differently. B) It's questionable whether our current nursing staff is large enough to support the proposed change. C) We will discuss our proposed change with the multidisciplinary team members. D) Administration has been supportive of the planned change in our care delivery system.
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: If evaluation of the present system reveals deficiencies, the manager needs to examine available resources and compare those with resources needed for the change. There must be a commitment on the part of top-level administration and a majority of the nursing staff for a change to be successful. Because health care is multidisciplinary, the care delivery system used will have a heavy impact on many others outside the nursing unit; therefore, those affected by a system change must be involved in its planning. The philosophy of the nursing services division must support the delivery model selected. Changing the philosophy is not appropriate.
Which situations is a nurse-manager illegally responsible for reporting? Select all that apply. A) Suspected incidents of elder abuse B) Examples of substandard medical care C) Client-reported incidents of child abuse D) Confirmed case of a communicable disease
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: In addition, the manager, like all professional nurses, is responsible for reporting improper or substandard medical care, child and elder abuse, and communicable diseases, as specified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Disagreements are not mandated reportable situations.
The failure to engage in which activity is considered a fatal flaw of leadership? Select all that apply. A) Collaboration B) Communication C) Self-improvement D) Staff development
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Leadership is flawed and likely ineffective when the leader does not collaborate and communicate effectively with others in the organization. The improvement and development of both others and oneself is vital to the effectiveness of a leader. Clear forward thinking is associated with good leadership.
Which activity is associated with a leadership role? Select all that apply. A) Mentoring two new managers B) Establishing goals for the coming year C) Advocating for employee regarding personal policies D) Providing a motivational speech at the new employee orientation
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Leadership roles include mentoring, decision making, advocating, andenergizing. Risk taking is also considered a leadership role.
Managerial advocacy has resulted in which profession of nursing characteristics? Select all that apply. A) Ethical code B) Legal recognition C) Nurse Practice Acts D) Professional licensing
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Managers must be advocates for the nursing profession. It was nurses who pushed for accountability through state nurse practice acts and state licensing. Nurse-leaders collaborated on defining the profession, achieving legal recognition of the profession and establishing a culture for professional nursing which has continued to the present time. Advocating for professional nursing is a leadership role. Professional issues are always ethical issues. When nurses find a discrepancy between their perceived role and society's expectations, they have a responsibility to advocate for the profession. This includes speaking out on consumer issues, continuing and expanding attempts to influence legislation, and increasing membership on governmental health policy-making boards and councils. Only then will nurses be able to influence the tremendous problems facing society today.
Which force is driving change in today's health-care environment? Select all that apply. A) Increased cost of health-care services B) Decrease in health-care professionals and providers C) Decreased third-party reimburse of health-care services D) Increased need to update health-careñrelated technologies
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Many forces are driving change in contemporary health care, including rising healthcare costs, declining reimbursement, workforce shortages, increasing technology, the dynamic nature of knowledge, and a growing elderly population. Contemporary healthcare agencies then must continually institute change to upgrade their structure, promote greater quality, and keep their workers. Wages for health-care professions and providers have not contributed significantly to the changes in today's health-care environment.
24. When considering the interprofessional approach to healthcare, to whom does the nurse owe accountability? A) The physician B) Their patients C) Their unit manager D) Their director of nursing
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Nurses frequently feel as though they have many individuals to account to because health care often involves an interprofessional approach. Additional individuals the nurse may need to be accountable to may include the immediate supervisor, the patient, the patient's family, central administration, and the physician. The nurse has no accountability to other nurses in this situation.
Which characteristic associated with being a patient increases the need for advocacy? Select all that apply. A) Loss of physical freedom as a result of extended hospitalizations B) Decreased independence due to physical or psychosocial limitations C) Physical or psychosocial limitations negatively impacted autonomy D) Illness tends to make an individual more vulnerable to unethical activities
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Patient advocacy is necessary because disease almost always results in decreased independence, loss of freedom, and interference with the ability to make choices autonomously. In addition, aging, as well as physical, mental, or social disability may make individuals more vulnerable and in need of advocacy. It is not true that cognitive function is impaired as a result of chronic and/or acute illness.
25. Which external and internal forces must a manager adjust for when implementing the PCSs associated with unit staffing? Select all that apply. A) Presence of nursing students on the unit B) The hiring of two graduates as staff C) The increase of scheduled medical students D) Language barriers presented by nursing staff
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Regarding PCS, the middle-level manager must be alert to internal or external forces affecting unit needs that may not be reflected in the organization's patient care classification system. Examples of such forces could be a sudden increase in nursing or medical students using the unit, a lower skill level of new graduates, or cultural and language difficulties of recently hired foreign nurses. The organization's classification system may prove to be inaccurate, or the hours allotted for each category or classification of patient may be inaccurate (too high or too low). An anxious patient is not a force that should affect the staffing process.
Which strategies would demonstrate an understanding of effective preparation for a television interview to discuss issues affecting nursing today? Select all that apply A) Be focused on key points. B) Introduce statistics that support the key points C) Repeat key points several times during the interview D) Provide background material related to the key points
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: The best strategies for a television interview are to be prepared and to stick to three or four key points that will drive home your message, and repeat them during the interview. Concentrating on popular points is not necessarily where the focus should be directed.
Which strategy demonstrates an understanding of the management's role as advocate for their subordinates? Select all that apply. A) Staff representatives on all unit committees B) Monthly ìbrown bag lunchesî with the staff C) Requests revising criteria for granting a ìleave of absenceî D) Working with primary care providers to expand standing nursing orders
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: The following are suggestions for creating an environment that promotes subordinate advocacy: Invite collaborative decision making; get to know staff personally; ìgo to batî for staff when needed; and promote nurse autonomy. Rather than anticipating educational needs, the manager advocates by asking for and then respecting their suggestions by planning accordingly.
Which nursing intervention demonstrates attention to the nursing values central to patient advocacy? Select all that apply. A) Assuring the patient that their wishes will be respected regarding the care they receive B) Identifying the patient's religious dietary practices when discussing a prescribed diet C) Answering the patient's questions regarding the alternatives to a proposed procedure D) Suggesting to a patient that a social services consult would help with discharge needs
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: The nursing values central to advocacy emphasize caring, autonomy, respect, and empowerment. While appropriate, comforting a patient is not an act of advocacy in this situation.
A nurse-manager has been asked to write an article for the newspaper addressing a health-care issue of local concern. Which statement demonstrates the nurse understandings the appropriate way to response to such a request? Select all that apply. A) ìI'll include the latest data on the subject.î B) ìWhen will you need to have the final draft of my article?î C) ìAre you comfortable with me focusing on 3 key points related to this topic?î D) ìThat isn't my field of expertise but I will contact a peer with that knowledge.î
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Tips of effective interaction with the media include respecting and meeting their deadlines, having key facts ready to include, limiting key points to two or three, and not being afraid to say you lack that specific expertise. One should assume, until proven otherwise, that the reporter will be fair and accurate in his/her reporting.
To make appropriate ethical decisions the nurse-manager must have knowledge of what items to assist in making decisions? Select all that apply: 1, 2, 3, 4. A) Organizational processes 1, 2 B) Proven decision-making models 1, 2, and 3 C) Professional approach that eliminates trial and error D) Ethical principles and frameworks
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: To make appropriate ethical decisions then, the manager must have knowledge of ethical principles and frameworks, use a professional approach that eliminates trial and error and focuses on proven decision-making models, and use available organizational processes to assist in making such decisions. Knowledge of the involved parties' wishes is not a focus of the decision-making process.
19. What contributes to a nurse's difficult resocialization? Select all that apply. A) Role ambiguity B) Role overload C) Inability to meet job demands D) Past work experience
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Difficulties with resocialization usually center on unclear role expectations (role ambiguity), an inability to meet job demands, or deficiencies in motivation. Role strain and role overload contribute to the problem. Past work experience is not a factor in creating a difficult resocialization.
24. Which concept should a care delivery system support? Select all that apply. A) Organization B) Nursing process C) Cost effectiveness D) Patient satisfaction
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: Each unit's care delivery structure should facilitate meeting the goals of the organization, be cost-effective, satisfy the patient, provide role satisfaction to nurses, allow implementation of the nursing process, and provide for adequate communication among health-care providers. While important, nursing research is not a concept that is considered when selecting a care delivery system.
20. What is the positive patient outcome during a single shift of case method nursing? Select all that apply. A) Clear lines of responsibility B) Nursing autonomy C) Holistic patient care D) Unfragmented care
Ans: A, B, C, D Feedback: This method of assignment is still widely used in hospitals and home health agencies. This organizational structure provides nurses with high autonomy and responsibility. Assigning patients is simple and direct and does not require the planning that other methods of patient care delivery require. The lines of responsibility and accountability are clear. The patient theoretically receives holistic and unfragmented care during the nurse's time on duty. To maintain quality care, this method requires highly skilled personnel and thus may cost more than some other forms of patient care.
Which statement is true regarding planned change? Select all that apply. A) Resistance to change should be expected as a natural part of the change process B) Change should be viewed as a chance to do something innovative C) Technical changes are more resisted by staff than social changes are D) Change affects the homeostasis of a group
Ans: A, B, D Feedback: Change should not be viewed as a threat but as a challenge and a chance to do something new and innovative. Change should be implemented only for good reason. Because change disrupts the homeostasis or balance of the group, resistance should be expected as a natural part of the change process. The level of resistance to change generally depends on the type of change proposed not the age of the staff affected by the change. Technological changes encounter less resistance than changes that are perceived as social or that are contrary to established customs or norms.
Which statement regarding rules is true? Select all that apply. A) Rules should be flexible B) There should be as few rules as possible C) Rules should be changed on a regular basis D) Enforcement of the rules supports staff morale
Ans: A, B, D Feedback: Rules are fairly inflexible, so the fewer rules, the better. Existing rules, however, should be enforced to keep morale from breaking down and to allow organizational structure. It is neither reasonable nor necessary for all involved parties to agree with the rules but all must follow them. Rules require regular evaluation but change may not be warranted.
Which statement is true concerning the refreezing phase of the change process? Select all that apply. A) The focus of this phase is to integrate the change into the status quo B) Stabilization of change requires a 6- to 9-month period of time C) If refreezing is incomplete, prechange behavior will be resumed D) The change agent must remain involved until the refreeze stage is complete
Ans: A, C, D Feedback: During the refreezing phase, the change agent assists in stabilizing the system change so that it becomes integrated into the status quo. If refreezing is incomplete, the change will be ineffective and the prechange behaviors will be resumed. For refreezing to occur, the change agent must be supportive and reinforce the individual adaptive efforts of those affected by the change. Because change needs at least 3 to 6 months before it will be accepted as part of the system, the change agent must be sure that he or she will remain involved until the change is completed. The successfulness of the refreezing stage is dependent about the acceptance of change by all staff.
A manager demonstrating an understanding of the principles of Human Capital theory will schedule which staff in-service? Select all that apply. A) Effective communication skills B) Financial planning for retirement C) Advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation D) Meeting the needs of the patient's family
Ans: A, C, D Feedback: Human capital can refer to a group's collective knowledge, skills, and abilities. Human capital theory suggests that individuals and/or organizations will invest in education and professional development if they believe that such an investment will have a future payoff. Communication, meeting family needs, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation are all skills and abilities that will enhance the individual's professional development and ultimately the services of the facility. The other options are related to the personal interests of the staff.
How can nurses act as advocates? Select all that apply. A) Helping others make informed decisions B) Directly intervening on behalf of others C) Providing consent to treat for the cognitively impaired patients D) Making health-care decisions for those who are not able to do so
Ans: A, C, D Feedback: Nurses may act as advocates by either helping others make informed decisions, by acting as intermediary in the environment, or by directly intervening on behalf of others. Advocates do not make decisions or provide consent but rather educate patients so they can be informed.
Which statement correctly identifies the composition of a letter to a legislator? Select all that apply. A) Identify yourself as a constituent in the first paragraph B) State your reason for writing in the second paragraph C) Sign the letter and include your contact information D) Address the legislator by title
Ans: A, C, D Feedback: Personal letters are more influential than formal letters, and the tone should be formal but polite. The letter should also be concise (not more than one page). Be sure to address the legislator properly by title. Establish your credibility early in the letter as both a constituent and a health-care expert. State your reason for writing the letter in the first paragraph, and refer to the specific bill that you are writing about. Then, state your position on the issue and give personal examples as necessary to support your position. Offer your assistance as a resource person for additional information. Sign the letter, including your name and contact information. Remember to be persistent, and write legislators repeatedly who are undecided on an issue. Display 6.5 displays a format common to letters written to legislators.
Professional organizations generally espouse standards of care that have what relationship to those required by law? Select all that apply. A) Higher than those required by law B) The same as those required by law C) Are established after those required by law D) Are established prior to those required by law
Ans: A, D Feedback: Professional organizations generally espouse standards of care that are higher than those required by law. These voluntary controls often are forerunners of legal controls. The standards are written by health-care professionals while laws are written by legislatures.
24. Which statement is true regarding the float pool nurse? Select all that apply. A) They are classified as per-diem staff B) The nurse trades increased personal flexibility for less pay C) Float pool nurses do not receive usual staff benefits D) They are crossed trained on multiple units
Ans: A, D Feedback: Some hospitals have created their own internal supplemental staff by hiring per-diem employees and creating float pools. Per-diem staff generally have the flexibility to choose if and when they want to work. In exchange for this flexibility, they receive a higher rate of pay but usually no benefits. Float pools are generally composed of employees who agree to cross-train on multiple units so that they can work additional hours during periods of high census or worker shortages. Float pools are adequate for filling intermittent staffing holes but, like agency or registry staff, they are not an answer to the ongoing need to alter staffing according to census since they result in a lack of staff continuity.
If decision making is triggered by a problem with what does it end? A) An alternative problem B) A chosen course of action C) An action that guarantees success D) A restatement of the solution
Ans: B Feedback: A decision is made when a course of action has been chosen. Problem solving is part of decision making and is a systematic process that focuses on analyzing a difficult situation. Problem solving always includes a decision-making step.
5. What is the first step the manager takes when a subordinate is having difficulty carrying out a delegated task? A) Take over the task so the employee will not become demoralized B) Be available to the employee as a role model and resource for the task C) Assign another more experienced employee to help with the task D) Re-assign the employee a different, less complex task
Ans: B Feedback: A manager should be available to the employee to help identify solutions to problems encountered with a delegated task and should encourage the employee to persevere. Taking back a task that was originally delegated is an absolute last resort. Reassigning and co-assigning the task are options that are not initially considered.
1. What type of power does a professional nursing certification provide? A) Legitimate B) Expert C) Charismatic D) Organizational
Ans: B Feedback: A nursing certification n provides the proof of earned expert power such as having knowledge or skill not possessed by all nurses .
Which response is characteristic of a servant leader? A) ìI don't think you have the skills necessary to be effective.î B) ìLet me think about that request for 24 hours.î C) ìDo whatever it takes to get it done fast.î D) ìI'll personal handle this situation.î
Ans: B Feedback: A servant leader always thinks before reacting. This leader also chooses words carefully so as to not damage those being led, provides directions toward goal achievement, and finds asking for input more important than personally providing solutions.
What is the value of using a structured approach to problem solving for the novice nurse? A) Facilitates effective time management B) Supports the acquisition of clinical reasoning C) Supplements the orientation process D) Encourages professional autonomy
Ans: B Feedback: A structured approach to problem solving and decision making increases clinical reasoning and is the best way to learn how to make quality decisions because it eliminates trial and error and focuses the learning on a proven process. This is particularly helpful to the novice nurse with limited clinical experience and intuition. The other options are outcomes of the possession of critical thinking skills and clinical reasoning.
15. Which statement is true regarding adverse drug events (ADEs)? A) They occur infrequently in accredited hospitals B) They are responsible for about 20% of hospitalized disabilities C) They usually involve either prescribing or pharmacy errors D) They occur because of individual recklessness
Ans: B Feedback: ADEs occur in all hospitals, are to blame for 20% of injury disabilities, and involve more than prescribing or pharmacy errors, but are rarely due to individual recklessness. They occur in both accredited and unaccredited facilities.
13. What does social learning theory suggest? A) Mentors are not effective in social learning B) Most behavior is learned by direct experience and observation C) Individuals who make mistakes learn better than those who do not D) Individuals learn best when left on their own
Ans: B Feedback: According to social learning theory, knowledge is frequently obtained through vicarious experiences, such as observing someone's actions. None of the other options accurately describe a true statement regarding the social learning theory.
6. Which statement accurately describes a disciplinary conference? A) It is generally a highly charged emotional event, so the manager should try to soften criticisms to reduce the employee's defensiveness B) It should be scheduled in advance at a time agreeable to both the employee and the manager C) When it is held in front of peers it can be used as a teaching tool D) It requires the manager to adopt nurturing and counseling roles
Ans: B Feedback: All formal disciplinary conferences should be scheduled in advance at a time agreeable to both the employee and the manager. Both will want time to reflect on the situation that has occurred. Allowing time for reflection should reduce the situation's emotionalism and promote employee self-discipline, because employees often identify their own plan for keeping the behavior from recurring. None of the other options accurately describe this process.
3. Which statement concerning nonverbal communication is true? A) It is consistent across cultures B) It is given more credence than verbal communication when the two are incongruent C) It should be minimized because it confuses the receiver regarding the true intent of the message D) It is a significant part of the communication exchange only when it is not congruent with the verbal exchange
Ans: B Feedback: Because nonverbal communication indicates the emotional component of the message, it is generally considered more reliable than verbal communication. None of the remaining options present true statements regarding nonverbal communication.
Which statement reflects an important factor to consider when implementing a planned change? A) Change should be implemented suddenly B) Change should be implemented gradually C) Change should be implemented arbitrarily D) Change should be implemented sporadically
Ans: B Feedback: Change should be planned and thus implemented gradually, not sporadically or suddenly and certainly not arbitrarily.
Which is a characteristic of Theory Z? A) Non-consensus decision making B) Fitting employees to their jobs C) Rapid career promotions D) Authoritative problem solving
Ans: B Feedback: Characteristics of Theory Z include fitting employees to their jobs, consensus decision making, job security, slower promotions, examining the long-term consequences of management decision making, quality circles, guarantee of lifetime employment, establishment of strong bonds of responsibility between superiors and subordinates, and a holistic concern for the workers.
What does traditional management science focuses upon? A) Meeting worker satisfaction B) Delineating barriers to productivity C) Using a laissez-faire approach D) Encouraging employee participation
Ans: B Feedback: Classical, or traditional, management science focuses on production in the workplace and on delineating organizational barriers to productivity. Little attention was given to worker job satisfaction, and workers were assumed to be motivated solely by economic rewards.
17. What do clinical practice guidelines provide? A) A predetermined baseline condition or level of excellence that constitutes a model to be followed and practiced B) Diagnosis-based, step-by-step interventions for nurses to follow in an effort to promote evidence-based, high-quality care C) Process of measuring products, practices, and services against those of best- performing organizations D) Identify not only what and how an event happens but why it happens, with the end goal being to ensure that a preventable negative outcome does not recur
Ans: B Feedback: Clinical practice guidelines provide diagnosis-based, step-by-step interventions for nurses to follow in an effort to promote evidence-based, high-quality care and yet control resource utilization and costs. The remaining options all fail to accurately identify what a clinical practice guideline provides.
21. When working on clinical practice guidelines for a mental health unit, the nursing committee will implement which intervention initially? A) Assessing the medical psychiatric staff for practice suggestions B) Implementing a search of the literature for current related research results C) Reviewing patient satisfaction data to identify the unit's strengths and weaknesses D) In-servicing all unit nursing staff on the need to adhere to established guidelines
Ans: B Feedback: Clinical practice guidelines reflect evidence-based practice; that is, they should be based on cutting edge research and best practices. The other options may be helpful but should occur after the review of the research literature.
23. What is the principle that guides constructive discipline? A) Constructive discipline is punitive in its nature B) The focus of constructive discipline is employee growth C) Constructive discipline employs the manager as a resource not a helper D) Behavior modification is the desired outcome of constructive discipline
Ans: B Feedback: Constructive discipline uses discipline as a means of helping the employee grow, not as a punitive measure.
8. What is the term used to identify the effect that results when some negative aspect of an employee's performance unduly influence all other aspects of performance? A) A halo effect B) A horns effect C) Central tendency D) A job dimension scale
Ans: B Feedback: Data should be gathered from many different sources and must reflect the entire time period of the appraisal to avoid the horns effect, which is when some negative aspect of an employee's performance unduly influences all other aspects of his or her performance. None of the other options accurately identifies this outcome.
22. Which statement demonstrates an intervention focused on the primary disadvantage of team nursing? A) We are working with 1 fewer team members today. B) The team will be meeting for a care report update in 5 minutes. C) Our patient assignment is comprised of both males and females D) We will be having a member of the float pool on our team today.
Ans: B Feedback: Disadvantages to team nursing are associated primarily with improper implementation rather than with the philosophy itself. Frequently, insufficient time is allowed for team care planning and communication. This can lead to blurred lines of responsibility, errors, and fragmented patient care. None of the other options address a known disadvantage of team nursing.
How are preactive planners described? A) They consider and value the past, the present, and future B) They use evolving technologies to accelerate change C) They consider the status quo as a stable environment D) They direct planning in response to a crisis
Ans: B Feedback: Dissatisfied with the past and present, preactive planners do not value experience and believe the future is always preferable. Their focus is not necessarily crisis response.
What is an example of a positive outcome of a leader's emotional intelligence? A) Emotions are held in check B) Emotions are used effectively C) Expression of one's emotions is expected D) Expression of one's emotions is encouraged
Ans: B Feedback: Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to use emotions effectively and is required by leader-managers in order to enhance their success. Holding one's emotions in check can be unhealthy. The remaining options do not address the usefulness of emotions.
14. What managerial characteristic is essential in assuring that employees will find joy at work? A) Attending to the organizational climate B) Forming respectful relationships C) Effectively supervising employee work D) Partitioning for salary increases
Ans: B Feedback: Employees value a trusting and helpful manager who lets them know their uniqueness is understood. The remaining options are not essential to facilitating employee work- related joy.
12. What does empowerment encourage? A) Delegation of responsibility B) Sharing authority with others C) Relinquishing informal power D) Successful authoritarian leadership
Ans: B Feedback: Empowerment is sharing power or authority with others but not relinquishing either power inherent in a position or its responsibility. Authoritarian leadership is not associated with empowerment
1. What should the manager do in completing an annual performance appraisal? A) Consider good intentions as well as actual performance B) Base the appraisal on a standard to which all are held accountable C) Always make an effort to include subjective data D) Closely observe the employee for the 2 weeks preceding the appraisal conference
Ans: B Feedback: For an objective appraisal, the manager must have a fair performance appraisal tool that is used for all employees in the same classification.
13. Which course of action would be most apt to help a demotivated RN with personal and professional renewal? A) Begin job hunting in a new field B) Start practicing self-care C) Take a management class D) Start leaving work early
Ans: B Feedback: For self-care, the manager should seek time off on a regular basis to meet personal needs, have recreation, form relationships outside the work setting, and have fun. Friends and colleagues are essential for emotional support, guidance, and renewal. A proper diet and exercise are important to maintain physical as well as emotional health. The remaining options are not practical and lack the focus on self.
What does knowledge about good decision making lead one to believe? A) Good decision makers are usually right-brain, intuitive thinkers B) Effective decision makers are sensitive to the situation and to others C) Good decisions are usually made by left-brain, logical thinkers D) Good decision making requires analytical rather than creative processes
Ans: B Feedback: Good decision makers seem to have antennae that make them particularly sensitive to other people and situations. Left-brain thinkers are typically better at processing language, logic, numbers, and sequential ordering, whereas right-brain thinkers excel at nonverbal ideation and holistic synthesizing.
A good plan incorporates which characteristic? A) A midterm evaluation B) Built-in evaluation checkpoints C) The rejection of plans that originally failed D) Over-planning to arrange required details
Ans: B Feedback: Good plans have built-in evaluation checkpoints so that there can be a midcourse correction if unexpected events occur. A final evaluation should always occur at the end of the plan. If goals were not met, the plan should be examined to determine why it failed. This evaluation process assists the manager in future planning. One who overplans may devote excessive time to arranging details that might be better left to those who will carry out the plan.
7. What is the implication in a hierarchy of needs? A) All needs have equal power in motivation B) Unsatisfied needs trigger behavior C) Lower level needs are less valued D) Some individuals have hereditary needs
Ans: B Feedback: Hierarchy of need implies that people are motivated to satisfy certain needs, ranging from basic survival to complex psychological needs, and people seek a higher need only when the lower needs have been predominantly met.
Historically, many of the changes that have occurred in nursing or have affected the profession are the result of what type of change? A) Planned B) Change by drift C) Rationalñempirical D) Normativeñreeducative
Ans: B Feedback: Historically, many of the changes that have occurred in nursing or have affected the profession are the result of change by drift. While other types of changes have occurred, change by drift accounts for most of them.
22. Which characteristic is most important when the nurse-manager is considering staff for a delegated role? A) Years of experience B) Willingness to grow professionally C) Aversion to risk taking D) Previous experience with similar tasks
Ans: B Feedback: Identify which individuals can complete the job in terms of capability and time to do so. Remember that it is a leadership role to stretch new and capable employees who want opportunities to learn and grow. Also look for employees who are innovative and willing to take risks. It is also important that the person to whom the task is being delegated considers the task to be important. Years of experience and exposure to similar tasks are not as important as interest in professional growth.
15. What is the first step to developing an educational program for an organization? A) Identifying the resources available to meet the needs B) Identifying the desired skills or knowledge the staff should have C) Explaining to the team that human resources should be doing this work D) Assessing the staff's willing to learn new skills
Ans: B Feedback: Identifying the desired skills or knowledge the staff should have is the first step in developing an educational program. While the other options are relevant, they lack the organizational priority of the correct option.
22. What factor contributes most to a performance appraisal being viewed as relevant by the employees? A) Its influence on whether a raise will be awarded B) Belief that it is based on the performance of job descriptionñrelated tasks C) The perception that the manager truly likes and approves of them personally D) The formality with which the appraisal is conducted and presented
Ans: B Feedback: If employees believe that the appraisal is based on their job description rather than on whether the manager approves of them, they are more likely to view the appraisal as relevant. The remaining options are not viewed as being factors in the view that the appraisal is relevant.
10. According to Skinner, how should rewards used as a way to reinforce behavior be given? A) At established intervals B) Specific to a particular performance C) Sometime after the event for maximum reinforcement D) Very sparingly to make them more valuable
Ans: B Feedback: If rewards are to succeed as motivational strategies, they should represent genuine accomplishment on the part of the employee. Rewards can be spontaneous, as long as they are truly deserved. The other options are not supportive of Skinner's thoughts on rewards.
13. What is Consensus in negotiation referring to? A) One party wins at the expense of another B) The willingness by all parties to accept agreed-on conditions C) The most rapid conflict resolution strategies D) An unanimous decision has been reached
Ans: B Feedback: In a consensus, an agreement is found that all parties can support, or at least not oppose. The term is not used to describe any of the other options.
17. What is the leadership role when a unit is attempting to overcome the decentralization of patient care? A) Determining what changes will be made to the plan of care B) Facilitating the group's work C) Identifying the patient care problems D) Selecting solutions to problems
Ans: B Feedback: In a patient-centered focused activity, the team leader should facilitate the work of the group and should not be the sole decision maker.
9. What is necessary when implementing care multidisciplinary action plans (MAPs)? A) Caregivers alter the plan as they deem necessary B) Variances be indicated for patient deviations C) Time frames for implementation be left open D) Critical paths not be considered in care planning
Ans: B Feedback: In care MAPs, it is necessary to provide variances when there are patient deviations, because this is a major component to case management. None of the other options identify that connection.
2. A charge nurse assists a group of personnel to resolve their conflict, with the outcome being that the two opposing goals were discarded and new goals were adopted. What is this an example of? A) Smoothing of conflict by the leader B) Facilitating collaboration among personnel C) A majority rule approach D) A good lesson in compromising
Ans: B Feedback: In collaboration, all parties set aside their original goals and work together to establish a common goal. None of the other options are examples of the described outcome.
3. A nurse has accepted a position as a staff nurse and will practice primary care nursing. The nurse will be the only RN on the team. What is an appropriate role expectation for role fulfillment? A) Planning nursing care independently of others B) Assigning work according to the expertise of group members C) Being responsible for care planning 24 hours a day D) Carrying out the majority of personal care for your patients
Ans: B Feedback: In primary nursing, the sole RN would not plan the care without others' input or be responsible for care planning for 24 hours. Neither would the RN carry out the majority of personal care.
15. What occurs during implementation of a shared governance model? A) Lines of authority are altered B) Joint practice committees are formed C) Participatory management is initiated D) The roles of first-level managers are stabilized
Ans: B Feedback: In shared governance, the organization's governance is shared among board members, nurses, physicians, and management. Joint practice committees are developed to assume the power and accountability for decision making, and professional communication is egalitarian rather than hierarchical. Shared governance is not associated with the other options.
What characteristic is associated with organizational groups assigned to manage the change process? A) Both formulate and implement the change B) Have representation from all key stakeholders C) Are made up of quality circles D) Are teams of resistance breakers
Ans: B Feedback: In some large organizations today, multidisciplinary teams of individuals, representing all key stakeholders in the organization, are assigned the responsibility for managing the change process. In such organizations, this team manages the communication between the people leading the change effort and those who are expected to implement the new strategies.
6. Which behaviors would be associated with a group in the ìnormingî stage? A) Group members actively attempt to impress each other with their credentials B) Group members establish short- and long-term goals for the group to accomplish C) Group members achieve stated goals D) The group terminates and celebrates its accomplishments
Ans: B Feedback: In the norming stage, consensus evolves as group cohesion develops. This is the only option that describes a behavior associated with a group's norming stage.
20. What does indoctrination include for an employee? 1. Induction 2. Orientation 3. Socialization 4. Continuing education A) 1, 3, 4 B) 1, 2, 3 C) 1, 2, 4 D) 2, 3, 4
Ans: B Feedback: Indoctrination consists of induction, orientation, and socialization of employees.
What is the responsibility of a charge nurse who discovers that a medication error was made on the previous shift? A) Share that information with the charge nurse on the previous shift B) Document the incident as per hospital policy C) Write a memo to the nurse who made the error requesting incident report be written D) Write a note in the client's chart that an incident report will be completed
Ans: B Feedback: It is the responsibility as manager to immediately document the error according to hospital policy. Since policies concerning such situations vary, it is vital to know and follow established policies. It is not generally appropriate to make such a note on the client's chart.
20. What type of employment law focuses on the rights and duties of unions and employers in their relationship with each other? A) Labor standards B) Labor relations C) Equal employment D) Civil and criminal
Ans: B Feedback: Labor relation laws relate to the rights and duties of unions and employers in their relationship with each other. None of the other options focus on that aspect.
Which statement regarding the characteristics of a good leader is true? A) They are totally trustworthy B) They may have character flaws C) They are by nature good intentioned D) Charisma is their strongest attribute
Ans: B Feedback: Leaders may be deceitful and trustworthy, greedy and generous, and cowardly and brave. To assume that all good leaders are good people is foolhardy and makes us blind to the human condition. It is only when we recognize and manage our failings that leaders achieve greatness.
Which represents the management functions that are incorporated into the management process? A) Planning, directing, organizing, staffing, and evaluating B) Planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling C) Organizing, planning, staffing, directing, and evaluating D) Organizing, staffing, planning, implementing, and controlling
Ans: B Feedback: Management functions include planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling. These are incorporated into what is known as the management process.
18. Which organizational characteristic makes employees view a union as an appealing option? A) Organizational mission is too board to be achieved B) Organizational philosophy is insensitive to the worker C) Organizational philosophy is sensitive to management D) Organizational mission is insensitive to the population it serves
Ans: B Feedback: Management that is perceived to be deaf to the workers' needs provides a fertile ground for union organizers, because unions thrive in a climate that perceives the organizational philosophy to be insensitive to the worker. The other options are not believed to have the influence that insensitivity to employees has.
3. What is the most important consideration for the manager when identifying the appropriate person to whom to delegate a specific task? A) Whose turn it is to delegate a task B) The qualifications of the person regarding the task C) The fiscal cost of delegating the task D) Whether the person has experience with similar tasks
Ans: B Feedback: Managers should ask the individuals to whom they are delegating if they are capable of completing the delegated task.
How do administrative man managers make the majority of their decisions? A) After gathering all the facts B) In a manner good enough to solve the problem C) In a rational, logical manner D) After generating all the alternatives possible
Ans: B Feedback: Many managers make decisions that are just ìgood enoughî because of lack of time, energy, or creativity to generate a number of alternatives. This is also called ìsatisficing.î Most people make decisions too quickly and fail to systematically examine a problem or its alternatives for solution.
2. Max Weber, as part of the scientific management era, contributed immensely to the development of organizational theory. Which statement is NOT representative of his beliefs? A) Bureaucracy could provide a rational basis for administrative decisions B) Worker satisfaction was integral to productivity C) Organization charts could depict the hierarchy of authority D) Impersonality of interpersonal relationships should exist in organizations
Ans: B Feedback: Max Weber's theories did not address worker satisfaction. The other options do represent the Weber organizational theory.
Which term is used to identify a person's feelings of powerlessness to stop unethical behavior in another person or institution? A) Moral conflict B) Moral outrage C) Ethical relativism D) Ethical universalism
Ans: B Feedback: Moral outrage occurs when an individual witnesses the immoral act of another but feels powerless to stop it. Moral uncertainty or moral conflict occurs when an individual is unsure which moral principles or values apply and may even include uncertainty as to what the moral problem is. Ethical relativism suggests that individuals make decisions based only on what seems right or reasonable according to their value system or culture. Ethical universalism holds that ethical principles are universal and constant and that ethical decision making should not vary as a result of individual circumstances or cultural differences.
4. You overhear an experienced nurses say to a new nurse, Sorry you won't be able to join us for our weekly get-together at the local yogurt shop. I see you are going to be here charting for a while yet. What is this an example of? A) Behavior that supports positive sanctions B) An application of a sanction regarding group norms C) Constructive feedback about expected group norms D) Role modeling desired behavior
Ans: B Feedback: Negative sanctions provide cues that enable people to evaluate their performance and modify behavior when needed. In this case, the experienced nurse is letting the new nurse know that the group's weekly outing is important, and on that day the staff makes sure they finish their work on time. It may also suggest that detailed charting is not valued.
Which statement concerning the role of the powerful in organizational decision making is true? A) They exert little influence on decisions that are made B) They make decisions made that are in congruence with their own values C) They allow others to make the decisions however they wish D) They make all the important decisions with consideration to others
Ans: B Feedback: Not only does the preference of the powerful influence decisions of others in the organization, but the powerful are also able to inhibit the preferences of the less powerful. Powerful people in organizations are more likely to have decisions made that are congruent with their own preferences and values.
5. The hospital is facing low census and downsizing. However, the RNs have been assured that everyone on the unit will keep their jobs and downsizing will occur through normal attrition and voluntary absences without pay. Today, the evening charge nurse reported that last evening the staff was discussing various rumors about mass layoffs. What is the best approach to take? A) Tell an informal leader on the evening shift the truth and let the leader spread the news informally B) Hold a meeting for all staff members and tell them that the rumor is not true C) Ignore the rumor because it will soon pass D) Find out who started the rumor and correct the information
Ans: B Feedback: Nurse-leaders should intervene appropriately when communication problems (in this case, rumors) arise. The remaining options fail to fulfill that responsibility as effectively as the correct option does.
Which member of the health-care team is often placed in situations where they are expected to be agents for patients, physicians, and the organization simultaneously, all of which may have conflicting wants and goals? A) Physicians B) Nurses C) Nurse practitioners D) Social workers
Ans: B Feedback: Nurses are often placed in situations where they are expected to be agents for patients, physicians, and the organization simultaneously, all of which may have conflicting needs, wants, and goals. The nature of the patient contact of a nurse is more direct and involves more time than the other members of the health-care team.
Which behavior will best minimize a nurse's risk for a malpractice claim? A) Always carry a personal liability insurance policy B) Always function with the state's nursing practice act C) Ask for assistance when engaged in complicated procedures D) Devote time to establishing an effective nurseñpatient relationship
Ans: B Feedback: Nurses can reduce the risk of malpractice claims by practicing within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act. Nurses should purchase their own liability insurance and understand the limits of their policies. Although this will not prevent a malpractice suit, it should help to protect a nurse from financial ruin should there be a malpractice claim. While the other options present reasonable advice, they will not necessarily help in the avoidance of a malpractice claim.
Which statement best describes the impact that the concept of respondeat superior has on the issue of nursing liability? A) It allows for joint liability among physicians, nurses, and health-care organizations B) It supports the sharing of blame among all involved sources of health-care services C) It encourages legal intervention when health care is thought to be substandard D) It implies that the institution is responsible for the acts of its employees
Ans: B Feedback: Nurses must remember that the purpose of respondeat superior is not to shift the burden of blame from the employee to the organization but rather to share the blame, increasing the possibility of larger financial compensation to the injured party. While the other options may be true statements, the correct option describes the more nurse-related implication of the concept.
3. What is the relationship between the national and local economy and an organization's ability to maintain an adequate workforce? A) When the economy is on an upswing, many unemployed nurses return to work and recruitment becomes easier B) When a recession occurs it causes many part-time nurses to return to full-time employment and others to delay their retirement C) Although the economy tends to affect the size of the blue-collar workforce, professions such as nursing remain fairly stable regardless of economic changes D) When there is an economic downturn, many nurses reduce their work hours from full time to part time
Ans: B Feedback: Nursing shortages occur when the economy is on the upswing and decline when the economy recedes, because many unemployed nurses return to the workforce and part- time employees return to full-time employment. None of the other options identify that relationship.
3. What event tends to be the primary reason for an increase in the numbers of unions being formed? A) Salaries are not keeping pace with the economy B) Organizations are insensitive to the needs of the worker C) There is an economic downturn D) Jobs are scarce
Ans: B Feedback: One reason that unions are started is to protect workers' rights against management that is insensitive to their needs. While economic issues do play a role, the primary reason for increased union formation is a more general dissatisfaction among employees.
Which factor is the greatest contributor to the resistance encountered with organizational change? A) Poor organizational leadership B) Presence of employee mistrust C) Ineffective organizational management D) Insufficient staff involvement in the process
Ans: B Feedback: Perhaps the greatest factor contributing to the resistance encountered with change is a lack of trust between the employee and the manager or the employee and the organization. While the other options may increase resistance, employee distrust is the primary barrier to change.
Which statement regarding nursing policies and procedures is most important to their successful role in achieving goals? A) The policies and procedures are created by staff representatives B) All policies and practices are based on current evidence related to practice C) Policy or procedure adoption is dependent upon effective utilization of resources D) 100% of the staff adheres to established policies and procedures 100% of the time
Ans: B Feedback: Policies and procedures should be evidence based. While the other options are influential to success, they are the most important aspect of policies and procedures.
24. An organization is attempting to prevent unionization. Which intervention demonstrates the administration's lack of understanding regarding employee motivation and satisfaction? A) Establish a well-developed formal procedure for handling employee grievances B) Assure each employee they will receive a 3% raise in base pay C) Have an effective performance appraisal system in place D) Ensure that all managers are well trained and effective
Ans: B Feedback: Practices that have shown effective and that the organization may put in place to discourage union activity include all the options except the offer of a pay raise. If the organization waits until the union arrives, it will be too late to perform these functions.
15. How can a nursing professional demonstrate advanced achievement of competencies? A) Lateral transfer B) Professional specialty certification C) Transfer to a new department D) Professional registered nursing licensure
Ans: B Feedback: Professional specialty certification is one way that an employee can demonstrate advanced achievement of competencies. The transfer, when used appropriately, may be an effective way to provide career development but a lateral transfer does not demonstrate advancement. A transfer to a new department often requires the acquisition of new skills before advance can occur. A nursing license signifies entry-level skills.
19. What are the results of managed care backlash? 1. Delay of payment for services provided 2. Denial of requests for additional treatment 3. Increased premiums to consumers 4. Lower co-pays and deductibles A) 1, 2 B) 1, 3 C) 2, 4 D) 3, 4
Ans: B Feedback: Providers have grown increasingly frustrated with limited and delayed reimbursement for services provided as well as the need to justify need for services ordered. This phenomenon, referred to as managed care backlash, resulted in some managed care programs beginning to say ìyesî to more treatments although they have passed the cost along with customers in the form of higher premiums, co-pays, and deductibles.
1. What is the advantage of recruiting from outside the organization? A) Promotes long-term retention of employees B) Tends to increase the number of candidates C) Provides well-motivated candidates D) Attracts well-qualified candidates
Ans: B Feedback: Recruiting from outside the organization provides an opportunity to increase the pool of candidates for positions but is no guarantee that these candidates will be more qualified or motivated than those who come from within the organization.
23. Which action by the nursing manager will have the greatest impact on staff satisfaction regarding the filling of an assistant management position? A) Making the decision to fill the position with an internal recruitment search B) Assuring the staff that established recruitment polices will be followed consistently C) Publishing the promotion criteria where it can be viewed by all interested employees D) Encouraging staff that has the needed skills and knowledge to apply for the position
Ans: B Feedback: Regardless of what the organization decides, the policy should be consistently followed and communicated to all employees. While making the decision to hire internal has both advantages and drawbacks. Publishing the criteria is appropriate but does not have the impact that consistent policies have on the staff's satisfaction with the process. Encouraging qualified staff to apply may be ineffective if they feel pressured to accept the promotion.
24. Which statement demonstrates understanding of the concept of the knowledge of results? A) These are the goals for today's lecture. B) Today each of you demonstrated an understanding of patient focused care. C) As RNs on this unit, you will need to be proficient in assessing for depression. D) There will be a short quiz on today's material to assure you understand the material.
Ans: B Feedback: Research has demonstrated that people learn faster when they are informed of their progress. The knowledge of results must be automatic, immediate, and meaningful to the task at hand. People need to experience a feeling of progress, and they need to know how they are doing when measured against expected outcomes. The other options failed to demonstrate an understanding of that need.
10. Research supports that which factor may lead nurses to become disengaged in their careers? A) They do not feel that nursing is valued as a career B) Boredom increases with time on the same job C) Many nurses interrupt their careers for childrearing D) Nursing is low paying compared with other careers
Ans: B Feedback: Research has shown that boredom and job indifference leading to disengage ment increase with time on the same job. While the o the r options may be factors they are not research supported.
20. Which method best provides a structured orderly approach to communicating accurate, relevant information, in emergent patient situations as well as routine handoffs? A) GRRRR listening model B) SBAR tool C) Hospital information system D) Wireless, local area networking
Ans: B Feedback: SBAR provides a structured, orderly approach to provide accurate, relevant information, in emergent patient situations as well as routine handoffs. The other options are not as focused on providing information in all the described situations.
14. The nurse-manager is preparing for the unit ward clerk's annual evaluation and sends out a short questionnaire requesting feedback on the ward clerk's effectiveness in her job. The nurse-manager sent the request to one doctor who uses the unit frequently, to a staff nurse on each shift, to the housekeeping department head, and to the head of the volunteer program. In addition, the nurse-manager interviews three patients to determine how courteous the ward clerk is when answering call lights from the unit desk. What is this an example of? A) Peer review B) A 360-degree evaluation C) An overreaching performance review D) An anecdotal performance review
Ans: B Feedback: Seeking feedback from patients, staff, and other departments who interact with an employee to determine his or her effectiveness in his or her job is called a 360-degree evaluation. None of the other options are associated with the scenario described.
24. Which factor is primarily important when budgeting for a healthcare facility? A) Services provided B) Budget time frame C) Size of organization D) Acuity of patients being served
Ans: B Feedback: Selecting the optimal time frame for budgeting is important. Errors are more likely if the budget is projected too far in advance. The other options are considered but not of primary importance.
Which problem-solving learning strategy provides the learner with the most realistic, risk-free learning environment? A) Case studies B) Simulation C) Problem-based learning (PBL) D) Grand rounds
Ans: B Feedback: Simulation provides learners opportunities for problem solving that have little or no risk to patients or to organizational performance while providing models, either mechanical or live, to provide experiences for the learner. While the other options provide learning opportunities that include problem solving, simulation is the most realistic while also being low risk.
24. A nurse-manager is engaged in a negotiation with staff representatives when the discussion becomes controlled by a particularly aggressive member. Which action will the nurse-manager take to assure that the process is successful? A) Asks that the aggressive individual recognize the rights of all the other members B) States, I need to have time to think over all that we have discussed. C) Halts any discussion until new representatives can be appointed D) Shares with the members that aggressiveness negatively impacts the negotiations
Ans: B Feedback: Some people win in negotiation simply by rapidly and aggressively taking over and controlling the negotiation before other members realize what is happening. If managers believe that this may be happening, they should call a halt to the negotiations before decisions are made. Saying simply, I need to have time to think this over is a good method of stopping an aggressive takeover. The other options are much less effective and may even lead to increased aggressiveness among team members.
1. What should managers do to maintain adequate staff in their organization? A) Proactively plan to hire two RNs for each unit each year B) Use knowledge of turnover rates on their units for planning and hiring C) Look at staff-to-patient ratios at other health-care organizations in the area D) Hire consultants to study national turnover rates to determine recruitment needs
Ans: B Feedback: Staffing needs are unique to each institution and should be determined by looking at patient census, patient health-care needs, the type of patient care management used, and budget. None of the remaining options are accurate statements concerning adequate staffing.
What defines the legal boundaries of nursing at the state level? A) The state's Attorney General B) The Nurse Practice Act C) The ANA standards of practice D) The ANA Code for Nurses
Ans: B Feedback: The 51 Nurse Practice Acts representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia are examples of statutes. These Nurse Practice Acts define and limit the practice of nursing, stating what constitutes authorized practice as well as what exceeds the scope of authority. Although Nurse Practice Acts may vary among states, all must be consistent with provisions or statutes established at the federal level. The other options lack the comprehensiveness and focus of a state's Nurse Practice Act.
What is the role of the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics and Interpretive Statements? A) Outlines minimum levels of ethical behavior that nurses must maintain B) Functions as a guide to the highest standards of ethical practice for nurses C) Is a legally binding document that directs a nurse's ethical and moral behavior D) Mandates the ethical behavior prerequisite for maintaining a nursing licensure
Ans: B Feedback: The ANA Code of Ethics outlines the important general values, duties, and responsibilities that flow from the specific role of being a nurse in order to achieve and maintain the highest standards. The document is not legally binding nor is it a mandate of behavior.
23. Which nursing action demonstrates compliance with the American Nurses Association (ANA) principles for social networking by nurses? A) Strictly avoiding the use of social networking in a professional setting B) Participating in the development of institutional policies governing online conduct C) Ignoring any information that appears to have the potential to harm a patient's welfare D) Realizing that social networking is not related to a nurse's professional boundaries
Ans: B Feedback: The ANA has developed principles for social networking that include participation in policy development, nurse patient boundaries, separating personal and professional online information, and reporting to authorities when patient welfare has been potentially harmed.
8. What are the four equal pay tests associated with the Equal Pay Act of 1963? A) Equal danger on the job, equal intelligence for hire, equal responsibility, and identical working conditions B) Equal skill, equal effort, equal responsibility, and similar working conditions C) Equal job requirements, same working conditions, equal job duties, and equal responsibilities D) Equal effort, equal working conditions, identical job duties, and equal job requirements
Ans: B Feedback: The Equal Pay Act of 1963 states that employees with jobs that require equal skill, equal effort, equal responsibility, and similar working conditions must receive equal pay. The other options include tests that are not associated with this act.
12. What does the Joint Commission advocate about employee performance appraisals? A) They be conducted at least every 6 months B) They be based on employee job descriptions C) They be documented by anecdotal notes D) They be reflective of employees' personal goals
Ans: B Feedback: The Joint Commission advocates that employee performance appraisals be based on employee job descriptions. None of the other options are identified for this purpose.
12. What is the greatest limitation of the Health Plan Employer Data Information Set (HEDIS)? A) Findings are not released to the public B) Only about half of managed care organizations have chosen to participate C) Performance indicators are process focused rather than outcome focused D) There are only 15 performance measures
Ans: B Feedback: The NCQA, a private nonprofit organization that accredits managed care organizations, has developed HEDIS. One of the most significant weaknesses of NCQA accreditation is that such accreditation is voluntary and only about half of managed care organizations currently undergo such review. The remaining options do not relate to the HEDIS
10. The measurement of NCH/PPD will provide what information? A) The acuity level of the patients on a particular unit in a 24-hour time span B) The total number of hours worked by nursing personnel on a particular unit in a 24-hour time span divided by the patient census C) The specific amount of money spent on staffing during a 24-hour period D) The quality of nursing care that was provided on a particular unit in a 24-hour time span
Ans: B Feedback: The Personnel Budget NCH/PPD refers to number of nursing care hours worked in 24 hours divided by the patient census.
8. When is the competing approach to resolving conflict used? A) When fair play is important to all involved parties B) When one party wins at the expense of the others C) When managers need to control a volatile situation D) When an appropriate political strategy is necessary
Ans: B Feedback: The competing approach is used when one party pursues what it wants at the expense of the others. Because only one party typically wins, the competing party seeks to win regardless of the cost to others. Neither manager control nor political strategy is necessarily associated with the competing approach to resolving conflict.
Which ethical framework would most likely be used to arrive at the nurse's decision to work overtime in spite of previous social plans? A) Utilitarianism B) Duty based C) Rights based D) Intuitionism
Ans: B Feedback: The duty framework says that some things should be done just because there is a duty to do them or refrain from doing them. Utilitarianism states that the good of the many outweighs the wants or needs of the individual. The remaining options are not relevant to the situation.
19. The National Labors Relations Board (NLRB) requires that at least how many of employees sign an interest card before an election for unionization can be held? A) 25% B) 30% C) 60% D) 70%
Ans: B Feedback: The first step in establishing a union is demonstrating an adequate level of desire for unionization by the employees. The NLRB requires that at least 30% of employees sign an interest card before an election for unionization can be held. Most unions, however, will require between 60% and 70% of the employees to sign interest cards before spending the time and money involved in an organizing campaign.
20. What changed the structure of Medicare payments from a retrospectively adjusted cost reimbursement system to a prospective, risk-based one? A) Zero-based budgets B) Diagnostic-related groupings C) Prospective payment system D) Incremental budgets
Ans: B Feedback: The impetus of diagnosis-related groupings changed the structure of Medicare payments from a retrospectively adjusted cost reimbursement system to a prospective, risk-based one. None of the other options were involved in the change.
22. What is an institutional grapevine? A) Organizational gossip B) An informal channel of communications C) An institution's informal authority chain D) The connecting format used on an organizational chart
Ans: B Feedback: The informal structure also has its own communication channels, often referred to as the grapevine. None of the remaining options accurately describes an organizational grapevine.
4. What did the interactionist theorists of the 1970s believe about organizational conflict? A) It should be dealt with immediately B) It should be encouraged C) It was an indication of poor management D) It should be avoided
Ans: B Feedback: The interactionist movement encouraged organizations to promote conflict as a means of producing growth. The remaining options were not necessarily supported by the interactionist theorists.
16. The manager may be greatly or minimally involved with recruiting, interviewing, and selecting personnel. What factors are important to consider in this process? 1. Size of the institution 2. Existence of a separate personnel department 3. Presence of a nurse recruiter within the organization 4. Use of decentralized nursing management system only A) 1, 3, 4 B) 1, 2, 3 C) 1, 2, 4 D) 2, 3, 4
Ans: B Feedback: The manager may be greatly or minimally involved with recruiting, interviewing, and selecting personnel depending on (a) the size of the institution, (b) the existence of a separate personnel department, (c) the presence of a nurse recruiter within the organization, and (d) the use of centralized or decentralized nursing management.
3. Which activity is a responsibility of the unit manager regarding fiscal planning? A) To assume responsibility for achieving budgetary planning goals B) To monitor and evaluate all aspects of the unit's budget control C) To streamline the number of subordinates involved in the budgetary process D) To control unpredictable census variations that may undermine the personnel budget
Ans: B Feedback: The manager's responsibility is to monitor all aspects of the unit's budget. The other options fail to identify a manager's responsibility.
Which statement best describes mentorship? A) The intensity and duration of relationships are similar in mentorship and preceptorship B) Staff cannot be assigned to become mentors. It is a role voluntarily chosen by the mentor C) Mentees must be willing to put aside their personal goals and beliefs in an effort to identify more closely with their mentor D) Most nurses will have the opportunity for many mentor relationships during their careers
Ans: B Feedback: The mentor makes a conscious decision to assist the protegee in career development, with the relationship usually lasting several years. The remaining statements are not accurate regarding mentorships.
11. What does the term optimum span of control mean? A) It defines the manager's decision-making authority B) It identifies the manager's abilities and responsibilities C) It refers to a line-and-staff organizational structure model D) It is the number of subordinates and manager is responsible for
Ans: B Feedback: The number of people directly reporting to any one manager represents that manager's span of control and determines the number of interactions expected of him or her. None of the remaining options correctly describes this term.
2. Anew graduate who began their nursing career 6 months ago and who completed orientation 3 months ago is in what stage of professional development? A) Experimentation B) Entry C) Mastery D) Disengagement
Ans: B Feedback: The nurse is still in the entry stage and will be until necessary skills are learned. It generally takes an extended period of time to obtain the skills necessary for mastery. The remaining options are not relevant to this questions.
22. Which behavior by a team member is demonstrated through cynicism and a nonchalance attitude about the group's work? A) Blocker B) Playboy C) Dominator D) Recognition seeker
Ans: B Feedback: The playboy remains uninvolved and demonstrates cynicism, nonchalance, or horseplay. The blocker persists in expressing negative points of view and resurrecting dead issues. The dominator attempts to control and manipulate the group while the recognition seeker works to focus positive attention on himself.
What assumption about workers does Theory X hold? A) Workers will naturally put forth effort B) Workers need threats to be motivated C) Workers are diligent and responsible D) Workers are in tune with organizational needs
Ans: B Feedback: Theory X managers believe that their employees are basically lazy, need constant supervision and direction, and are indifferent to organizational needs.
14. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of scheduling. What is true about extending the workday with 10- or 12-hour shifts? 1. Requires overtime pay 2. Increases nurse satisfaction 3. Decreases cost 4. Increases judgment errors A) 1, 2, 3 B) 1, 2, 4 C) 1, 3, 4 D) 2, 3, 4
Ans: B Feedback: There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of scheduling. Twelve-hour shifts have become commonplace in acute care hospitals even though there continues to be debate about whether extending the length of shifts results in increased judgment errors related to fatigue. Because extending the workday with 10- or 12-hour shifts may require overtime pay, the resultant nurse satisfaction must be weighed against the increased costs.
7. Which intervention by the unit supervisor best assist the RN who has just been promoted to charge nurse to adjust to the new role? A) Take the RN out to lunch to congratulate the nurse on the promotion B) Encourage the RN to meet with staff peers in the organization C) Explain to the RN on the need for underling respect D) Inform the RN of the past performance of new employees
Ans: B Feedback: There should be a management group in the organization with which the new manager can consult. The new manager should be encouraged to use the group as a resource. The remaining options are limited in their importance in successfully adjusting to a management role.
12. What nursing model provides the foundation for matching patient needs with nursing competencies? A) Primary nursing practice B) Differentiated nursing practice C) Modular nursing D) Case management
Ans: B Feedback: To facilitate the effective use of nursing resources, patient needs and nursing competencies should be matched. None of the other options identify that connection.
18. Which statement concerning women's views of power is true? A) Women view power as a male right B) Women view power differently than men do C) Gender views regarding power differ only slightly D) Gender views regarding power are rapidly changing
Ans: B Feedback: Traditionally, women have been socialized to view power differently than men do. However, recent studies show that gender differences regarding power are slowly changing.
What type of leader is the person who is committed, has a vision, and is able to empower others with this vision? A) Transactional B) Transformational C) Interactional D) Bureaucratic
Ans: B Feedback: Transformational leadership positively impacts the leader and the follower, who have a collective purpose. The traditional manager, concerned with the day-to-day operations, was termed a transactional leader. The remaining options are not associated with these characteristics.
Which of the following statements is true regarding decision making? A) Scientific methods provide identical decisions by different individuals for the same problems B) Decisions are greatly influenced by each person's value system C) Personal beliefs can be adjusted for when the scientific approach to problem solving is used D) Past experience has little to do with the quality of the decision
Ans: B Feedback: Values, life experience, individual preference, and individual ways of thinking will influence a person's decision making. No matter how objective the criteria will be, value judgments will always play a part in a person's decision making, either consciously or subconsciously.
Shirey suggests there are five distinguishing characteristics of authentic leaders. Which characteristic is occurring when authentic leaders link between purpose and passion by having congruence in beliefs and actions? A) Purpose B) Values C) Heart D) Relationships
Ans: B Feedback: Values: Authentic leaders link between purpose and passion by having congruence in beliefs and actions. Purpose: Authentic leaders understand their own purposes and passions as a result of ongoing self-reflection and self-awareness. Heart: Authentic leaders care for themselves and the people they lead, and their compassion is genuine. Relationships: Authentic leaders value building relationships and establishing connections with others, not to receive rewards but rather to strengthen the human connection.
Max Weber, a well-known German sociologist, began to study large-scale organizations to determine what made some more efficient than others. What was his conclusion? A) Workers had to have a say in management to work most effectively B) Consistent rules and regulations for workers increased efficiency C) Employees should feel appreciated and valued D) Workers need frequent rest periods to increase overall production
Ans: B Feedback: Weber saw the need for legalized, formal authority and consistent rules and regulations for personnel in different positions. He thus proposed bureaucracy as an organizational design. None of the other options reflect his conclusions.
11. What term identifies a system that allows employees to select among variations in work start-time schedules to meet their personal needs? A) Self-scheduling B) Flextime C) Decentralized staffing D) Cyclical staffing
Ans: B Feedback: When a hospital uses flextime, employees arrive at the unit and leave at many different times. The other options are not associated with the system described.
What is the best reason that nurse-managers have an ongoing responsibility to be aware of legislation affecting nursing practice? A) This will prevent them from getting sued B) Laws are fluid and subject to change C) It will protect the agency from a lawsuit D) It will ensure that correct procedure is carried out
Ans: B Feedback: When using doctrines as a guide for nursing practice, the nurse must remember that all laws are fluid and subject to change. Laws are not static. It is the responsibility of each manager to keep abreast of legislation and laws affecting both nursing practice and management practice. While the other options are correct, they do not describe the most encompassing reason that nurse-managers need to keep aware of current legislature affecting nursing practice.
8. A nurse has been transferred to another unit in the hospital to perform the same type of duties. What type of transfer is this called? A) Accommodating B) Lateral D) Diagonal D) Downward
Ans: B Doing the same type of duties in another location is called a lateral transfer
6. Nursing students who scored in the top 5% on the examination studied in small groups, attended class 100% of the time, took frequent rest breaks during study sessions, and ate a balanced diet for 1 week before the examination. What type of audit provided this type of data? A) Structure B) Process C) Outcome D) Concurrent
Ans: B Feedback: A process audit assumes that a relationship exists between the process used and the quality of the result. This is the only option that fulfills that function.
13. Which level of manager has the greatest influence on preventing unionization in a nonunion organization? A) First B) Middle C) Top D) CEO
Ans: B Feedback: Although all managers play an important role in establishing and maintaining effective management labor relationships, the middle-level manager has the greatest influence on preventing unionization in a nonunion organization.
10. Which term is used to identify having official power to act? A) Responsibility B) Authority C) Accountability D) Leadership
Ans: B Feedback: Authority means having the official power to act. None of the other terms is used to identify having official power to act.
16. What is the traditional form of communication in organizations that helps to coordinate activities in various levels of the hierarchy? A) Upward B) Downward C) Horizontal D) Diagonal
Ans: B Feedback: In downward communication, the manager relays information to subordinates. This is a traditional form of communication in organizations and helps to coordinate activities in various levels of the hierarchy. The other forms are not as effective as the various levels of an organization's hierarchy.
20. What is the name of the stage of a career where nurses are experienced clinicians with expert knowledge, skills, abilities, credentials, and education base? A) Promise B) Momentum C) Harvest D) Legacy
Ans: B Feedback: Momentum is the middle career phase and typically reflects the nurse with 11 to 29 years of experience. Nurses in this phase are experienced clinicians with expert knowledge, skills, abilities , credentials, and education base.
Which characteristics are associated with change by drift changes? Select all that apply. A) They are planned B) They are accidental C) They are unplanned D) They are a result of a threat
Ans: B, C Feedback: Change by drift is unplanned or accidental. The other options are not characteristics of changes that are a result of change by drift.
What is a distinguishing trait of integrated leader-managers? Select all that apply. A) Inward thinkers B) Long-term thinkers C) Concerned with employee motivation D) Possess influence beyond their own group
Ans: B, C, D Feedback: Gardner asserted that integrated leader-managers possess six distinguishing traits: They influence others beyond their own group; they emphasize vision, values, and motivation; they think longer term; they look outward, toward the larger organization they are politically astute; they think in terms of change and renewal.
5. Which statement best describes a closed shop? A) A closed shop results in a lockout that prevents employees from working until the union contract is signed B) A closed shop results when the employees refuse to work because of unsettled grievances C) A closed shop requires that all employees join the union D) A closed shop allows employees to decide whether or not to join a union
Ans: C Feedback: A closed shop, also called a union shop, is characterized by a requirement that all employees join the union. Lockouts can occur whether or not a closed shop exists.
22. What is the function of an ombudsperson? A) Providing expert testimony in conflict cases B) Mediating disputes between an organization and its employees C) Educating individuals involved in a grievance situation of their rights D) Monitoring the implementation of the terms of a conflict's compromise
Ans: C Feedback: A function of an ombudsperson is to assure that those involved in a conflict understand their rights as well as the process that should be used to report and resolve the conflict. This role is not appropriately described by any of the other options.
Which statement depicts leadership? A) A leadership position is assigned B) A leadership position carries a legitimate source of power C) Members of a group will follow a person in a leadership position only by choice D) Leadership requires meeting organizational goals
Ans: C Feedback: A leader is the person who guides direction, opinion, and course of action without having an assigned position within the formal organization and so people choose to follow them. The other options are not accurate descriptions of leadership.
11. What is the purpose for a manager to engage in networkingî? A) To bolster self-esteem B) To unwind from work C) To further professional goals D) To meet altruistic needs
Ans: C Feedback: A manager networks by joining a professional group to which one can contribute and that serves to further professional goals. The goal of networking is not stated by any of the other options.
2. What is a common cause of a manager to underdelegation? A) A high degree of trust in subordinates B) A democratic leadership style C) A need for perfectionism D) Sufficient time to accomplish unit goals alone
Ans: C Feedback: A manager with a need for perfectionism and control may believe that another person will not complete a task. Trust in subordinates and a democratic leadership style would support effective delegation. Delegating should not be based on the issue of time exclusively.
1. What is the most fiscally responsible method for determining staffing needs for a hospital unit? A) Maximum patient load capacity of the unit B) Numbers of patients present for an upcoming shift C) An agreed-upon staffing formula currently in use D) Total beds on the unit
Ans: C Feedback: A staffing formula is the best way to determine staffing needs, provided it is based on an accurate patient classification system (PCS). The remaining options are not as fiscally responsible since they involve uncontrollable factors.
A verdict of suspension or loss of licensure represents what type of law? A) Criminal B) Civil C) Administrative D) Judicial
Ans: C Feedback: A verdict of suspension or loss of licensure represents administrative law. This type of law is not based on any of the other options.
Which statement regarding the responsibility of a manager in advocacy is accurate? A) Advocacy is a management function and not a leadership role B) Managers advocate only as needed to meet organizational goals C) Managers should advocate for patients as well as subordinates D) Professional advocacy is not a primary concern for most managers
Ans: C Feedback: Advocacy is helping others to grow and self-actualize. The manager must be an advocate for patients, subordinates, and the nursing profession. The remaining statements are not accurate descriptions of the manager's role as advocate.
7. Which statement regarding Affirmative Action legislation is true? A) It requires a quota system B) It aims to prevent workplace discrimination C) It actively seeks underemployed groups to fill job vacancies D) It encourages reverse discrimination
Ans: C Feedback: Affirmative Action is legislation that actively seeks underemployed groups to fill job vacancies. The other options are related to practices after employment occurs.
22. Which statement accurately describes the initial deterrent against breaking a rule according to McGregor's Hot Stove Rules? A) All discipline should be administered immediately after rules are broken B) Each time the rule is broken; there are immediate and consistent consequences C) All employees must know the rule beforehand and be aware of the punishment D) Everyone must be treated in the same manner when the rule is broken
Ans: C Feedback: All employees must be forewarned that if they break a rule, they will be punished or disciplined. They must know the rule beforehand and be aware of the punishment.
A doctor orders a medical procedure that the staff nurse has reason to believe will harm the patient. Which statement accurately states the legal consequences of carrying out, or refusing to carry out, the procedure? A) The staff nurse cannot be held legally liable for any harm to the patient if the procedure is carried out with due care B) The nurse may lose his or her license by refusing to carry out the procedure C) The nurse can be held legally liable for any harm if the procedure is carried out without question D) The nurse can be held accountable for practicing medicine without a license
Ans: C Feedback: All nurses have personal liability, which means that every person is liable for his or her own conduct. None of the remaining options describes that liability or its outcomes accurately.
21. What is the focus of a nursing portfolio? A) Career goals B) Salary expectations C) Professional growth D) Educational background
Ans: C Feedback: All nurses should maintain a professional portfolio (a collection of materials that document a nurse's competencies and illustrate the expertise of the nurse) to reflect their professional growth over their career. The other options are not the focus of a professional portfolio.
2. Which statement about the role of unit managers in recruitment and selection is accurate? A) The more centralized nursing management is and the more complex the personnel department, the greater the involvement of the unit manager B) Unit managers should always leave such decisions to a centralized personnel department so consistency can be maintained C) Regardless of the extent of their involvement, all managers must be aware of recruitment and selection constraints within their organization D) Unit managers should assume total responsibility for recruitment and selection of personnel on their units
Ans: C Feedback: Although some institutions have personnel departments and nurse recruiters to carry out most of the hiring responsibilities, the nurse-manager must understand how recruitment and selection are accomplished within the organization. None of the remaining options are accurate statements concerning recruiting.
13. What is one of the most important differences between case management and disease management? A) Disease management referrals begin in the hospital inpatient setting B) Disease management is a collaborative process to meet patient needs C) High-cost population groups are targeted in disease management D) Disease management treatment is episodic
Ans: C Feedback: Although there are many similarities between disease management and case management, the primary goal of disease management is to target high-cost disease populations.
4. Which statement accurately reflects self-appraisals? A) Self-appraisals are more objective than the other types of appraisals B) Self-appraisals provide an opportunity to give positive feedback to employees C) Self-appraisals usually require some introspection on the part of the employee D) Self-appraisals should be read before the supervisor does an appraisal
Ans: C Feedback: Although they require some work on the employees' part, self-appraisals can provide introspection and personal growth. The remaining options are not accurate statements.
9. Which statement about education is the accurate? A) Education generally has an immediate use B) Managers have a responsibility to see that their staff is well educated C) Recognizing and encouraging educational pursuits are a leadership role D) Education always results in increased productivity
Ans: C Feedback: Although training has an immediate use, education is designed to develop the person in a broader sense. A leader will encourage continuous learning from all employees. Education is not a guarantee of productivity.
21. What is the manager's initial progressive initial response when a staff member is caught stealing $3.00 from a patient's bedside stand? A) Dismissal B) Suspension C) Written notice D) Verbal notice
Ans: C Feedback: An employee caught stealing is initially presented with a written warning.
13. A nurse-manager is planning a performance appraisal of an employee who has a number of performance deficiencies. What is the best approach to the performance appraisal of this employee? A) Tell the employee that he or she is not performing well and ask the employee where improvement is needed B) Prepare a list of the employee's deficiencies and give him or her time to look it over before asking for a response C) Recognize the employee's strengths, focus on one or two key deficiencies, and create a long-term coaching plan D) Tell the employee that he or she is liked as a person but is not meeting the requirements for the job and will need to brush up on skills during the next year
Ans: C Feedback: An employee who is overwhelmed with negative feedback during the performance appraisal cannot grow as a result of the appraisal. The manager should recognize the employee's strengths, focus on one or two key deficiencies, and create a long-term coaching plan.
What is a characteristic of a left-brain thinker? A) Creative B) Intuitive C) Analytical D) Holistic
Ans: C Feedback: Analytical, linear, left-brain thinkers process information differently from creative, intuitive, right-brain thinkers. Left-brain thinkers are typically better at processing language, logic, numbers, and sequential ordering, whereas right-brain thinkers excel at nonverbal ideation and holistic synthesizing.
10. Which statement best describes andragogy? A) Andragogy techniques are usually ineffective for mature learners B) Andragogy relies on structure and direction C) Andragogy works well with people who have had life experiences D) Andragogy works best with teacher-led activities
Ans: C Feedback: Andragogy works well with those who have had life experiences, because they are mature and can take part in their own learning experiences. In this type of learning the learner is self-directed rather than dependent. None of the remaining options accurately describes andragogy.
7. Which statement describes assertive communication? A) It makes you respect yourself and allows you to get what you want B) Although it is unfeminine, it is a necessary communication skill for female managers C) It involves rights and responsibilities for all parties in the communication D) Assertive communication will never offend anyone
Ans: C Feedback: Assertive communication allows people to express themselves in direct, honest, and appropriate ways that do not infringe on another's rights. The remaining statements do not correctly describe assertive communication.
9. The RN overhears the nurses' aide speaking in a harsh tone to Mrs. Smith, who has some early Alzheimer's memory loss. Which statement will the RN make to begin addressing this issue? A) You must remember to watch your tone of voice with patients. Someone might overhear. B) Do you think it would be a good idea to have an in-service on dealing with Alzheimer's patients? C) I am concerned about your conversation with Mrs. Smith. It seemed short and impatient. D) I have decided to reassign Mrs. Smith to another aide.
Ans: C Feedback: Assertive communication effectively identifies and addresses an issue without being rude, insensitive, or passive aggressive. None of the remaining options actually identifies the communication problem.
15. What location of the SBAR charting tool states the patient's problem? A) Situation B) Background C) Assessment D) Recommendation
Ans: C Feedback: Assessment is where the nurse states the patient's problem. The problem is not documented in any of the other SBAR locations.
6. Which statement correctly describes using self-appraisal as a performance appraisal tool? A) It should always be totally unstructured so employees can write about whatever they want to B) It is effective because most employees are self-aware and rate themselves accurately and appropriately C) It works best when used in conjunction with other appraisal tools D) It relieves the manager of the responsibility for preparing the performance appraisal
Ans: C Feedback: Because employees cannot be objective concerning their own performance, a self- appraisal is most effective when used in conjunction with other appraisal tools. The remaining options are incorrect statements regarding self-appraisal tools.
A manager has proposed to the hospital board that it hires someone to teach management and leadership classes and that head nurses are paid to attend the classes. What is this an example of? A) Using emotional intelligence B) Transformational leadership C) Building human capital D) Using quantum leadership
Ans: C Feedback: By providing classes in leadership, the manager is investing in the potential of the head nurse staff to become better leaders and managers. Human capital refers to the attributes of a person that are productive in some economic context, although it is normally measured and conceived of as a private return to the individual as well as a social return. None of the remaining options relate to the example provided.
8. Which statement about organizational centrality is true? A) It refers to the decision-making structure in an organization B) It occurs when there is consonance of subunit cultures in the organization C) It is a position on the organizational chart where types of communication occur D) It occurs primarily in line relationships
Ans: C Feedback: Centrality is a position on an organizational chart where it is possible to have many different types of communication (upward, downward, lateral, and diagonal). The other statements do not describe organizational centrality accurately.
19. During a strategic planning committee meeting to develop futuristic technology goals, several unit managers spend a considerable amount of time discussing current staffing problems. What is the primary action of the chairperson of this committee? A) Take the remainder of the meeting time to discuss staffing with all members B) Adjourn the meeting and reschedule at a time when there are no staffing problems C) Request that committee members return to discussing items on the agenda D) Excuse those discussing staffing from the remainder of the meeting
Ans: C Feedback: Committee time is wasted when agendas are not adhered to. The remaining options do not address the issue of wasted time effectively.
Protecting patient confidentiality respects the client's right to A) self-esteem B) self-defense C) self-determination D) self-incrimination
Ans: C Feedback: Confidentiality is a foundation of both medical and nursing ethics, and it respects the client's right to self-determination. While the other options are worthy of respect, they are not associated with confidentiality.
11. Which statement best defines conflict? A) It involves an internal struggle resulting from value-related discord B) Its basis is the violation of personal rights or values C) It centers on either internal or external discord between individuals D) It is the outcome of a visible struggle between individuals
Ans: C Feedback: Conflict is generally defined as the internal or external discord that results from differences in ideas, values, or feelings between two or more people. The remaining options describe only limited aspects of conflict.
14. What is the purpose of a cover letter? 1. introduce the applicant 2. . Briefly highlight key points of career 3. Make a positive first impression 4. Always used when submitting a resume A) I, 2, 3 B) I, 2, 4 C) 1, 3, 4 D) 2, 3, 4
Ans: C Feedback: Cover letters (whether by mail or e- mail) should always be used when submitting a resume. Their purpose is to introduce the applicant, briefly highlight key points of the resume, and make a positive first impression.
Which statement is true concerning critical thinking? A) It is a simple approach to decision making B) It is narrower in scope than decision making C) It requires reasoning and creative analysis D) It is a synonym for the problem-solving process
Ans: C Feedback: Critical thinking has a broader scope than decision making and problem solving. It is sometimes referred to as reflective thinking. Critical thinking also involves reflecting upon the meaning of statements, examining the offered evidence and reasoning, and forming judgments about facts.
23. Research supports that organizational restructure affects nursing in what manner? A) It decreases nursing autonomy B) It decreases nursing's formal authority C) It increases the effectiveness of patient care D) It increases patient autonomy
Ans: C Feedback: Current research suggests that changing an organization's structure in a manner that increases autonomy and work empowerment for nurses will lead to effective patient care. The remaining options failed to describe the research supported effect of organizational restructure on nursing.
What statement is true regarding decision making? A) It is an analysis of a situation B) It is closely related to evaluation C) It involves choosing between courses of action D) It is dependent upon finding the cause of a problem
Ans: C Feedback: Decision making is a complex cognitive process often defined as choosing a particular course of action. Problem solving is part of decision making and is a systematic process that focuses on analyzing a difficult situation. Critical thinking, sometimes referred to as reflective thinking, is related to evaluation and has a broader scope than decision making and problem solving.
What is the best definition of decision making? A) The planning process of management B) The evaluation phase of the executive role C) One step in the problem-solving process D) Required to justify the need for scarce items
Ans: C Feedback: Decision making is a complex, cognitive process often defined as choosing a particular course of action. Decision making, one step in the problem-solving process, is an important task that relies heavily on critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills.
3. Which is a true statement about negotiation tactics? A) Ridicule often takes the form of ambiguous or inappropriate questioning and is a diversionary tactic B) Most managers successfully resist the illness/wellness tactic because of their nursing preparation. C) Negotiation tactics can be manipulative; thus, managers should know how to identify and counter destructive tactics D) The tactic of paternalism allows both parties in the negotiation to reach a consensus of opinion
Ans: C Feedback: Destructive negotiation tactics are never a part of a successful collaborative conflict resolution. A good manager will be alert for such tactics. None of the other options are true statements regarding negotiation tactics.
Managing conflict among staff members would occur in which part of the management process? A) Planning B) Organizing C) Directing D) Evaluating
Ans: C Feedback: Directing sometimes includes several staffing functions. However, this phase's functions usually entail human resource management responsibilities, such as motivating, managing conflict, delegating, communicating, and facilitating collaboration. Planning encompasses determining philosophy, goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and rules; carrying out long- and short-range projections; determining a fiscal course of action; and managing planned change. Organizing includes establishing the structure to carry out plans, determining the most appropriate type of patient care delivery, and grouping activities to meet unit goals.
1. What is employee behavior best reinforced by? A) Praise from a supervisor B) An increase in their pay C) A personally valued reward D) Threat of punishment
Ans: C Feedback: Each person is a unique individual who is motivated by different things. The other options lack that element of personal value.
What concept does early leadership-theory development suggest? A) Leadership is a process of influencing others within an organizational culture B) The interactive relationship between the leader and the follower is significant C) Some are born to lead, whereas others are born to be led D) Vision and empowerment are two of the most critical leadership skills
Ans: C Feedback: Early leadership theorists focused on broad conceptualizations of leadership that assumed that people have certain characteristics or personality traits that make them better leaders than others. The remaining options do not describe a concept suggested by early leadership-theory development.
4. Which statement is true regarding career planning? A) It is the employer's responsibility B) It results in the spontaneous assessment of goals C) It requires the development of a long -term plan D) Functions best when the planning is episodic in nature
Ans: C Feedback: Effective career planning requires long-term planning; it is the responsibility of the individual and requires constant attention to function properly.
7. Which action is considered a leadership role associated with delegation? A) Creating job descriptions for all personnel B) Providing formal recognition or reward for completion of delegated tasks C) Demonstrating sensitivity to how cultural phenomena affect transcultural delegation D) Reprimanding employees who demonstrate overt resistance to the tasks they are delegated
Ans: C Feedback: Factors such as communication, space, social organization, timing, environmental control, and biologic variations affect delegation to a culturally diverse staff and should be modeled as a leadership role. The other choices are all management functions.
Malpractice or professional negligence is the failure of a person with professional training to act in a reasonable and prudent manner. How many components must be present for an individual to be found guilty of malpractice? A) Three B) Four C) Five D) Six
Ans: C Feedback: Five components must be present for a professional to be held liable for malpractice: duty to use care, failure to meet standard of care, foreseeability of harm, direct relationship between failure to meet the standard of care and injury can be proved, and injury.
5. What would be the most appropriate level of employee discipline for a first infraction of gross mistreatment of a patient? A) Suspension with pay B) Suspension without pay C) Termination D) Written admonishment
Ans: C Feedback: For a first infraction of gross mistreatment of a patient, the most appropriate level of employee discipline would probably be termination. The organization's first responsibility is in the protection of patients.
11. Which statement is true regarding criteria for assuring that a quality control program will be effective? A) The primary purpose of the program is to satisfy various federal and state standards B) Developed standards should reflect minimally acceptable levels so the organization will score well on self-assessment audits C) A belief in the importance of quality control must be integrated through all levels of the organizational hierarchy D) The process should be reactive; in other words, quality improvement efforts should be initiated after problems are identified
Ans: C Feedback: For any quality control program to be effective, a belief in the importance of quality control must be integrated through all levels of the organizational hierarchy. The remaining statements are false.
11. Which is the best example of coaching used to encourage and improve daily work performance? A) Let's discuss how to improve your charting notes. B) Did you enjoy working as team leader this weekend? C) Would you consider taking on the role of preceptor? D) Your interpersonal skills have shown great improvement.
Ans: C Feedback: For coaching to be effective, it must be specific, not self-serving, directed toward behavior that can be changed, well timed, and understood by the employee. This is the only option that fulfills those criteria.
16. Which statement concerning the recognition of chemical impairment in an employee is correct? A) It is relatively easy to identify employees who are chemically impaired B) It is easier to recognize if the employee is impaired by alcohol than by drugs C) Impairment should result in an immediate intervention by the manager D) Impairment must be supported by data gathering before intervention occurs
Ans: C Feedback: For safety reasons and to protect clients, employees should be confronted as soon as possible after chemical impairment is recognized. None of the remaining options are true statements regarding the recognition of a chemically impaired employee.
1. Which statement best describes functional nursing care delivery? A) Nursing care is holistic and patient centered B) The nurse must be a licensed person C) Emphasis is on getting work done through tasks D) It is also known as total patient care
Ans: C Feedback: Functional nursing is task focused. None of the other options identify that connection.
17. What generational work group values the more flexible part-time and 12-hour shift options? A) Veteran generation B) Baby boomer C) Generation X D) Generation Y
Ans: C Feedback: Generation Xers (born between 1961 and 1981), a much smaller cohort than the baby boomers who preceded them, or the Generation Yers who follow them, may lack the interest in lifetime employment at one place that prior generations have valued, instead valuing greater work hour flexibility and opportunities for time off.
11. What is the name for a provision of health care in an organized system to subscribing members in a geographical area with an agreed-on set of basic and preventive supplemental health maintenance and treatment services for a fixed, prepaid charge? A) Preferred provider organizations (PPOs) B) A traditional third-party payer indemnity plan C) A health maintenance organization (HMO) D) Diagnostic-related groupings (DRGs)
Ans: C Feedback: HMOs provide health care in an organized system to subscribing members in a geographical area with an agreed-on set of basic and preventive supplemental health maintenance and treatment services for a fixed, prepaid charge. That definition does not apply to the other options.
23. What factor contributed significantly to the beginning of the acute RN shortage that originated in the late 1990s? A) Closing of nursing programs B) Lack of interest in nursing C) Hospital downsizing D) Poor nursing salaries
Ans: C Feedback: Hospital downsizing and shortsightedness regarding recruitment and retention contributed to the beginning of an acute shortage of RNs in many health-care settings by the late 1990s. None of the other options were significant contributors to the nursing shortage that began in the late 1990s.
4. Which situation presents an example of inappropriate delegation? A) Temporary authority is given to support completion of a delegated task B) The person to whom a task is delegated considers it a challenge C) The employee is given exact instructions on completing the task D) Regular updates on the task are exchanged with the manager and the employee
Ans: C Feedback: If an employee has the skills necessary to complete a task, that employee should be able to carry out the task with autonomy and be provided with the authority and resources necessary. Depending on the complexity of the project, the manager should meet with the employee for updates. One of the goals of delegation is to challenge employees into learning new skills.
25. The nurse-manager stresses the importance of learning a new skill to achieving the unit's goal of patient satisfaction. This demonstrates understanding of which concept of learning? A) Readiness B) Motivation C) Task learning D) Transfer of learning
Ans: C Feedback: If learners are informed in advance about the benefits of learning specific content and adopting new behaviors, they are more likely to be motivated to attend the training sessions and learn. Telling employees why and how specific educational or training programs will benefit them personally is a vital management function in staff development. None of the other options demonstrates association with this concept of learning.
2. What increases the likelihood that the performance appraisal will have a positive outcome? A) The manager refrains from making any comments about the worker's performance B) The employee is encouraged to identify three areas of satisfactory performance C) The employee provides input into developing the performance standards D) The manager identifies not more than three areas of deficient performance
Ans: C Feedback: If the employee has some input into developing the standards or goals on which his or her performance is judged, there is more of a chance that the appraisal will have a positive outcome. The remaining options fail to contribute to an effective performance appraisal.
24. Which statement by the nurse-manager demonstrates an understanding of the need to provide effective guidance to those a project has been delegated? A) Don't be afraid to let me know if you feel the project is overwhelming you. B) What do you suggest we do to address the problems that exist with the project? C) I can give you a few solutions for the issues you have been having with the project. D) Do you want more time to complete the project?
Ans: C Feedback: If the worker is having difficulty carrying out the delegated task, the leader-manager should be available as a role model and resource in identifying alternative solutions. Leaders should encourage employees, however, to attempt to solve problems themselves first, although they should always be willing to answer questions about the task or to clarify desired outcomes as necessary. Suggesting solutions or removing the person from the task prematurely does not demonstrate an understanding of effective guidance.
21. What is the nurse-manager's initial action when it becomes obvious that the unit will not meet staffing levels? A) Ask for volunteers to work overtime B) Close the unit to additional admissions C) Notify upper-level management of the situation D) Begin transferring patient to units with lower censuses
Ans: C Feedback: If, during times of short staffing, supervisors are unable to meet this level of staffing, they must communicate this to the upper-level management so that there can be a joint resolution. The other options fail to appropriately address the issue safely.
4. Which is an outcome of decentralized staffing? A) Increased fairness to employees through consistent, objective, and impartial application B) Cost-effectiveness through better use of resources C) Greater manager autonomy to control the staffing on the units, resulting in an increase in self-esteem and teamwork D) Increased availability of data for monitoring the effect of staffing size and composition, quality of care, and costs
Ans: C Feedback: In an institution that has no human resources department and no nurse recruiters, the unit manager does the hiring and has greater autonomy in personnel matters. The other options are not associated with decentralized staffing.
4. What results from effective benchmarking? A) Two organizations become financially integrated under a capitated model B) Organizations compete for a best practices label from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) C) An organization compares its performance with that of best-performing institutions D) Minimum practice guidelines are established for each health-care organization
Ans: C Feedback: In benchmarking, an organization compares its performance with that of best- performing institutions. Benchmarking is not associated with the other options.
14. What is the emphasis for the manager in the coaching role? A) Solving problems for the employee B) Showing employees how to work within the system C) Helping employees reach an optimum level of performance D) Redirecting employees to meet organizational goals
Ans: C Feedback: In coaching, the emphasis is on assisting the employee to recognize greater options, to clarify statements, and to grow. The other options are focused on doing for the learner rather than encouraging the learner to do for themselves.
Which statement is correct regarding the distinction between legal and ethical obligations in decision making? A) Ethical controls are clearer and philosophically impartial B) Ethical controls are much clearer and individualized C) Legal controls are clearer and philosophically impartial D) Legal controls are much less clear and individualized
Ans: C Feedback: In general, legal controls are clearer and philosophically impartial; ethical controls are much less clear and individualized.
16. In performance management, appraisals are eliminated. What does the manager do in place of the appraisal? 1. Periodical coaching 2. Mutual goal setting 3. Leadership training of subordinates 4. Employee accountability for own actions A) 1, 2 B) 1, 4 C) 2, 3 D) 3, 4
Ans: C Feedback: In performance management, appraisals are eliminated. Instead, the manager places his or her efforts into ongoing coaching, mutual goal setting, and the leadership training of subordinates.
2. As a result of downsizing in the 1990s, a nursing surplus appeared in some parts of the country. What occurs in this type of situation? A) Nurses tend to join unions to protect their jobs B) No change would be expected in the rapid unionization of nurses C) There would typically be less union activity by nurses D) There is no historical perspective that indicates what nurses would do
Ans: C Feedback: In times of nurse surplus, union activity would decrease rather than increase because nurses feel less confident that management would be amenable to nursing demands.
Who plays a primary role in ensuring that workers have reasonable, working schedules? A) Unions B) Top administrators C) Managers D) Federal government
Ans: C Feedback: In workplace advocacy, the manager works to see that the work environment is both safe and conducive to professional and personal growth for subordinates. The other options play a role in such situations but the manager has the primary responsibility.
25. What is the outcome when a manager provides vague and ambiguous feedback to an employee during a performance appraisal? A) The employee receives the information in a positive manner B) The manager is able to avoid the appearance of being too negative C) The employee is uncertain of the value of the feedback D) The manager is viewed as being an ineffective communicator
Ans: C Feedback: Indirectness and ambiguity are more likely to inhibit communication than enhance it, and the employee is left unsure about the significance of the message. The employee is not likely to feel positive about the process. When the feedback is present appropriately, the manager will not be viewed as too negative but rather honest and helpful.
What type of brain dominance creates a management style that is highly organized and detail oriented? A) Upper left brain B) Upper right brain C) Lower left brain D) Lower right brain
Ans: C Feedback: Individuals with lower-left-brain dominance are highly organized and detail oriented and individuals with upper-left-brain dominance truly are analytical thinkers who like working with factual data and numbers. These individuals deal with problems in a logical and rational way. Individuals with upper-right-brain dominance are big picture thinkers who look for hidden possibilities and are futuristic in their thinking. Individuals with lower-right-brain dominance experience facts and problem solve in a more emotional way than the other three types.
What element must be included in the process of securing informed consent? A) A timeline of when the treatment is expected to occur B) Written information on what the post procedure outcomes will be C) Information regarding the risks involved in the proposed procedure D) An explanation of the nature of all associated treatment provided by the nurse
Ans: C Feedback: Informed consent can be given only after the patient has received a complete explanation of the surgery, procedure, or treatment and indicates that he or she understands the risks and benefits related to it. Timeline and nursing responsibilities are not components that are included. Outcomes are identified as expected or desired; no guarantees are given.
15. What is intrinsic motivation directly related to? A) Work environment B) External rewards C) Personal aspiration D) Completion of work
Ans: C Feedback: Intrinsic motivation comes from within the person, driving him or her to be productive such as personal goals and aspirations. Rewards resulting from extrinsic motivation (which is motivation that is enhanced by the work environment) occur after the work has been completed.
12. Which statement is typically true of job satisfaction levels? A) They are higher for subordinates than for management staff B) They decline as the level of participation in unit decision making increases C) They are related to the degree of work life control subordinates perceive they have D) They are fairly static given that unit cultures are traditionally very difficult to change
Ans: C Feedback: Job satisfaction levels can be correlated with the degree of control subordinates perceive they have over their work life. The remaining statements are not true regarding job satisfaction.
14. What do labor standards deal with? 1. Conditions of the employees' work 2. Pay for continuing education 3. Financial aspects 4. Number of hours worked A) 1, 2, 3 B) 1, 2, 4 C) 1, 3, 4 D) 2, 3, 4
Ans: C Feedback: Labor standards are regulations dealing with the conditions of the employee's work, including physical conditions, financial aspects, and the number of hours worked.
25. When a manager appropriately recognizes the successful completion of a delegated team task, what is the primary reward for the manager? A) Less involvement in uncomplicated tasks B) A staff that is familiar with team-related delegated tasks C) Professional recognition as a leader D) Staff that is growing as professional caregivers
Ans: C Feedback: Leaders are often measured by the successes of those on their teams. Therefore, the more recognition team members receive, the more recognition will be given to their leader. Spending less time on uncomplicated tasks is not the primary gain for the nurse- manager. It is the staff that benefit from the exposure to team work and professional growth.
Which factor has the greatest influence on a legislator? A) Form letters from group members B) Individual phone calls from constituents C) Meeting with a strong collective political group D) A personal visit by an individual constituent
Ans: C Feedback: Legislators and policy makers generally are more willing to deal with a group rather than individuals; thus, joining and supporting professional organizations allow nurses to become active in lobbying for a stronger nurse practice act or for the creation or expansion of advanced nursing roles.
9. Which statement identifies an important consideration when using management by objectives (MBO) as a performance appraisal tool? A) The manager determines the objectives each employee should accomplish during the upcoming evaluation period B) Employees determine the objectives their manager should accomplish during the upcoming evaluation period C) The manager's role is supportive, assisting employees to reach goals by counseling and coaching D) Managers should encourage employees to set lofty, difficult goals in an effort to stretch the employees to their maximum
Ans: C Feedback: MBO is in use when the manager supports employees to reach goals they identify for themselves. None of the other options are associated with the use of MBO as a performance appraisal tool.
Which statement regarding the MORAL decision-making model is true? A) It is a problem-solving model B) It does not include an evaluation step C) The identification and analysis of multiple alternatives for action is required D) The decision is arrived upon with only the involvement of the decision maker
Ans: C Feedback: MORAL is a decision-making model that is useful in clarifying ethical problems, and it requires the identification and analysis of multiple alternatives for action. The other options are not true statements regarding this decision-making model.
13. Which task would the director of a home health agency not delegate another staff RN? A) Assigning home health aides to specific patient care B) Serving on a diabetic study committee of community resources C) Meeting with the agency's administration regarding budget cuts D) Reviewing staff time cards for completion and accuracy
Ans: C Feedback: Management responsibilities associated with budgeting would not be delegated to another RN on the staff. The other options could be appropriately delegated to another RN.
15. What must managers delegate to another RN in order to assure completion of a task? A) Time and space B) Leadership and creativity C) Authority and responsibility D) Personnel and knowledge
Ans: C Feedback: Managers must delegate the authority and the responsibility necessary to complete the task. Nothing is more frustrating to a creative and productive employee than not having the resources or authority to carry out a well-developed plan. Qualities like leadership, knowledge, and creativity are not transferable. The remaining option choices are resources that are provided rather than delegated.
2. What would be the most helpful intervention to take to help a new RN adjust to the professional nursing role? A) Advise the new RN to avoid confrontations with doctors whenever possible B) Advise the new RN that this is the real world not the textbook one C) Be alert to signs and symptoms of the shock phase of role transition D) Be alert to signs that the new RN has not shed nursing school values
Ans: C Feedback: Managers should be alert to signs and symptoms of the shock phase of role transition. Managers should also ensure that some of the new nurse's values are supported and encouraged so that work and academic values can blend. The remaining options do not address the needs of the new RN appropriately.
17. McClelland's studies state that all people are motivated by three basic needs. What are these needs? A) Physiological, security, esteem B) Safety, social, self-actualization C) Achievement, affiliation, power D) Responsibility, supervision, job security
Ans: C Feedback: McClelland's studies state that all people are motivated by three basic needs: achievement, affiliation, and power. McClelland does not include the other options as needs associated with motivation.
6. According to McGregor, what do Theory X assumptions hold? A) Putting forth effort is natural B) Workers are diligent, responsible, and helpful C) Workers are lazy, uncreative, and indifferent toward work D) Increased rewards will motivate workers
Ans: C Feedback: McGregor believed that how the manager views the employees will affect motivation and productivity. Theory Y managers thought workers were motivated, but Theory X managers thought they were lazy, uncreative, and indifferent. The remaining options are not addressed by these assumptions.
15. What type of nursing uses mini teams, typically an RN and unlicensed health-care workers, to provide care to a small group of patients who are centralized geographically? A) Total patient care B) Functional nursing C) Modular nursing D) Primary care nursing
Ans: C Feedback: Modular nursing and model RN line use mini teams, typically an RN and unlicensed health-care worker(s), to provide care to a small group of patients, centralized geographically. None of the other options provide that staffing format.
6. What statement concerning the delegating of tasks by the nurse to unlicensed assistive personnel (NAP) is true? A) One can safely assume that the NAP has at least a high school diploma as a minimum hiring criterion B) All unlicensed assistive personnel have achieved at least minimum standardized training pursuant to the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 C) No federal or community standards have been established for training the broad classification of NAP D) The nurse is protected from liability when allowing the NAP to perform only those tasks the employee includes in the job description
Ans: C Feedback: No federal or community standards have been established for the training of the NAP. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act relates to certified nursing assistants only. The hiring policies of institutions vary regarding the employment qualifications of the NAP and many institutions do not have distinct job descriptions for NAP that define their scope of practice.
20. Which restraining force occurs when a subordinate tests the water to determine what the consequences are of not completing a delegated task? A) Failure of delegator to see subordinate perspective B) Subordinate incapable of completing the task C) Subordinate inherent resistance to authority D) Overdelegation of specificity of the task
Ans: C Feedback: One cause of subordinate resistance to delegation is an inherent resistance to authority. Some subordinates simply need to test the water and determine what the consequences are of not completing delegated tasks. The remaining options do not represent the behaviors described.
One of the most commonly used tools in health-care organizations is SWOT analysis. What is the definition for opportunities? A) Internal attributes that help an organization achieve its objectives B) Internal attributes that challenge an organization in achieving its objectives C) External conditions that promote achievement of organizational objectives D) External conditions that challenge or threaten the achievement of organizational objectives
Ans: C Feedback: Opportunities are external conditions that promote achievement of organizational objectives. Strengths are internal attributes that help an organization achieve its objectives. Weaknesses are internal attributes that challenge an organization in achieving its objectives. Threats are external conditions that challenge or threaten the achievement of organizational objectives.
21. When attempting to create a work environment that includes appropriate and effective monetary incentives, the nurse-manager will initially address which issue? A) Whether the incentives are allowed by the policies of the institution B) Whether the budget will allow for monetary rewards large enough to create incentive C) Whether the staff views monetary incentives as having the greatest value D) Whether other nurse-managers feel that monetary incentives are appropriate
Ans: C Feedback: Organizations must be cognizant of the need to offer incentives at a level where employees value them. This requires that the organization and its managers understand employees' collective values and devise a reward system that is consistent with that value system. While the other options represent reasonable areas to explore, they are not the initial issue to be addressed.
Which ethical principle associated with an adult child is legally given the right to make medical decisions for a cognitively impaired parent? A) Justice B) Fidelity C) Paternalism D) Beneficence
Ans: C Feedback: Paternalism is when one individual assumes the right to make decisions for another. Justice requires that a person seek fairness, treat ìequalsî equally, and treat ìunequalsî according to their differences. Fidelity involves the need to keep promises. Beneficence involves actions that are taken in an effort to promote good.
What is the advantage of using a payoff table when applicable? A) It assures the correct decision when dealing with financial situations B) It is very helpful when quantitative information about the topic is available C) It assists in the visualization of the available historic and current data D) It is easy to construct even for the novice decision maker
Ans: C Feedback: Payoff tables do not guarantee that a correct decision will be made, but they assist in visualizing data. While it does lend itself to the use of quantitative data that are not its strength, the table may not be difficult to construct that is not its strength since it is dependent on the inclusion of accurate data and effective evaluation of that data.
7. Why have health-care organizations been slow to adopt peer review? A) It tends to be an inaccurate performance appraisal tool B) Colleagues generally have little data they can contribute regarding a peer's work performance C) It requires staff be oriented to the process effectively D) It works better for professionals such as physicians than for nurses
Ans: C Feedback: Peer review is effective only when adequate time is spent orienting staff to the process and the necessary support is provided to complete the process. The remaining options are not generally considered barriers to the use of peer reviews.
7. Which statement is true concerning perceived conflict? A) It develops during the first stage of the conflict process B) It is sometimes referred to as antecedent conflict C) It occurs if the conflict is intellectualized D) It occurs when the conflict is emotionalized
Ans: C Feedback: Perceived or substantive conflict is intellectualized and often involves issues and roles. The person recognizes it logically and impersonally as occurring. None of the other options are true statements concerning perceived conflict.
5. Which statement is correct concerning primary nursing care? A) Requires minimal RN staffing B) Is easy to implement C) Provides challenging work D) Has proved to be a failure
Ans: C Feedback: Primary care provides challenging work for nurses; however, it is not easy to implement and requires an all-RN staff. None of the other options accurately describes the concept of primary nursing care.
To decrease overtime, the manager of a surgical unit offers nurses who get their work finished on time for an entire 2-month period an extra day off with pay at regular time. What is this an example of? A) Bribing nurses B) Quantum leadership C) Principal agent theory D) Servant leadership
Ans: C Feedback: Principal agent theory suggests that followers may have an informational (expertise or knowledge) advantage over the leader as well as their own preferences, which may deviate from that of the principal. This may lead to a misalignment of goals. To influence the agent, the principal offers an incentive that corrects excessive overtime. The remaining options do not represent the example offered.
8. Which statement is true regarding the general delegation liability of the registered nurse (RN)? A) It is minimal because subordinates alone are held accountable for practicing within the accepted scope of practice for their job classification B) It is great because the RN is automatically held liable for the tasks delegated to all recognized subordinates C) It is reduced when the RN appropriately assesses what and to whom delegation is appropriate and supervises the completion of the tasks D) It is avoided entirely by delegating tasks to only other licensed personnel
Ans: C Feedback: Proper delegation practices that include assessment and evaluation help protect the RN from liability. The other statements are not true.
18. Which statement accurately describes provision of service? 1. It guarantees reimbursement 2. Proof is required for need for services 3. Reimbursement is based on services provided 4. The social worker is the gatekeeper A) 1, 2 B) 1, 4 C) 2, 3 D) 3, 4
Ans: C Feedback: Provision of service no longer guarantees reimbursement. Clear and comprehensive documentation of the need for services and actual services provided is needed for reimbursement.
Which characteristics are required of a reasonable and prudent nurse? A) Years of clinically focused nursing experience B) Specialized nursing skills C) Average nursing judgment and skills D) Earned advanced nursing degree
Ans: C Feedback: Reasonable and prudent generally means the average judgment, foresight, intelligence, and skill that would be expected of a person with similar training and experience. The other options describe qualifications not required of a reasonable and prudent nurse.
Avolio states that there are four factors that cover the components of authentic leadership. What is occurring when one openly shares feelings and information appropriate to a situation? A) Balanced processing B) Internalized moral perspective C) Relational transparency D) Self-awareness
Ans: C Feedback: Relational transparency refers to openly sharing feelings and information appropriate to a situation. Balanced processing refers to analyzing data rationally before making decisions. Internalized moral perspective suggests that the authentic leader is guided by internal moral standards, which then guide his/her behavior, and self-awareness alludes to a knowing of self so as to make sense of the world.
Much of the difficulty people have in making ethical decisions results from a lack of formal education about problem solving. Research at the University of Pennsylvania found what percentage of the nurses and social workers reported having no ethics training? A) 15 B) 20 C) 25 D) 30
Ans: C Feedback: Research done at the University of Pennsylvania found that nearly 25% of the nurses and social workers reported having received no ethics training.
17. What portion of GRRRR (greeting, respectful listening, review, recommend or request more information, and reward) is being used when the speaker summarizes the information conveyed to make sure the message was understood correctly? A) Greeting B) Respectful listening C) Review D) Recommend or request more information
Ans: C Feedback: Review occurs when the speaker summarizes the information he/she has conveyed to make sure the message was understood correctly. Once the speaker is finished conveying this summary and the other party has validated or clarified it, the listener has enough information to recommend or request more information. This does not occur in any of the other portions of the model.
13. Which statement is true regarding legislated minimum staffing ratios? A) They are mandated by federal law B) They are required by 28 states C) They are proposed to improve patient care D) They are necessary to reduce costs
Ans: C Feedback: Several states have proposed or passed mandatory staffing ratios for the purpose of improving patient care, although there is no guarantee improved care will result from such legislation. None of the other options are associated with minimum staffing ratios.
22. What negative outcome can result from the decentralization of the responsibilities of staff development? A) Poor staff retention B) Deficient nursing care C) Increased role ambiguity D) Decreased nursing autonomy
Ans: C Feedback: Some difficulties associated with decentralized staff development include the conflict created by role ambiguity whenever two people share responsibility. Role ambiguity is sometimes reduced when staff development personnel and managers delineate the difference between training and education. None of the other options are recognized as a result of decentralization of staff development.
8. What should selectors do when processing the employment application? A) Accept the resume as an honest and objective source of data regarding the applicant B) Require a physical examination before making a hiring decision C) Always follow up on references and verify employment history D) Use unsolicited personal information about an applicant as a valid reason for job disqualification
Ans: C Feedback: Some managers prefer to verify credentials and references before the interview; others do it after the interview. Either way, doing a comprehensive check of credentials and references is of absolute importance. None of the other options identify the selector's processing role.
23. Which statement about American health-care budget spending is correct? A) A large health-care budget equals quality health-care outcomes B) America spends less than any other industrialized country on health care C) The outcomes related to lowñbirth-weight infants have not been successfully met D) The scarcity of resources is the biggest factor in the failure to reach outcomes
Ans: C Feedback: Spending more does not always equate to higher-quality health outcomes. The United States spends more per capita on health care than does any other industrialized country, and yet our outcomes in terms of teenage pregnancy rates, lowñbirth-weight infants, and access to care are worse than many countries that spend significantly less. The problem then is not a scarcity of resources. The problem is that we do not use the resources we have available, in a cost-effective manner.
14. What is the best course of action to stimulate staff nurses' involvement in quality control research on a nursing unit? A) Hire a well-qualified researcher to help staff design studies B) Create a joint medical/nursing staff research committee C) Provide staff with paid release time for research activities D) Ensure that research designs are well grounded and scientific
Ans: C Feedback: Staff should be involved in determining criteria or standards, reviewing standards, and collecting data. To stimulate staff nurses' involvement in quality control research, the best course of action would be to provide staff with paid release time for research activities. The other options fail to actually stimulate the nurse's involvement in the process.
10. Which is a true statement regarding TQM? A) It is based on the premise that the organization knows what is best for the consumer B) Its guiding purpose is to save the organization money C) It is based on the premise that the customer is the focal element on which production and service depend D) It assumes that inspection and removal of errors lead to the delivery of quality services
Ans: C Feedback: TQM is based on the premise that the customer is the focal element on which production and service depend. The other options are false statements.
1. What is an inappropriate reason for delegation? A) To empower subordinates by stretching them in their work assignment B) To free the manager to address more complex, higher-level unit needs C) When the task is not a challenge for the manager D) Because someone else is better qualified to do the task that needs to be done
Ans: C Feedback: That the manager is not challenged by a task is not a valid reason for delegating that task to another. The other options are all appropriate reasons to delegate tasks to qualified staff.
14. The nurse-manager is negotiating for the funds necessary to purchase several new isolettes for the facility's newborn nursery. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) states, I've always been curious about that piece of equipment; how does it actually work?î What negotiation action has the CFO engaged in? A) Collaborating B) Smoothing C) A diversionary tactic D) Appropriate fact finding
Ans: C Feedback: The CFO was consciously or unconsciously using a diversionary tactic. The action described is not accurately associated with any of the other options.
4. How did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 affect employees? A) It eliminated sexual harassment in the workplace B) It allowed veterans to return to jobs they held before their military service C) It prohibited job discrimination based on factors unrelated to job qualifications D) It eliminated racial discrimination in this country
Ans: C Feedback: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited job discrimination based on factors unrelated to job qualifications. This legislation is not associated with any of the other options.
1. What is the first step in quality control? A) To take corrective action when standards have not been met B) To collect data to determine whether standards have been met C) To determine criteria and standards D) To determine who will measure the standard
Ans: C Feedback: The first step in quality control is to determine criteria and standards. Measuring performance or making corrections is impossible if standards have not been clearly established.
What influences the quality of a decision most often? A) The decision maker's immediate superior B) The type of decision that needs to be made C) Questions asked and alternatives generated D) The time of day the decision is made
Ans: C Feedback: The greater the number of alternatives that can be generated by the decision maker, the better the final decision will be. The alternatives generated and the final choices are limited by each person's value system.
2. Which statement concerning self-discipline is true? A) It is one of the least effective forms of discipline B) It decreases as an awareness of the rules and regulations that govern behavior increases C) It increases when employees identify with the goals of the organization D) It is internalized, and thus the leader can do little to create an environment that promotes self-discipline in employees
Ans: C Feedback: The highest level and most effective form of discipline is self-discipline. When employees feel secure, validated, and affirmed in their essential worth, identity, and integrity, self-discipline is enhanced.
What component of professional negligence is represented when a nurse fails to look up an unfamiliar medication before administering it? A) Duty to use due care B) Failure to meet standard of care C) Foreseeability of harm D) A direct relationship between failure to meet the standard of care (breach) and injury can be proved
Ans: C Feedback: The nurse must have reasonable access to information about whether the possibility of harm exists not fulfilling this responsibility may result in a foreseeable harm to the client. None of the remaining options are relevant to this criterion.
7. What is the function of a nursing minimum data set? A) Compares the quality of nursing care and medical care B) Identifies minimal levels of quality necessary for nurses to maintain licensure C) Standardizes the collection of nursing data for use by multiple data users D) Identifies only nursing-sensitive patient outcome measures
Ans: C Feedback: The nursing minimum data set standardizes the collection of nursing data for use by multiple data users. None of the remaining options accurately describes the function of such a data set.
19. Which statement represents a correct statement regarding the identification and assisting interventions provided employees with substance abuse problems? A) It is done as an altruistic and benevolent action by the organization B) It should not be undertaken by management or the personnel department C) It should include screening that focuses on early detection D) Is best handled through disciplinary action of the personnel department
Ans: C Feedback: The personal and professional cost of chemical impairment demands that nursing leaders and managers recognize the chemically impaired employee as early as possible and provide intervention since such behavior is a serious safety issue associated with patient care. The remaining options are not correct.
Which element influences the nurse executive most heavily when assessing the organization's philosophy for nursing services for possible revision? A) Consumer surveys B) Financial resources C) Mission statement D) Policy statements
Ans: C Feedback: The philosophy flows from the mission statement, the highest priority in the planning hierarchy. The other options are not as influential.
4. An RN is a team leader for a small module of patients. While listening to a tape- recorded report on Mr. Smith, one of your team members remarks, My mother lives near him and she says his wife is a terrible housekeeper. As the leader of the team, what will the RN do? A) Ask the informant to be quiet B) Include the information in report for the next shift C) Ask the team member what the purpose was in sharing the information D) Ignore the comment
Ans: C Feedback: The role of the leader is to encourage communication that is appropriate and discourage communication that is inappropriate among staff. The other options fail to convey that responsibility.
11. What action will the manager take when implementing the second step in the progressive disciplinary process? A) Suspend the employee from work for a specified period of time B) Explain in detail the nature of the inappropriate behavior C) Complete a formal written reprimand D) Verbally instruct the employee not to repeat the infraction
Ans: C Feedback: The second step in the progressive disciplinary process is for the manager to complete a formal written reprimand signed by the employee and the manager. The second step in the progressive disciplinary process does not involve any of the other options.
25. What is considered the primary reason a nurse will join a union? A) To eliminate discrimination B) To fill the social need to be accepted C) To increase their personal power D) To improve the quality of patient care
Ans: C Feedback: The six primary motivators in order of importance are as follows: to increase the power of the individual, to increase their input into organizational decision making, to eliminate discrimination and favoritism, because of a social need to be accepted, because they are required to do so as part of employment (closed shop), and because they believe it will improve patient outcomes and quality of care.
4. With modular nursing, who checks the completion of tasks assigned to a team member? A) The charge nurse B) The area manager C) The team leader D) Another team member
Ans: C Feedback: The team leader should check the work of team members. None of the other options identify the role correctly.
12. A nurse executive wants to decrease the chances of unionization of a nonunionized nursing service department. To accomplish this goal where should financial and energy resources best be directed? A) Increasing the nursing salaries and benefits B) Increasing the quality and amount of equipment C) Improving the quality of nursing staff supervision D) Improving nursing and medical staff relationships
Ans: C Feedback: The use of improved communication, fairness, and shared decision making tools will improve the quality of nursing staff supervision and perhaps prevent nursing staff from wanting to join a union. The other options fail to focus on recognized areas of employee concerns.
Which situation is associated with and aging organization? A) Retired staff is replaced with new graduate nurses B) State-of-the-art cardiac monitoring equipment is placed in the ICU C) The unit functions with strict adheres to institutional rules and policies D) A suggestion committee composed of staff and management meets monthly
Ans: C Feedback: The young organization is characterized by high energy, movement, and virtually constant change and adaptation. Aged organizations have established ìturf boundaries,î function in an orderly and predictable fashion, and are focused on rules and regulations. Change is limited.
What is the critical leadership skill when attempting to build a cooperative and effective team? A) Showing their true feelings B) Empathizing with followers C) Identifying existing emotions in themselves and others D) Manipulating the emotions of all involved to achieve stated goals
Ans: C Feedback: Theorists studying emotional intelligence posit that the ability to identify emotions in themselves and in others is a critical ingredient of leaders, enabling them to build a cooperative and effective team. While the other options may have value, they do not represent the critical skill related to team building.
It is the idea that context is an important mediator of transformational leadership, that led to the creation of full range leadership theory early in the 21st century. This theory originally developed by Antonakis, Avolio, and Sivasubramaniam suggests how many transformational factors impacting leadership style and its impact on followers? A) One B) Three C) Five D) Nine
Ans: C Feedback: There are nine factors impacting leadership style and its impact on followers; five are transformational, three are transactional, and one is a nonleadership or laissez-faire leadership factor.
10. Periodically during the day the RN checked with the team members to determine whether they are having difficulty completing their assigned tasks. This describes which manager role? A) Skills evaluation B) Patient safety C) Effective delegation D) Micromanagement
Ans: C Feedback: This manager provided the team with the autonomy to complete the work and was available should any need arise. This describes effective delegation. This action is not related to any of the other options.
15. Several RNs on the unit want to address the possibility of initiating flextime on the unit. What is the manager's initial response? A) Assuring the RNs that their suggestion will be taking under consideration B) Asking the RNs to circulate a partition to be signed by employees who support the change C) Arranging for the RNs to air their views at the next staff meeting. D) Sharing with the RNs that they need to address the issue with upper management
Ans: C Feedback: This manager should plan to let employees air their views at the next staff meeting. Nursing managers can no longer afford to respond to conflict traditionally (to avoid or suppress conflict), because this is nonproductive. In an era of shrinking health-care dollars, it has become increasingly important for managers to confront and manage conflict appropriately. The ability to understand and deal with conflict appropriately is a critical leadership skill.
How many primary leadership styles have been identified? A) One B) Two C) Three D) Four
Ans: C Feedback: Three primary leadership styles have been identified: authoritarian, democratic, and laissez-faire.
11. A nursing administrator believes that the organization supports an inadequate distribution of power. What is the administrator's initial action to combat this situation? A) To form a coalition to extend administrative networking B) To pose a plan for organizational restructuring. C) To gain entry in to an informal power group. D) To improve one's personal power base
Ans: C Feedback: To gain power one needs entry in to informal lines of communication provided by informal power groups. The other options would be effective only after the correct option is achieved .
Gardner states that integrated leaders-managers distinguish themselves from more traditional managers in six ways. Which is a distinguishing trait of a traditional manager rather than an integrated leader-manager? A) They are politically astute B) They look outward, toward the larger organization C) They extend influence only to their own group D) They emphasize vision, values, and motivation
Ans: C Feedback: Traditional managers influence those in their own groups while integrated leaders influence others beyond their own group. The remaining options represent traits that may be shared by both types.
7. What is the most important component in being well organized and increasing productivity on the unit? A) Adequate resources B) A well-trained staff C) A well-thought-out plan D) Time to carry out your duties
Ans: C Feedback: Unless the plan is well thought out, patient care has the potential to be disorganized. None of the other options identify that connection.
Patients were often denied basic human rights until when? A) 1940s B) 1950s C) 1960s D) 1970s
Ans: C Feedback: Until the 1960s patients had few rights; in fact, patients before then often were denied basic human rights. Conditions improved by the 1970s.
24. Which vocal delivery suggests that a person is asking a question rather than making a statement? A) Loudness B) Slurred words C) Tentativeness D) Rapid delivery
Ans: C Feedback: Vocal clues such as tone, volume, and inflection add to the message being transmitted. Tentative statements sound more like questions than statements, leading listeners to think that you are unsure of yourself, and speaking quickly may be interpreted as being nervous. Loud and slurred speech can be barriers to communication.
5. What determines the size of the authority gap between a manager and an employee? A) The organizational philosophy B) The degree of rigidity in the corporate chart C) How credible the manager is perceived to be D) How much informal power the manager possesses
Ans: C Feedback: When a manager loses credibility, the authority power gap widens. None of the other options are relevant.
7. What should an employee expect when a manager terminates his/her employment for continuous rule breaking? A) The employee will be escorted from the building by security staff B) The employee will be allowed to work out a 2-week termination period C) The manager will describe what, if any, references will be supplied to future employers D) The manager will arrange for a meeting between the employee and senior administration
Ans: C Feedback: When a manager terminates an employee for continuous rule breaking, the manager should tell the employee what, if any, references will be supplied to future employers. The remaining options are not generally associated with such a termination.
21. Which factor has the greatest impact on the need for nurses to possess excellent delegation skills? A) Increase in patient acuity levels B) Decrease in patient hospitalization time C) Increase in the use of NAP D) Decrease in nurse-to-patient ratios
Ans: C Feedback: With the increased use of NAP in patient care, the need for nurses to have highly developed delegation skills has never been greater. The impact of acuity levels, nurse-patient ratios, and hospitalization stays does not have as great an impact as does the correct option.
5. What type of budget requires rejustification for yearly fiscal needs? A) Incremental budgeting B) Perpetual budgeting C) Zero-based budgeting D) Managed care
Ans: C Feedback: Zero-based budgeting begins each year with zero and requires rejustification. This is not true of the other options.
9. Which statement is accurate concerning management development classes? A) They are not cost-effective, but increase worker satisfaction B) They are necessary for advancement to management positions C) They require the inclusion of social learning activities D) They are a responsibility of middle-level management
Ans: C The inclusion of social learning activities in management development increases the possibility for employee retention. Management development is cost-effective for the organization but may not be necessary for all managers. Top executives in the organization have a responsibility to support the management development program.
5. Thirty-eight percent of the people who attended a smoking cessation clinic were not smoking 1 year after the clinic closed. What type of audit provided this type of data? A) Structure B) Process C) Outcome D) Concurrent
Ans: C Feedback: An outcome audit determines what outcomes resulted from specific nursing interventions for clients. That is the function of the remaining options.
16. What arc restraining forces for specialty certification in professional nursing? 1 . Decreased collaboration with other health-care providers 2. Cost 3. Lack of recognition 4. Increased retention A) 1, 2 B) 1, 4 C) 2,3 D) 3, 4
Ans: C Feedback: Cost coupled with lack of institutional reward and support kept some nurses from pursuing certification. The impact of certification on absenteeism and retention was unclear.
18. What communication mode is considered most reliable in conveying the emotional component of the message? A) Written B) Verbal C) Nonverbal D) Telephone
Ans: C Feedback: Nonverbal communication is considered more reliable because it conveys the emotional part of the message. The other modes are not as effective with conveying emotion.
22. What is an advantage of centralized staffing? Select all that apply A) It is flexible B) It is staff focused C) It is cost-effective D) It is consistent and impartial
Ans: C, D Feedback: Centralized staffing is generally fairer to all employees because policies tend to be employed more consistently and impartially. In addition, centralized staffing frees the middle-level manager to complete other management functions. Centralized staffing also allows for the most efficient (cost-effective) use of resources because the more units that can be considered together, the easier it is to deal with variations in patient census and staffing needs. Centralized staffing, however, does not provide as much flexibility for the worker, nor can it account as well for a worker's desires or special needs. In addition, managers may be less responsive to personnel budget control if they have limited responsibility in scheduling and staffing matters.
Which statement is true regarding the implications of a Good Samaritan law for a registered nurse? Select all that apply. A) A nurse has a legal responsibility to provide emergency services B) Such laws are universally worded so as to minimize state-to-state differences C) In order for protection to apply, the nursing care cannot be considered negligent D) A nurse who provided out-of-scope care is not protected by the Good Samaritan law
Ans: C, D Feedback: Nurses are not required to stop and provide emergency services as a matter of law, although most health-care workers feel ethically compelled to stop if they believe they can help. Good Samaritan laws suggest that health-care providers are typically protected from potential liability if they volunteer their nursing skills away from the workplace (generally limited to emergencies), provided that actions taken are not grossly negligent and if the health-care worker does not exceed his or her training or scope of practice in performing the emergency services. However, not being paid for your services alone will not provide Good Samaritan law protection. Good Samaritan laws apply only if the health-care worker does not exceed his or her training or scope of practice in performing the emergency services. Protection under Good Samaritan laws varies tremendously from state to state. In some states, the law grants immunity to RNs but does not protect LVNs or LPNs. Other states offer protection to anyone who offers assistance, even if they do not have a health-care background. Nurses should be familiar with the Good Samaritan laws in their state.
3. Which reasons do NOT qualify as organizational justification for a career development program? Select all that apply: A) Employee attrition can be reduced B) Personnel can be used more effectively C) Employees can increase earning power D) Employment benefits are increased
Ans: C, D Feedback: Organizational justification for career development programs includes attrition reduction, improved productivity, and general improved quality of life. Although employees may earn more money and additional benefits as a result of career development they are not the reason that organizations undertake career development programs.
The Patient's Bill of Rights established by which body has the most legal authority? A) A health-care organization B) A professional medical organization C) A regulation professional nursing organization D) A specific state
Ans: D Feedback: A bill of rights that has become law or state regulation has the most legal authority because it provides the patient with legal recourse. A bill of rights issued by health-care organization and professional associations is not legally binding but may influence federal or state funding and certainly should be considered professionally binding.
24. Which factor is the focus of an individual's performance evaluation? A) Related knowledge B) Individual skills C) Appropriate experience D) History of task completion
Ans: D Feedback: A competence assessment evaluates whether an individual has the knowledge, education, skills, or experience to perform the task, whereas a performance evaluation examines how well that individual actually completes that task.
What component of professional negligence is represented when a patient experiences a seizure resulting from a medication error? A) Duty to use due care B) Failure to meet standard of care C) Foreseeability of harm D) A causal relationship
Ans: D Feedback: A direct causal relationship between failure to meet the standard of care (breach) and injury can be proved when a patient is harmed because proper care is not given. None of the remaining options are relevant to this criterion.
9. Which is a symptom of poor organizational structure? A) Communication follows the chain of command B) The smallest possible number of managers exists to keep units functioning C) The chain of command is fairly short D) There is a heavy reliance on committees to solve unit problems
Ans: D Feedback: A heavy reliance on committees to solve problems is an indication of a poorly structured organization and often results in delays in critical decision making. The other options describe examples of good organizational structure.
23. What is the guiding principle when attempting to address errors made in the delivery of health care? A) Reporting of errors must be both mandatory and voluntary B) Errors are a result of faulty organizational processes C) People are the root cause of health delivery errors D) Errors are either unavoidable or result from reckless behavior
Ans: D Feedback: A just organizational culture emphasizes the finding of the middle ground between the two extremes of error cause (people or system). It seeks to separate unavoidable error from reckless behavior and unjustifiable risk. Reporting of errors can be both mandatory and voluntary but this factor has less importance than the organization attitude regarding the cause of errors.
Using both a systematic approach and proven ethical tools and technology allows managers to make better decisions and increases the probability that they will feel confident about the decisions they have made. Leadership roles and management functions are involved in management ethics. What is an example of a leadership role? A) Uses a systematic approach to problem solving and decision making when faced with management problems with ethical ramifications B) Identifies outcomes in ethical decision making that should always be sought or avoided C) Uses established ethical frameworks to clarify values and beliefs D) Role models ethical decision making, which is congruent with the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics and Interpretive Statements and Professional standard
Ans: D Feedback: A leadership role is role models ethical decision making, which is congruent with the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics and Interpretive Statements and Professional standard. Uses a systematic approach to problem solving and decision making when faced with management problems with ethical ramification, identifies outcomes in ethical decision making that should always be sought or avoided, and uses established ethical frameworks to clarify values and beliefs are examples of management functions.
Which activity is associated with the movement stage of the development of a plan? A) Gather data B) Accurately diagnose the problem C) Decide if change is needed D) Develop a plan
Ans: D Feedback: A responsibility of the movement stage is to develop a plan. Responsibilities of the change agent in the unfreezing stage are as follows: Gather data, accurately diagnose the problem, and decide if change is needed.
15. What occurs when RN hours decrease in a unit's calculation of nursing care hours per patient day (NCH)/(PPD)? A) Adverse patient outcomes generally increase B) Decreased errors C) Decreased patient falls D) Decreased patient satisfaction
Ans: D Feedback: A review of current literature suggests that as RN hours decrease in NCH/PPD, adverse patient outcomes generally increase, including increased errors and patient falls as well as decreased patient satisfaction.
12. What is a critical goal in negotiation? A) That gains for each party are different but equal B) That the hidden agendas of all parties be exposed C) That each party willingly reveals their negotiated limits D) That both parties perceive that they have won something they value
Ans: D Feedback: A successful negotiation leaves both parties feeling like they have gained something they want and/or value. None of the other options are considered a goal of negotiation.
12. Which statement is correct concerning prenegotiated budget management? A) It is incompatible with ethical accountability B) It is only the responsibility of the centralized staffing office C) It is inappropriate with new practice models D) It is a critical responsibility of managers
Ans: D Feedback: Accountability for a prenegotiated budget is a management function. The other options are incorrect regarding this function.
10. What does the filing of a grievance by an employee do? A) It serves as evidence that a manager's actions have been unfair or arbitrary B) It means that the conflict will have to be resolved in arbitration C) It negates the need for the manager to attempt to solve the conflict through communication, negotiation, compromise, or collaboration D) It requires a great deal of time and energy from both the employee and the manager
Ans: D Feedback: Although grievance procedures extract a great deal of time and energy from both employees and managers, they serve several valuable purposes. However, most grievances or conflicts between employees and management can be resolved informally through communication, negotiation, compromise, and collaboration before grievance procedures need to be undertaken. The remaining options are not the result of a grievance filing.
15. Although some legislation makes the job of managing people more difficult for managers, what positive results have occurred? 1. Decreased bias against the older employee 2. Increased salaries for minorities 3. Increased opportunities for women 4. Increased opportunities for disabled A) 2, 3, 4 B) 1, 2, 3 C) 1, 2, 4 D) 1, 3, 4
Ans: D Feedback: Although some legislation makes the job of managing people more difficult for managers, it has resulted in increased job fairness and opportunities for women, minorities, the elderly, and the disabled. Increased salaries for the minority employee have not been a recognized result.
Which situation is a reality for whistle-blowers? A) Retaliation against them is illegal B) Fellow workers are supportive of them C) Federal and State law protects them D) They are often afraid to speak out
Ans: D Feedback: Although whistle-blower protection has been advocated for at the federal level and has been passed in some states, many employees are reluctant to report unsafe conditions for fear of retaliation. Nurses should check with their state association to assess the status of whistle-blower protection in their state. Retaliation and resentment still exist against these individuals in many situations.
What statement is true concerning nurses as a political body? A) They are very committed to both their profession and the political process B) Many are active members of the American Nurses Association (ANA) C) Their primary focus is to speak out on consumer health-related issues D) They have not yet recognized the full potential of political activity
Ans: D Feedback: As a whole, the nursing profession has not yet recognized the full potential of collective political activity. Nurses must exert their collective influence and make their concerns known to policy makers before they can have a major impact on political and legislative outcomes. The remaining options are not true of nurses in general.
Even after a lengthy discussion concerning the ramifications, a patient wants to leave the hospital against medical advice (AMA). What would the nurse do in the role of patient advocate? A) Encourage the patient to wait until morning to leave the hospital B) Ask family members to help talk the patient out of the decision C) Call the security guard to escort the patient off hospital property D) Make sure the patient has appropriate follow-up appointments
Ans: D Feedback: As advocate for this patient, you have made sure he is informed of the ramifications of leaving AMA; however, it is a patient's right to refuse treatment. The other options fail to recognize the patient's right to make autonomous choices.
10. What positive impact do new practice models have on the staffing mix? A) Automatically cancel the PCS B) Will result in fiscal savings C) Require no changes in scheduling policies D) Impact patient care assignment methods
Ans: D Feedback: As new practice models are introduced, there must be a simultaneous examination of the existing staff mix and patient care assessments to ensure that appropriate changes are made to the staffing and scheduling policies. They are not associated with the impact suggested by the other options.
There are current and future paradigm shifts in health care that affect the leadership skills needed by nurses in the twenty-first century. What issue at the organizational and unit levels are nurse-leaders being directed to address? A) Active involvement in greatly needed health-care reform B) Persistent and growing international nursing shortage C) Shortage of qualified first-level nursing managers D) High turnover rates by staff nurses
Ans: D Feedback: At the organizational and unit levels, nurse-leaders are being directed to address high turnover rates by staff, an emerging shortage of qualified top-level nursing administrators, growing trends toward unionization, and intensified efforts to legislate minimum staffing ratios and eliminate mandatory overtime, while maintaining cohesive and productive work environments. At the national level, nurse-leaders and nursemanagers are actively involved in greatly needed health-care reform and in addressing a persistent, and likely growing, international nursing shortage. The other options, while describing noteworthy issues, do not include the issue that affects needed skills.
At the unit level, what time frame may be considered long-range planning? A) 3 months B) 4 months C) 5 months D) 6 months
Ans: D Feedback: At the unit level, any planning that is at least 6 months in the future may be considered long-range planning.
2. The nurse is assigned to administer medications to all patients throughout the shift. What is this an example of? A) Team nursing B) Case method nursing C) Primary care delivery D) Functional nursing care
Ans: D Feedback: Being assigned a specific task to do is part of functional nursing. None of the other options identify that connection.
13. What is capitation? A) A reimbursement schema whereby health-care organizations receive a predetermined amount (based on a patient's diagnosis for services provided) B) The limited availability of services to patients in managed care organizations C) The use of a ìgatekeeperî to ensure appropriate utilization of services D) A predetermined, negotiated payment to providers, per patient, regardless of whether services are used
Ans: D Feedback: Capitation is a predetermined, negotiated payment to providers, per patient, regardless of whether services are used. None of the other options correctly describe capitation.
What is required to successfully implement the chaos theory of change? A) Most stakeholders accepting the need for change B) Finding solutions to resistance to change C) Changing attitudes more than increasing knowledge D) Finding underlying order in random data
Ans: D Feedback: Chaos theory requires finding underlying order in apparent random data.
12. How is competency of an employee best determined? A) An examination of patient records by a review team B) Self-reporting on an administered skills checklist C) Evidence of attendance in continuing education classes D) Documentation of effectively meeting role demands
Ans: D Feedback: Competency relates to role and is determined by each role demand. None of the other options are able to determine competency as effectively as documentation of performance.
13. What statement about the maintenance of confidentiality is true? A) It must never be breached B) It is made easier with electronic technology C) It is primarily the duty of the medical records staff D) It can be breached when necessary for legitimate professional need
Ans: D Feedback: Confidentiality of patients must be upheld, unless there is a legitimate professional need to know, such as when a provider must share information about a patient with another provider so that the other provider can assume care. None of the other options is an accurate statement regarding confidentiality.
1. What is the primary difference between constructive and destructive discipline? A) The manager is friendlier to the employee in constructive discipline than in destructive discipline, so that the employee likes the manager as a person B) Constructive discipline includes verbal and written reprimands, whereas destructive discipline includes suspension without pay and termination C) The person who has received constructive discipline always appreciates and believes the feedback given, whereas it is resented and disbelieved in destructive discipline D) Constructive discipline helps the person to grow and to behave in a manner that allows him or her to be self-directive in meeting organizational goals. Destructive discipline focuses more on punishment
Ans: D Feedback: Constructive discipline uses discipline as a means of helping the employee grow. It is not used as a punitive measure. Destructive discipline focuses more on punishment. The remaining options are not necessarily true statements
Which function of the management process involves the performance evaluation of staff? A) Planning B) Organizing C) Staffing D) Controlling
Ans: D Feedback: Controlling is the function that includes performance appraisals, fiscal accountability, quality control, legal and ethical control, and professional and collegial control.
15. Which statement best describes critical pathways? A) They determine justifiable differences among clients B) They decrease the amount of paperwork required for reimbursement C) They reduce administrative costs D) They provide a means of standardizing care for clients with similar diagnoses
Ans: D Feedback: Critical pathways are one means of standardizing care for clients with similar diagnoses. The other options are not true statements regarding critical pathways.
18. What do the critics of prospective payment system argue? A) Diagnosis-related groups have not helped to contain rising health care costs B) The system has increased the length of hospital stay C) Services provided under this system have only slightly increased D) On the whole quality of care has declines since its implementation
Ans: D Feedback: Critics of the prospective payment system argue that although DRGs may have helped to contain rising health-care costs, the associated rapid declines in length of hospital stay and services provided have resulted in declines in the quality of care.
8. What is the initial task when organizing a class to prepare nurses to function in the new neonatal ICU? A) Identifying possible learning resources B) Identifying any difference between current and needed skills C) Identifying current level of knowledge D) Identifying the knowledge or skill needed
Ans: D Feedback: Developing a training program starts with identifying the knowledge or skill needed. The other options are relevant but do not have the priority of the correct option.
25. What is the fundamental rational for conducting a disciplinary conference for a staff member who has failed to significantly modify the practice of arriving late for assigned shifts? A) This behavior disrupts the efficiency of the nursing team B) The tardiness is costing the facility money C) This behavior encourages other staff to disregard rules D) The problem will get worse if it is ignored
Ans: D Feedback: Disciplinary problems, if unrecognized or ignored, generally do not go away; they only get worse. The other options are likely outcomes of the staff member's unacceptable behavior but not the fundamental rational for the disciplinary action.
4. Which statement is true regarding depiction of staff positions on an organizational chart? A) They are depicted as unbroken lines B) They are represented by double dotted lines C) They are shown as a solid, vertical line D) They are identified with a dotted line.
Ans: D Feedback: Dotted or broken lines on the organization chart represent staff positions. Formal relationships, lines of communication, and authority are depicted on a chart by unbroken (solid) lines. Double dotted lines are not generally used on an organizational chart.
Which statement is true regarding an economic man style manager? A) Lacks complete knowledge and generates few alternatives B) Makes decisions that may not be ideal but result in solutions that have an adequate outcome C) Makes most management decisions using the administrative man model of decision making D) These managers gather as much information as possible and generate many alternatives
Ans: D Feedback: Economic managers gather as much information as possible and generate many alternatives. Most management decisions are made by using the administrative man model of decision making. The administrative man never has complete knowledge and generates fewer alternatives.
How is the leadership role and management function associated with operational and strategic planning? A) Articulating the unit philosophy in writing B) Assessing unit resources available for planning C) Developing unit policies and procedures that operationalized unit objectives D) Encouraging subordinates to be involved in policy formation
Ans: D Feedback: Encouraging subordinates is a leadership function; the others are management functions. The other options do not achieve this goal.
Which statement regarding ethical decision making is true? A) Outcomes are the basic criterion for evaluating ethical decision making B) Only desirable alternatives are identified when solving ethical dilemmas C) Critical ethical decisions are made quickly so the situation does not worsen D) Accepting some ambiguity and uncertainty are a part of ethical decision making
Ans: D Feedback: Ethical decision makers choose between two or more undesirable alternatives, and because they can use only the information and resources available at the time, they must live with some ambiguity and uncertainty. The remaining options are not true statements regarding the ethical decision-making process.
Which statement best describes ethics? A) How our lives and relationships are led in our reality B) How people make decisions they see as legally and morally appropriate C) The conflict, power, and interdependency associated with the way we live D) What our conduct and actions should be regarding what is right and good
Ans: D Feedback: Ethics is the systematic study of what a person's conduct and actions should be with regard to self, other human beings, and the environment; it is the justification of what is right or good and the study of what a person's life and relationships should be, not necessarily what they are.
Which is a true statement about planning? A) All plans should be defined well so that changes aren't necessary B) Long- and short-range plans should be kept separate so priorities do not become confused C) Objectives and goals must be established before the philosophy is written D) All plans should include reasonable time limits
Ans: D Feedback: Every plan should have a reasonable time span for completion. The other statements are not true regarding the process of planning.
2. Which statement about PCSs is accurate? A) Classification systems are able to solve staffing problems B) Nursing care hours assigned to a classification system should remain constant C) A good classification system is without fault D) Internal and external forces may affect classification systems
Ans: D Feedback: Examples of internal and external forces that may affect a PCS are a sudden increase in nursing or medical students using the unit, a lower skill level of new graduates, or cultural or language difficulties of recently hired foreign nurses. None of the remaining options is totally accurate because of uncontrollable factors.
Which statement concerning nursing leadership functioning at its potential is true? A) The leadership role is most important in nursing today B) Leadership is most important in managing health-care costs C) The most important nursing leadership role is being charismatic D) There is a need to integrate nursing management and nursing leadership
Ans: D Feedback: For managers and leaders to function at their greatest potential, the two roles must be integrated. The other statements are not true.
What is the idea that workers should be hired, trained, and promoted based on their competence and abilities related to? A) Part of the management functions identified by Fayol B) The result of the human relations studies C) The outcome of studies done by Mayo at the Hawthorne Works D) One of the four overriding principles of scientific management
Ans: D Feedback: Frederick Taylor, the ìfather of scientific management,î had the idea that workers should be hired, trained, and promoted based on their competence and abilities. This concept is not associated with any of the other options.
18. What did Gellerman state about most managers in organizations? A) They undermanage subordinates B) They define responsibilities too broadly C) They stretch employees' comfort levels too much D) They fail to give employees sufficient decision-making power
Ans: D Feedback: Gellerman states that most managers in organizations over-manage, making the responsibilities too narrow and failing to give employees any decision-making power or to stretch them often enough.
9. What did the motivational theorist Saul Gellerman argue? A) Individuals should be stretched on a regular basis to increase their productivity and motivation levels B) Stretching should be used as a motivational strategy only for affiliation-oriented individuals C) Stretching should be used as a motivational strategy only when an individual is already demotivated D) Employees should be stretched intermittently to complete tasks more difficult than what they are used to doing
Ans: D Feedback: Gellerman suggested stretching, which involves assigning tasks that are more difficult than what the person is used to doing. Stretching should not, however, be a routine or daily activity. The remaining options are not true statements regarding stretching
Which statement describes an emerging paradigm that is likely to influence strategic planning for health care in the twenty-first century? A) Reduced emphasis on cost containment B) Reduced regulatory oversight of health-care organizations C) A shift from interdependence of health-care professionals to greater autonomy D) A movement from client-as-customer to population-as-customer
Ans: D Feedback: Health services are increasingly being provided to large groups of people, usually defined by employers, through managed care or capitated contracts. The other options do not describe an influential twenty-first-century paradigm.
2. An RN is a supervisor in an organization that has total quality management (TQM) as the backbone of its organizational goals and objectives for quality control. How does the RN practice TQM on the unit? A) Encouraging employees to think of a unit slogan B) Developing a quota system for number of patients cared for C) Explaining to the staff that if it's not broke, don't fix it D) Promoting teamwork rather than individual accomplishments
Ans: D Feedback: In TQM, team efforts are favored over individual accomplishments. Slogans, quota systems, and maintaining the status quo work against quality in this philosophy.
13. What is the best qualitative measurement in determining quality control for marketing? A) Morbidity and mortality rates B) Nursing care hours per patient day C) Average length of stay D) Patient surveys of general satisfaction
Ans: D Feedback: In determining quality control for marketing, the best qualitative measurement would be patient surveys. The other options are not necessarily qualitative measurements.
16. What is the best method for determining the effectiveness of a staff development program for managing IV puncture sites? A) Having class participants evaluate the instructor and the class B) Giving participants an examination or test at the conclusion of the course C) Having a documented decrease in the unit's IV site infections D) Observing staff implement and document the changes recommended
Ans: D Feedback: Instructor evaluation supports effective teaching but not learning of the new skills. Testing someone at the end of educational training does not confirm that the learning changed behavior, which is the primary goal of staff development. There needs to be some method of follow-up to observe whether a behavior change occurred, showing that the education was effective. Observation of the staff will fulfill this need. Having a decrease in IV site infections may or may not be the result of the staff implementing the educational program.
6. What term is used when two or more people have conflict about values or goals? A) Intergroup conflict B) Common control C) Intrapersonal conflict D) Interpersonal conflict
Ans: D Feedback: Interpersonal conflict happens between two or more people with differing values, goals, and beliefs. No other option is used to describe this situation.
25. Which reward is an example of intrinsic motivation? A) The prized locker is awarded to the staff member voted most helpful by their peers B) An extra vacation day is awarded for every 6 months a staff member is call off free. C) The entire staff is treated to a pizza party each time the unit earns a patient satisfaction award D) A staff member is awarded a trip to a nursing conference based on the written request that was submitted
Ans: D Feedback: Intrinsic motivation comes from within the individual. It is driven by a need to improve and be more productive such as attending a nursing conference. Extrinsic motivation is motivation enhanced by the job environment or external rewards. Rewards and reinforcements are given to encourage certain behaviors and/or levels of achievement. The remaining options are examples of extrinsic motivations.
Which ethical framework involves an individualized decision-making framework? A) Duty based B) Rights based C) Utilitarian D) Intuitionist
Ans: D Feedback: Intuitionist states that each case weighed on a case-by-case basis to determine relative goals, duties, and rights. Utilitarian provides the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Duty based is a duty to do something to refrain from doing something. Rightsbased individuals have basic inherent rights that should not be interfered with.
20. Which statement is true concerning the management of an employee who performs at the marginal level? A) Marginal performance is generally a result of employee burnout B) Poor motivation is the most common reason for marginal performance C) Improving skill should be the focus when assisting the marginal employee D) Some marginally performing employees will never improve their function levels
Ans: D Feedback: It is important for the manager to remember that each person and situation is different and that the most appropriate strategy depends on many variables. Looking at past performance will help to determine if the employee is merely burnt out, needs educational or training opportunities, is unmotivated, or just has very little energy and only marginal skills for the job. If the latter is true, then the employee may never become more than a marginal employee, no matter what management functions and leadership skills are brought into play.
11. Which question asked during an interview is acceptable? A) Are you married? B) Have you ever been arrested? C) What is your religious preference? D) What professional organizations do you belong to?
Ans: D Feedback: It is lawful for an interviewer to ask about professional organizations, but the interviewer cannot ask the interviewee to produce a list of all memberships. None of the other options identify an acceptable question.
23. Which role is considered a manager's responsibility related to collective bargaining and unionization? A) Is a role model for fairness B) Is nondiscriminatory in all personal and professional actions C) Actively seeks a culturally and ethnically diverse workforce D) Understands and appropriately implements union contracts
Ans: D Feedback: It is the manager's role to understand and implement union contracts. The other options represent leadership roles.
The practice of allocating organs for transplantation based on a person's ìworth to societyî is an example of what ethical principle for decision making? A) Autonomy B) Beneficence C) Utility D) Justice
Ans: D Feedback: Justice: Seek fairness, treat ìequalsî equally, and treat ìunequalsî according to their differences. Autonomy: Promotes self-determination and freedom of choice. Beneficence: Actions are taken in an effort to promote good. Utility: The good of the many outweighs the wants or needs of the individual.
17. Key principles of managed care include: 1. Nurses as gatekeepers 2. Focus on prevention 3. Decreased emphasis on inpatient hospital care 4. Capitation A) 1, 2, 3 B) 1, 2, 4 C) 1, 3, 4 D) 2, 3, 4
Ans: D Feedback: Key principles of managed care include the use of primary care providers as gatekeepers, a focus on prevention, a decreased emphasis on inpatient hospital care, the use of clinical practice guidelines for providers, selective contracting, capitation, utilization review, the use of formularies to manage pharmacy care, and continuous quality monitoring and improvement.
4. Which is a leadership role in fiscal planning? A) Coordinating the monitoring aspects of budget control B) Accurately assessing personnel needs using agreed-on standards or an established patient classification system C) Assessing the internal and external environment of the organization in forecasting to identify driving forces and barriers to fiscal planning D) Being visionary in identifying short- and long-term unit fiscal needs
Ans: D Feedback: Leaders are visionary; the other roles are management related.
7. Which statement is true regarding long-term-coaching for career development? A) It occurs annually at performance appraisal reviews B) It focuses on employee performance deficits C) It requires the same intensity as a mentoring relationship D) It occurs over the entire employment tenure of an employee
Ans: D Feedback: Long-term coaching should occur over the entire employment of the employee
20. Which characteristics are associated with Magnet hospital status? 1. Centralized environment 2. Open, participatory management 3. Improved patient outcomes 4. Higher staff nurse satisfaction A) 1, 2, 3 B) 1, 2, 4 C) 1, 3, 4 D) 2, 3, 4
Ans: D Feedback: Magnet designation is conferred by the ANCC to health-care organizations exemplifying well-qualified nurse executives in a decentralized environment, with organizational structures that emphasize open, participatory management. Magnet- designated organizations demonstrate improved patient outcomes and higher staff nurse satisfaction than organizations that do not have Magnet status.
Using both a systematic approach and proven ethical tools and technology allows managers to make better decisions and increases the probability that they will feel confident about the decisions they have made. Leadership roles and management functions are involved in management ethics. What is an example of a management function? A) Is self-aware regarding own values and basic beliefs about the rights, duties, and goals of human beings B) Accepts that some ambiguity and uncertainty must be a part of all ethical decision making C) Accepts that negative outcomes occur in ethical decision making despite highquality problem solving and decision making D) Identifies outcomes in ethical decision making that should always be sought or avoided
Ans: D Feedback: Management function identifies outcomes in ethical decision making that should always be sought or avoided. Leadership roles include the following: Is self-aware regarding own values and basic beliefs about the rights, duties, and goals of human beings; accepts that some ambiguity and uncertainty must be a part of all ethical decision making; accepts that negative outcomes occur in ethical decision making despite high-quality problem solving and decision making.
18. What is a management function associated with career development? A) ls self-aware of personal values influencing career r development B) Encourages employees to lake responsibility for their own career planning C) Identifies, encourages, and develops future leaders D) Works cooperatively to arrange intra-organizational transfers
Ans: D Feedback: Management function is to work cooperatively with other departments in arranging for the release of employees to take other positions within the organization. Leadership functions associated with career development are self-aware of personal values influencing career development; encourage employees to take responsibility for their own career planning, and identifies, encourages, and develops future leaders.
20. Training and education are important parts of staff development. Who is responsible for the education and training of staff? A) Preceptor B) Education department C) Manager and preceptor D) Manager and education department
Ans: D Feedback: Managers and education department staff have a shared responsibility for the education and training of staff. It is not the responsibility of the other options.
17. What perspectives must the manager have to see collective bargaining and employment legislation? 1. Government 2. Organization 3. Worker 4. Personal A) 1, 2, 3 B) 1, 2, 4 C) 1, 3, 4 D) 2, 3, 4
Ans: D Feedback: Managers must be able to see collective bargaining and employment legislation from four perspectives: the organization, the worker, general historical and societal, and personal.
16. Using a decision package to aid in fiscal priority setting is a key feature of what type of budgeting? A) Personnel workforce B) Operating C) Capital D) Zero based
Ans: D Feedback: Managers must rejustify their program or needs every budgeting cycle in zero-based budgeting. Among the options available using a decision package to set funding priorities is a key feature of only zero-based budgeting.
10. A registered nurse reports to the nurse-manager that the team's nursing assistant regularly fails to complete assigned tasks. The nurse-manager responds that it is the nurse's responsibility to talk with the nursing assistant about this problem. The manager is engaged in what aspect of conflict? A) Conflict avoidance B) Conflict smoothing C) Encouraging competitive conflict D) Facilitating conflict resolution
Ans: D Feedback: Managers should not intervene in every conflict, but should urge subordinates to handle their own problems. This is an example of supporting conflict resolution. The action of the manager is not reflective of any of the other options.
13. How do managers view their responsibility to discipline staff? A) It is a necessary means for controlling an unmotivated and self-centered workforce B) It is a ìBig stickî that management can use to eliminate behavior that conflicts with organizational goals C) It is a means to assist in the development of self-discipline in an employee D) It is necessary to the organization if established rules are to be enforced
Ans: D Feedback: Managers use discipline to enforce established rules, policies, and procedures. The other options are very limited views regarding discipline.
5. According to McClelland, what does achievement motivation focus on? A) The extrinsic rewards to be acquired B) A need to nurture others C) A need to have legitimate power over others D) The intrinsic need to be successful
Ans: D Feedback: McClelland stated that achievement-oriented people will focus on improving (succeeding) through action. None of the other options have that impact on motivation.
18. Which statement identifies a truth regarding the generally accepted plan for the reentry of the chemically impaired employee into the workplace? A) It is successful in only a small number of cases despite active treatment programs B) It is discouraged by the board of registered nursing C) It should not occur until 3 years after the employee has completed the treatment program D) It often includes an employer requirement that the employee agree to random urine screening on request by the employer
Ans: D Feedback: Most nurses successfully return to work following a treatment program, and this generally takes 1 year. Often, the conditions that the employee has successfully changed his or her lifestyle and will submit to random drug tests must be met before the employee can be allowed to return to work.
Which statement is true regarding the philosophy of nonlinear change theories? A) Change occurs in sequential steps B) Change is predictable C) Change success relies on policies and hierarchies D) Change is necessary because organizational stability is brief
Ans: D Feedback: Most twenty-first-century organizations experience fairly brief periods of stability followed by intense transformation.
Which description best describes the theory behind nonlinear change? A) It occurs in organized steps B) It must have a logical sequence C) It results in equilibrium D) It has unpredictable outcomes
Ans: D Feedback: Nonlinear change states that the dynamics and outcomes of change are always unpredictable. Nonlinear change does not involve the other statements.
11. Which statement regarding a memo is true? A) A memo makes it main point at least twice B) A memo is written using an authoritative format C) Headings are not used in a memo to avoid confusing the reader D) Only essential information is included in a memo
Ans: D Feedback: Only essential information is included in a memo since extraneous information will detract from the message. None of the other options presents correct information concerning a memo.
6. Which activity is a personal responsibility for career management? A) Developing career ladders B) Establishing career paths C) providing challenging assignments D) Developing a career plan
Ans: D Feedback: Only the development of a career plan is the responsibility of the individual. The first 3 choices are management responsibilities.
3. Which statement concerning organizational culture is true? A) It presents how employees perceive an organization B) It defines how power is used by organizations to direct the work of others C) It describes the predictable stages of group and organizational development D) It is a system of symbols, beliefs, values, history, and communication patterns
Ans: D Feedback: Organizational culture is the symbols and beliefs, values, history, and communication patterns of the organization. It differs from organizational climate, which is how the employees perceive the organization. The other options are not relevant to the term organizational culture.
What is represented in a document entitled Fourteen Specific Steps to Successful Intravenous Catheterization at Hospital XYZ? A) Philosophy B) Mission statement C) Policy D) Procedure
Ans: D Feedback: Procedures delineate a series of specific steps of required action. None of the other options is the focus of this document.
An organization has hired six RNs who have recently immigrated to the United States. The manager has noticed they interact very little with other staff, often speaking in their own language during their breaks, although they speak English while on duty. Which intervention would be the most helpful action for the manager to help these new RNs better assimilate? A) Explain to the new nurses the problem that their isolating is causing. B) Arrange to send them to an English language course at the local adult school. C) Ask the established RNs to make an effort to include the new nurses in after-work activities. D) Begin a short sharing session before client report, so all RNs can share information about their cultures and differences in client care.
Ans: D Feedback: Providing an opportunity for both groups of nurses to share their cultural heritage and differences in nursing care is an opportunity to promote acceptance among all members of the staff. It has been established that speaking the language is not a problem since they do so while on duty. Including them in after-work activities may demonstrate willingness on the staff's part but will not address work-related isolation. Merely presenting the problem to the new nurses does not show managing initiative.
5. Which action would be the most likely to result in encouraging evidence-based practice? A) Stress the need to base practice on research findings during orientation of new graduates. B) Include a statement of the need for evidence-based practice in the philosophy. C) Reprimand nurses who do not use research during the annual evaluations. D) Provide a computer program to nurses for access to the latest nursing research.
Ans: D Feedback: Providing available research for the staff is the most concrete action an organization could take to encourage nurses to incorporate research in practice. None of the remaining options provides the staff with the tools to implement or encourage evidence- based practice.
What statement describes the concept of quantum leadership? A) Ability to use emotions effectively that is required by leader-managers in order to enhance their success B) In order to lead, leaders must be true to themselves and their values and act accordingly C) One individual convinces another to consider a new idea, product, or way of looking at things D) The environment and context in which people work is complex and dynamic and that this has a direct impact on organizational productivity
Ans: D Feedback: Quantum leadership suggests that the environment and context in which people work is complex and dynamic and that this has a direct impact on organizational productivity required by leader-managers in order to enhance their success. Authentic leadership suggests that in order to lead, leaders must be true to themselves and their values and act accordingly. Thought leadership refers to any situation whereby one individual convinces another to consider a new idea, product, or way of looking at things.
How is the legal expansion of nursing roles accomplished? A) The expansion of job descriptions in an agency B) Written contracts between the nurse and the client C) A written agreement between the nurse and the physician D) Revision of the Nurse Practice Act
Ans: D Feedback: RN scope of practice is always determined by the Nurse Practice Act and any expansion of roles must occur through legislated changes in that statute. None of the remaining options are sufficient to expand nursing roles legally.
Which action represents a management function in planned change? A) Inspiring group members to be involved in planned change B) Visionary forecasting C) Role modeling high-level interpersonal communication skills in providing support for individuals undergoing rapid or difficult change D) Recognizing the need for planned change and identifying the options and resources available to implement change
Ans: D Feedback: Recognizing the need for planned change and identifying the options and resources available to implement change are management functions; the other choices are leadership functions.
10. Which statement describes both self-power and feminist power? A) The militant express ion of power by assertive women B) The power gained from knowing other powerful people C) The narrowing of the authority gap between nurses and physicians D) Personal awareness that is demonstrated by having power over one's life
Ans: D Feedback: Self-power, sometimes referred to as feminist power, is power over self rather than over other people. The concept of self-power/feminist power is not described accurately by any of the other options.
Goleman in his best seller Emotional Intelligence built upon work in his identification of five components of emotional intelligence. Which component of emotional intelligence is occurring when a person is proficiently handling relationships and building networks? A) Self-regulation B) Motivation C) Empathy D) Social skills
Ans: D Feedback: Social skills: Proficiency in handling relationships and building networks; an ability to find common ground. Self-regulation: The ability to control or redirect disruptive impulses or moods as well as the propensity to suspend judgment. Motivation: A passion to work for reasons that go beyond money or status; a propensity to pursue goals with energy and commitment. Empathy: The ability to understand and accept the emotional makeup of other people.
18. What must staff and scheduling policies not violate? 1. Local laws 2. Labor laws 3. State or national laws 4. Union contracts A) 1, 2, 3 B) 1, 2, 4 C) 1, 3, 4 D) 2, 3, 4
Ans: D Feedback: Staffing and scheduling policies must not violate labor laws, state or national laws, or union contracts.
Which standard of the American Nurses Association (ANA) Scope and Standards for Nurse Administrators suggests that nurse administrators should advocate for subordinates as well as patients? A) II B) III C) IV D) V
Ans: D Feedback: Standard V of the ANA Scope and Standards for Nurse Administrators suggests that nurse administrators should advocate for subordinates as well as patients. This issue is not addressed in the other options.
14. Which organization is actively engaged in clarifying the delegation parameters for RNs? A) American Hospital Association (AMA) B) The federal government C) National League for Nursing (NLN) D) State Boards of Nursing Licensure
Ans: D Feedback: State Boards of Nursing Licensure is responsible for clarifying the delegation parameters for RNs. None of the other options are involved in this process.
9. What managerial action is important when supporting the delegation of a task to a subordinate? A) Always requiring a maximizing quality outcome B) Frequently reassuring the employee that if they are incapable of completing a delegated task, it will be reassigned C) Drafting a preliminary plan of how the task will be redone if the outcome does not meet stated expectations D) Occasionally providing learning or stretching opportunities for employees
Ans: D Feedback: Stretching provides growth opportunities for employees, builds employee self-esteem, and helps prevent boredom and de-motivation. The other options are not actions that are supportive of the staff and the delegation process.
16. Why does membership in the American Nurses Association (ANA) pose a conflict in loyalty for some nurses? A) It fails to support male nurses sufficiently B) Minorities are not represented on its Board of Directors C) Membership is based on years of nursing experience D) It acts as a professional association and a collective bargaining agent
Ans: D Feedback: The ANA acts as a professional association for RNs and a collective bargaining agent. This dual purpose poses a conflict in loyalty to some nurses. The other options are not true statements.
What effect of organizational power on decision making is often reflected in the tendency of staff? A) Making decisions independent of organizational values B) Not trusting others to decide C) Desiring personal power D) Having private beliefs that are separate from corporate ones
Ans: D Feedback: The ability of the powerful to influence individual decision making in an organization often requires adopting a private personality and an organizational personality.
Which activity does a change agent make a commitment to in order to best assure a successful implementation of a change? A) Helping followers arrive at total consensus regarding the change B) Encouraging subgroup opposition to change so many viewpoints can be heard C) Using change by drift if the resistance to change is too strong D) Being available to support those affected by a change until the change is complete
Ans: D Feedback: The change agent needs to offer support to others so that the change occurs. The other options are not as impactful on a successful transition to change.
Which activity associated with the unfreezing state of change will have the greatest impact on the success of the movement stage of the change process? A) Accurate identification of the problem requiring change B) Effective information gathering concerning the problem C) Key personnel voicing their opinions regarding the need for change D) The need for change is perceived by all those affected by the problem
Ans: D Feedback: The change agent should not proceed to the movement stage until the status quo has been disrupted and the need for change is perceived by the others. While the other options will affect the process, perception of the need to change by all affected by the change is the most impactful of the options provided.
5. Which principle is key in resumes' construction? A) Emphasize strong and weak points equally B) Be at least four to five pages in length C) Reflect complex, scholarly language D) Be concise and easy to read
Ans: D Feedback: The content of a resume should be able to be grasped quickly by the individual doing the hiring, so conciseness and readability are of key importance.
10. What does the employee's signature on the performance appraisal form denote? A) The employee agrees with everything written on the form B) The employee objects to what is written on the form C) The employee agrees that a merit raise is due D) The employee has read the appraisal information
Ans: D Feedback: The employee's signature on the performance appraisal form denotes that the employee has received and read the appraisal information. The signature does not mean that the employee agrees with or disagrees with the appraisal.
What needs to be considered in evaluating the quality of one's decisions? A) Is evaluation necessary when using a good decision-making model? B) Can evaluation be eliminated if the problem is resolved? C) Will the effectiveness of the decision maker be supported? D) Will the evaluation be helpful in increasing one's decision-making skills?
Ans: D Feedback: The evaluation phase is necessary to find out more about one's ability as a decision maker and to find out where the decision making was faulty.
4. What is the process involved in progressive discipline? A) A written warning precedes verbal warnings B) Formal warnings are followed up with informal warnings C) Written warnings are advocated only in the most serious of offenses D) The initial step is the delivery of a verbal warning by the manager
Ans: D Feedback: The first step of the progressive disciplinary process is an informal reprimand or verbal warning. This reprimand is followed by a formal reprimand or written warning when the behavior has not been changed.
Which statement about situational or contingency leadership theory is correct? A) High relationship behavior is much more essential to a good manager than high task behavior B) This leadership model is effective in bureaucratic organizations because it is task focused C) Management should be consistent in different situations so workers understand what is expected of them D) The leadership style chosen by a manager should reflect the task/relationship behavior of those being managed
Ans: D Feedback: The idea that leadership style should vary according to the situation or the individuals involved was first suggested almost 100 years ago by Mary Parker Follett, one of the earliest management consultants and among the first to view an organization as a social system of contingencies. The other options present statements that are incorrect.
6. Equipment depreciation, the number and type of supplies needed by patients, and overtime that occurs in response to an emergency are all examples of what type of expenses? A) Controllable B) Fixed C) Capital budget D) Noncontrollable
Ans: D Feedback: The items mentioned are noncontrollable as these cannot be controlled or fixed and are not parts of capital costs.
17. The manager should have a well-developed, planned system for career development for all employees . What should be included in this program ? I . Policies communicated to administrators 2. Appropriate use of transfers 3. How promotions are handled 4. Long-term coaching A) 1,2,3 B) 1, 2, 4 C) 1, 3, 4 D) 2, 3, 4
Ans: D Feedback: The manager should have a well-developed , planned system for a career development for all employees; this system should include the appropriate use of transfers, how promotions are to be handled, and long-term coaching. These policies should be fair and communicated effectively to all employees.
What is an ethical dilemma? A) A problem that can be solved using empirical data B) A situation that has clearly delineated facts for decision making C) A problem that when handled effectively has a mutually agreed-upon solution D) A situation that requires choosing between two or more undesirable alternatives
Ans: D Feedback: The most difficult of all moral issues is termed a moral or ethical dilemma, which may be described as being forced to choose between two or more undesirable alternatives. The problem is not generally solved with a solution that is mutually satisfying nor does it lend itself to empirical or delineated facts.
18. What should the leader remember when forming committees? A) Committees work best when there is an adequate supply of workers, with 10 members being the minimum B) Willingness to work hard is the most important criterion for appointment C) Written agendas provide excessive structure and stifle committee creativity D) There should be sufficient expertise among committee members to accomplish the assigned task
Ans: D Feedback: The most important criterion for committee selection is overall adequate expertise to accomplish the agenda. The remaining options are not as relevant as the correct option.
2. Which statement about power is correct? A) It is a finite quality and, once gained, is very difficult to lose B) It is destructively manipulative but is necessary for effective management C) Women generally view power more positively than do men D) Having power generally results in the gain of additional power
Ans: D Feedback: The only true statement here is that power is likely 10 bring more power in an ascending cycle, whereas powerlessness often generates more powerlessness.
19. What cultural phenomena must be considered for the biopsychosocial differences between racial and ethnic groups that have susceptibility to disease and physiologic differences? A) Space B) Social organization C) Environmental control D) Biologic variations
Ans: D Feedback: The phenomenon Biologic variations refers to the biopsychosocial differences between racial and ethnic groups, such as susceptibility to disease and physiologic differences. None of the other options are associated with managing these differences.
The only treatment alternative left for a patient diagnosed with advanced cancer is a rare, highly experimental bone marrow transfusion with a 10% success rate. The insurance company refuses to authorize payment for the $200,000 procedure, arguing that the money could be better spent providing well-baby screening for 2,000 residents in the service area. What does this decision by the insurance company reflect? A) Unethical conduct B) Maleficence C) Paternalism D) Utility
Ans: D Feedback: The principle of utility states that what is best for the common good outweighs what is best for the individual. There is no indication of unethical or maleficence behavior on the part of the insurance company. Paternalism would be characterized by the insurance company making treatment decision without the patient having input.
5. What should the interviewer do to increase the reliability and validity of an interview? A) Conduct single, rather than multiple, interviews B) Trust his or her first impressions of an applicant C) Avoid taking notes during the interview D) Develop a structured interview format
Ans: D Feedback: The same structured interview should be used for all employees applying for the same job classification. None of the other options identify an appropriate technique.
1. Which action is an accepted tactic when engaged in a negotiation? A) Being willing to win at any cost B) Communicating only when asked direct questions C) Compromising only as a last resort D) Beginning with a high but realistic expectation
Ans: D Feedback: The selected starting point in negotiations should be at the upper limits of the negotiator's expectations, within reason. However, negotiators must realize they may have to come down to a lesser goal. The other options are not reflective of accepted tactics used in successful negotiations.
25. A nurse sits at the foot of a patient's bed during an admission interview. This positioning supports the proxemics concept of which psychological comfort zone? A) Intimate relationships B) Personal interactions C) Social exchange D) Public distance
Ans: D Feedback: The study of how space and territory affect communication is called proxemics. In the United States, between 0 and 18 inches of space is typically considered appropriate only for intimate relationships; between 18 inches and 4 feet is appropriate for personal interactions; between 4 and 12 feet is common for social exchanges; and more than 12 feet is a public distance (Loo). Most Americans claim a territorial personal space of about 4 feet.
17. Who bears the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the nursing care provided by team members meets or exceeds minimum safety standards? A) The patient's primary healthcare provider B) The facility's Director of Nursing C) The unit's nursing manager D) The team's RN
Ans: D Feedback: The team's RN always bears the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the nursing care provided by his or her team members meets or exceeds minimum safety standards. This is not the role of any of the other positions mentioned.
2. What did motivational theorist Victor Vroom state? A) Personal motivators could be separated from job satisfiers B) People are motivated by three basic needs: achievement, affiliation, and power C) A manager's assumptions about workers directly affect the intrinsic motivation of the workers D) Employees' expectations about their work environment or a certain event will affect their behavior
Ans: D Feedback: This theory is called Vroom's expectancy model.
One of the nurses on the unit said, ìMale patients have a low threshold for pain.î This is an example of what type of illogical thinking? A) Affirming the consequences B) Arguing from analogy C) Deductive reasoning D) Overgeneralizing
Ans: D Feedback: This type of ìcrookedî thinking occurs when one believes that because A has a particular characteristic, every other A also has the same characteristic. This kind of thinking is exemplified when stereotypical statements are used to justify arguments and decisions.
14. What is the manager's role when dealing with employees who break the rules? A) To terminate their employment B) To be a good listener C) To act as counselor D) To ensure organizational goals are met
Ans: D Feedback: To act as coach and supporter, counselor, or good listener could be enabling to the employee who breaks the rules. The manager should be humanistic, however, and not scold or blame. Not all situations would result in employment termination.
9. Which statement most accurately describes how discipline in a unionized organization may vary from one that is nonunionized? A) Nonunionized organizations require a demonstration of just cause, whereas unionized organizations do not B) Discipline in nonunionized organizations tends to entail more procedural, legalistic safeguards than unionized organizations C) Only unionized organizations have grievance procedures D) Unionized employees must generally be disciplined according to specific steps and penalties within an established time frame
Ans: D Feedback: Unionized employees must generally be disciplined according to specific, pre- established steps and penalties within an established time frame. The remaining options do not accurately describe unionized organizational discipline procedures.
Why do our values often cause personal conflict in decision making? A) Some values are not realistic or healthy B) Not all values are of equal worth C) Our values remain unchanged over time D) Our values often collide with one another
Ans: D Feedback: Values, life experience, individual preference, and individual ways of thinking will influence a person's decision making. No matter how objective the criteria will be, value judgments will always play a part in a person's decision making, either consciously or subconsciously.
12. How can the RN best teach a patient how to self-administer insulin? A) Schedule a long, uninterrupted session B) Explain the most complicated part first C) Use a dynamic lecture technique D) Teach in short, frequent sessions
Ans: D Feedback: When learning motor skills, spaced practice is more effective than massed practice. The other options would be less effective.
19. When work is redesigned, it frequently has consequences for employees that must be considered. What consequences must be considered? 1. Professional interactions 2. Degree of autonomy 3. Employee evaluation 4. Communication patterns A) 1, 2, 3 B) 1, 2, 4 C) 1, 3, 4 D) 2, 3, 4
Ans: D Feedback: When work is redesigned, it frequently has personal consequences for employees that must be considered. Social interactions, the degree of autonomy, the abilities and skills necessary, employee evaluation, and communication patterns are often affected by work redesign.
6. What is the relationship between an employee and a role model? A) Active B) Nonverbal C) Encouraged by the role model D) Passive
Ans: D Feedback: The relationship between an employee and a role model is passive in that the role model does not actively seek the emulation of the employee.
