NURS 190 PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT FINAL EXAM 2 LATEST VERSIONS 2024-2025 REAL EXAM 200 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS|AGRADE

During a hiring interview, which response by a nursing applicant should indicate that the applicant operates from an ethical egoism framework? A. "I would want to be treated in a caring manner if I were mentally ill." B. "This job will pay the bills, and the workload is light enough for me." C. "I will be happy caring for the mentally ill. Working in Med/Surg kills my back." D. "It is my duty in life to be a psychiatric nurse. It is the right thing to do."

ANS: B. "This job will pay the bills, and the workload is light enough for me." The applicant's comment reflects an ethical egoism framework. This framework promotes the idea that decisions are made based on what is good for the individual and may not take the needs of others into account.

Which client should a nurse identify as a potential candidate for involuntary commitment? A. A client living under a bridge in a cardboard box B. A client threatening to commit suicide C. A client who never bathes and wears a wool hat in the summer D. A client who eats waste out of a garbage can

ANS: B. A client threatening to commit suicide. The nurse should identify the client threatening to commit suicide as eligible for involuntary commitment. The suicidal client who refuses treatment is a danger to self and requires emergency treatment.

Which is an example of an intentional tort? A. A nurse fails to assess a client's obvious symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome. B. A nurse physically places an irritating client in four-point restraints. C. A nurse makes a medication error and does not report the incident. D. A nurse gives patient information to an unauthorized person.

ANS: B. A nurse physically places an irritating client in four-point restraints. A tort is a violation of civil law in which an individual has been wronged and can be intentional or unintentional. A nurse who physically places an irritating client in restraints has touched the client without consent and has committed an intentional tort.

Recruiting among the emerging work force (18 to 35 year olds) is a challenge for healthcare agencies. Marketing brochures should address the leadership and vision of the healthcare agency. Which of the following workplace environments will attract applicants in the emerging work force? a. A highly professional environment b. A nurturing and receptive environment c. An environment highlighted by lots of meetings, so staff members can have lots of input d. A totally online environment, so staff members will not have to interface with uncaring colleagues

ANS: B. A nurturing and receptive environment A study of student nurses who represent this age-group indicates that they want a leader who is receptive, approachable, a team player, and motivating.

Group therapy is strongly encouraged, but not mandatory, on an inpatient psychiatric unit. The unit manager's policy is that clients can make a choice about whether or not to attend group therapy. Which ethical principle does the unit manager's policy preserve? A. Justice B. Autonomy C. Veracity D. Beneficence

ANS: B. Autonomy The unit manager's policy regarding voluntary client participation in group therapy preserves the ethical principle of autonomy. The principle of autonomy presumes that individuals are capable of making independent decisions for themselves and that health-care workers must respect these decisions.

16. Decision making is described by the nursing educator as the process one uses to: a. Solve a problem. b. Choose between alternatives. c. Reflect on a certain situation. d. Generate ideas.

ANS: B. Choose between alternatives. The hallmark of decision making is choosing among options. Generating options is one phase of decision making, and solving a problem refers to problem solving, which is problem centered. Decision making does not always begin with problems, but rather is defined as a purposeful, goal-directed effort that uses a systematic process to choose among options. REF: Page 101 TOP: AONE competency: Leadership

In response to a student's question regarding choosing a psychiatric specialty, a charge nurse states, "Mentally ill clients need special care. If I were in that position, I'd want a caring nurse also." From which ethical framework is the charge nurse operating? A. Kantianism B. Christian ethics C. Ethical egoism D. Utilitarianism

ANS: B. Christian ethics The charge nurse is operating from a Christian ethics framework. The imperative demand of Christian ethics is to treat others as moral equals by permitting them to act as we do when they occupy a position similar to ours. Kantianism states that decisions should be made based on moral law and that actions are bound by a sense of moral duty. Utilitarianism holds that decisions should be made focusing on the end result being happiness. Ethical egoism promotes the idea that what is right is good for the individual.

4. During a fire drill, several psychiatric patients become agitated. The nurse manager quickly assigns a staff member to each patient. This autocratic decision style is most appropriate for: a. Routine problems. b. Crisis situations. c. Managers who prefer a "telling" style. d. Followers who cannot agree on a solution.

ANS: B. Crisis situations. An autocratic style is appropriate when rapid decision making is required, such as in a crisis situation. REF: Page 103 | Page 104 TOP: AONE competency: Leadership

Which of the following nurses is MOST likely to inspire others to do their best? a. Nancy, RN, is an individual who enjoys details and organization. She regularly leaves notes for the next shift about what has been done incorrectly or omitted. b. Jim, RN, has been involved in nursing for several years and is well liked by patients and families. He continually searches for new knowledge and skills, and his sense of humor and optimism are infectious. c. Clara has been the head nurse on Unit 3Y for years. She is quiet but enjoys patients and their families. She has not been to a conference in years because the unit is her entire life. d. Karen is a team leader. She is extraordinarily vigilant about ensuring that everyone is treated fairly in assignments. She is also very conscientious about care and regularly checks up on what everyone is doing to ensure that it is done correctly.

ANS: B. Jim, RN, has been involved in nursing for several years and is well liked by patients and families. He continually searches for new knowledge and skills, and his sense of humor and optimism are infectious. To be inspired, people must have a positive leader who radiates energy, a zest for learning, and an interest in the common good, and is engaged in self-renewal. This leader is hopeful and optimistic. Leaders, not managers, inspire others to work to their highest level.

The experience of being physically restrained can be traumatic. Which nursing intervention would best help the client deal with this experience? A. Administering a tranquilizing medication before applying the restraints B. Talking to the client at brief but regular intervals while the client is restrained C. Decreasing stimuli by leaving the client alone most of the time D. Checking on the client infrequently, in order to meet documentation requirements

ANS: B. Talking to the client at brief but regular intervals while the client is restrained Restraints are never to be used as punishment or for the convenience of the staff. Connecting with the client by maintaining communication during the period of restraint will help the client recognize this intervention as a therapeutic treatment versus a punishment.

In the situation presented, which nursing intervention constitutes false imprisonment? A. The client is combative and will not redirect stating, "No one can stop me from leaving." The nurse seeks the physician's order after the client is restrained. B. The client has been consistently seeking the attention of the nurse much of the day. The nurse institutes seclusion. C. A psychotic client, admitted in an involuntary status, runs off the psychiatric unit. The nurse runs after the client and the client agrees to return. D. A client hospitalized as an involuntary admission attempts to leave the unit. The nurse calls the security team and they prevent the client from leaving.

ANS: B. The client has been consistently seeking the attention of the nurse much of the day. The nurse institutes seclusion. False imprisonment is the deliberate and unauthorized commitment of a person within fixed limits by the use of verbal or physical means. Seclusion should only be used in an emergency situation to prevent harm after least restrictive means have been unsuccessfully attempted.

Which situation exemplifies both assault and battery? A. The nurse becomes angry, calls the client offensive names, and withholds treatment. B. The nurse threatens to "tie down" the client and then does so against the client's wishes. C. The nurse hides the client's clothes and medicates the client to prevent elopement. D. The nurse restrains the client without just cause and communicates this to family.

ANS: B. The nurse threatens to "tie down" the client and then does so against the client's wishes. The nurse in this situation has committed both assault and battery. Assault refers to an action that results in fear and apprehension that the person will be touched without consent. Battery is the touching of another person without consent.

20. John Smith, one of three managers at BSG Labs, drafted a policy that would allow his department to do more testing in his lab. This policy included the times for regular collection as well as a new process for emergency laboratory testing. The policy and procedures were never followed. The reason was that: a. The policy was too lengthy and inundated readers with too much detail. b. The policy made decisions for other departments in the company. c. The staff did not believe that the new policy would be effective. d. Testing should not be done in the lab.

ANS: B. The policy made decisions for other departments in the company. Two primary criteria make for effective decisions. First, the decision must be of a high quality; that is, it achieves the predefined goals, objectives, and outcomes. Second, those who are responsible for its implementation must accept the decision. Higher-quality decisions are more likely to result if groups are involved in the decision-making and problem-solving process. Taking ownership of the process and outcome provides a smoother transition in changes. REF: Page 105 TOP: AONE competency: Leadership

Kari, a head nurse on the dialysis unit, has been informed during budget planning meetings that budget cuts are likely. She discusses this at the next unit meeting and tells staff members that unless they do their jobs well, their positions may be terminated, and there will be no replacement. Kari is enacting which management style? a. Transformational b. Transactional c. Trusting d. Truthful

ANS: B. Transactional Transactional leaders tend to rely on position and power, and they tend to reward and punish according to performance and conformity with expectations.

10. An outpatient surgery manager is evaluating infusion pumps for the operating room. The manager should: a. Select the least expensive brand. b. Use a decision-making tool to evaluate brands. c. Ask the nursing staff which brand they prefer. d. Select the vendor the institution usually buys from.

ANS: B. Use a decision-making tool to evaluate brands. Decision-making tools such as decision grids and SWOT analyses are most appropriate when information is available and options are known. REF: Page 108 | Page 109 TOP: AONE competency: Knowledge of the Health Care Environment

The new head nurse on G Unit has been the subject of a great deal of discussion and complaining during breaks. She is a competent nurse of tremendous integrity with approximately 30 years' experience. Her predominant method of problem solving and communication is through meetings, which can go over the allotted time. The staff may: a. be represented by a high number of Baby Boomers. b. be presenting different generational values and attitudes than the head nurse. c. be unresponsive to her transactional leadership style. d. want a leader rather than a manager.

ANS: B. be presenting different generational values and attitudes than the head nurse. Leaders who come out of the Baby Boomer generation may be more comfortable with collective action than followers who come out of the Emerging Work force generation, who are more comfortable with interactions if they are seen as having value for them and with activities if they are seen as having benefit. A group that is highly weighted toward the Emerging Work force generation may find the approach of a leader who is part of the Baby Boomer generation frustrating and may not understand the meaning or value of the meetings.

A group of managers is meeting to discuss ideas related to the successful implementation of evidence-based practice on their units. Susan has been asked by the director of care to assume leadership of these discussion groups. After two such sessions, Susan expresses disappointment to her mentor that the group seems disinterested in her ideas and that they are listening to Ken, who has much less experience with leadership. In discussing this with Susan, the mentor understands that leadership: a. is a designated role. b. must be earned. c. is more likely to be taken by someone who is more talkative. d. rarely is taken over by someone with less experience.

ANS: B. must be earned A person can have an impressive title, but title or designation does not make the person a leader. A leader must have the ability to inspire others to follow.

The Sunny long-term care facility has experienced numerous difficulties with staff relationships, despite its success in maintaining financial viability and judicious use of resources. Staff members complain that the primary concerns of the facility include applying policy, saving money, and ensuring that lawsuits are avoided. There is little trust in, and involvement of, staff members. This facility may be: a. well managed and well led. b. overly managed and not well led. c. poorly managed and well led. d. overly led and overly managed.

ANS: B. overly managed and not well led This organization is concerned primarily with coordination of resources, application of current policy, and economic issues connected to the present. These behaviors are consistent with the management role. There is little evidence that the organization displays leadership, which involves trust, belief, hope, and vision.

The nurse manager in the Emergency Department needs to implement new staffing patterns. As a transformational leader, the nurse manager would: a. explain in detail how well the new idea will work. b. reinforce how this change will respond to the ideas and solutions generated by staff members. c. reason with staff members that the new idea will save money and allow more free time. d. imply that raises will be smaller than anticipated if the new idea is not accepted.

ANS: B. reinforce how this change will respond to the ideas and solutions generated by staff members. Transformational leadership inspires and motivates others through influence and persuasion rather than through rewards (e.g., free time) and punishment (e.g., smaller raises). This type of leader listens to the views of others (such as those of the staff members), empowers others to lead (such as in generating solutions for staffing problems), finds ways to remove barriers, and serves as an advocate for those who care for patients.

The style of leadership that Kari is exhibiting is likely to: a. ensure that the organization is financially stable. b. stifle innovative thinking about ways to move out of financial jeopardy. c. lead to apathy and disinterest in the organizational goals. d. lead to decreased attrition of staff on her unit.

ANS: B. stifle innovative thinking about ways to move out of financial jeopardy. Whether or not the organization achieves financial stability is a function of financial envisioning and planning, but the style of leadership (transactional) that Kari is demonstrating is likely maintaining the status quo within the organization, without generating creative and innovative ideas to address the financial issues. Staff commitment is low to stable, and conformity to organizational goals is motivated by external rewards.

A nurse executive who considers herself a Baby Boomer will have the challenge of convincing the emerging work force of the necessity of committee meetings. One of the primary reasons that the Baby Boom generation appears to have so many meetings in the work environment is that: a. they feel more comfortable in a group. b. they find that the journey to the solution is as important as the solution itself. c. they were deprived of collective action opportunities in the past and now feel that solutions are better when many people have input. d. Baby Boomers are aging and need the respite from work that meetings offer, so they can recuperate from the physical demands of the work environment.

ANS: B. they find that the journey to the solution is as important as the solution itself. Baby Boomers mistrust authority and trust in collective action, based on successes with social movements in their formative years.

A client is concerned that information given to the nurse remains confidential. Which is the nurse's best response? A. "Your information is confidential. It will be kept just between you and I." B. "I will share the information with staff members only with your approval." C. "If the information impacts your care, I will need to share it with the treatment team." D. "You can make the decision whether your physician needs this information or not."

ANS: C. "If the information impacts your care, I will need to share it with the treatment team." Basic to the psychiatric client's hospitalization is his or her right to confidentiality and privacy. When admitted to an inpatient psychiatric facility, a client gives implied consent for information to be shared with health-care workers specifically involved in the client's care.

A nursing instructor is presenting content on the provisions of the nurse practice act as it relates to their state. Which student statement indicates a need for further instruction? A. "The nurse practice act provides a list of definitions of important terms including the definition of nursing." B. "The nurse practice act lists education requirements for licensure and reciprocity." C. "The nurse practice act contains detailed statements that describe the scope of practice for registered nurses (RNs)." D. "The nurse practice act lists the general authority and powers of the state board of nursing."

ANS: C. "The nurse practice act contains detailed statements that describe the scope of practice for registered nurses (RNs)." The nurse practice act contains broad, not detailed, statements that describe the scope of practice for various levels of nursing (APN, RN, LPN), not just for the RN. This student statement indicates a need for further instruction.

The nursing staff is discussing the concept of competency. Which information about competency should a nurse recognize as true? A. Competency is determined with a client's compliance with treatment. B. Refusal of medication can initiate an incompetency hearing leading to forced medications. C. A competent client has the ability to make reasonable judgments and decisions. D. Competency is a medical determination made by the client's physician.

ANS: C. A competent client has the ability to make reasonable judgments and decisions. A competent individual's cognition is not impaired to an extent that would interfere with decision making.

The hospital administration is discussing the possibility of closing hospital beds in your unit because of a nursing shortage and the increased amount of overtime required to care for patients. As the leader on the unit, which of the following examples best demonstrates your transformational leadership style? a. Your entire staff walks out on strike. b. Your staff sends an ultimatum to the clinic director demanding higher pay. c. A group of your staff members goes to the administration to propose closing of a different unit. d. A group of your staff members goes to the administration to request that they be allowed to work the overtime hours.

ANS: C. A group of your staff members goes to the administration to propose closing of a different unit. Commitment to the vision that has been created is seen in the ability of the leader to influence, motivate, and persuade others. The transformational leader can motivate employees by encouragement of novel, innovative thinking. True transformational leadership as occurring when the leader is able to motivate followers to create new ways to problem solve and manage the changes together.

Which situation reflects the ethical principle of veracity? A. A nurse provides a client with outpatient resources to benefit recovery. B. A nurse refuses to give information to a physician who is not responsible for the client's care. C. A nurse tricks a client into seclusion by asking the client to carry linen to the seclusion room. D. A nurse treats all of the clients equally regardless of illness severity.

ANS: C. A nurse tricks a client into seclusion by asking the client to carry linen to the seclusion room. The nurse who tricks a client into seclusion has violated the ethical principle of veracity. The principle of veracity refers to one's duty to always be truthful and not intentionally deceive or mislead clients.

6. To solve a problem, the nurse manager understands that the most important problem-solving step is: a. The implementation phase. b. Identification of numerous solutions. c. Accurate identification of the problem. d. Evaluation of the effectiveness of problem resolution.

ANS: C. Accurate identification of the problem. To proceed effectively, it is important to determine if a problem exists and to accurately identify a problem. Failure to resolve problems is most often linked to improper identification of the problem. REF: Page 109 | Page 110 TOP: AONE competency: Knowledge of the Health Care Environment

There is one bed available on an inpatient psychiatric unit. For which client should a nurse advocate emergency commitment? A. An individual who is persistently mentally ill and evicted from an apartment B. An individual treated in the emergency department (ED) for generalized anxiety disorder C. An individual who is delusional and has a plan to kill his wife D. An individual who rates mood 4/10 and is participating in a no-harm safety plan

ANS: C. An individual who is delusional and has a plan to kill his wife The criteria for involuntary emergency commitment include danger to self and/or others. Of the four clients considered, the client who is delusional and has a plan to kill his wife meets this criterion as a danger to others.

Ali, an RN on your unit, is consistently late to work and makes remarks such as "Do you really want me to do that?" when patients and care are assigned to her. You have spoken with her frequently about her: a. Ability. b. Skills. c. Attitude. d. Personal issues.

ANS: C. Attitude. Hersey and Blanchard explained followership in terms of ability and willingness. Attitude refers to willingness or reluctance to perform work.

11. Select the statement that best defines the difference between problem solving and decision making: a. Decision-making skills require critical thinking; problem-solving skills do not. b. Problem-solving skills require critical thinking; decision-making skills do not. c. Decision making is a goal-directed effort; problem solving is focused on solving an immediate problem. d. Problem solving is a goal-directed effort; decision making is focused on solving an immediate problem.

ANS: C. Decision making is a goal-directed effort; problem solving is focused on solving an immediate problem. Problem solving is focused on solving immediate problems, whereas decision making is a goal-directed process that is aimed at selecting appropriate actions from among options. Not all decisions begin with a problem. REF: Page 101 TOP: AONE competency: Leadership

3. Several nurses on an adolescent psychiatric unit complain that the teens are becoming unmanageable on the 0700-1900 shift. To resolve this problem, the nurse manager decides that the staff should have a brainstorming session. The goal of brainstorming is to: a. Evaluate problem solutions. b. Critique the ideas of others. c. Generate as many solutions as possible. d. Identify only practical and realistic ideas.

ANS: C. Generate as many solutions as possible. Brainstorming encourages creativity when one is beginning to problem-solve and avoids premature shutting down of ideas through early evaluation. The goal is to generate ideas, no matter how seemingly unrealistic or absurd. REF: Page 106 | Page 107 TOP: AONE competency: Communication and Relationship-Building

21. High-quality decisions are most likely to be made in nursing situations when: a. Team leaders make the crucial decisions. b. Individuals are advised of the problems. c. Group size is neither too small nor too large. d. Members are passively involved.

ANS: C. Group size is neither too small nor too large. Research has shown that group size is important. Too small a group means a limited number of options generated. Too large a group can mean lack of structure or lack of meaningful discussion. REF: Page 105 TOP: AONE competency: Leadership

15. From the information supplied in this chapter, which statement best defines critical thinking? Critical thinking is a: a. High-level cognitive process. b. Process that helps to develop reflective criticism for the purpose of reaching a conclusion. c. High-level cognitive process that includes creativity, problem solving, and decision making. d. Discussion that guides the nursing process.

ANS: C. High-level cognitive process that includes creativity, problem solving, and decision making. It is generally accepted by many authors and researchers that this statement best defines critical thinking. REF: Page 101 | Page 102 TOP: AONE competency: Business Skills

17. Justin is a nurse manager in a rehabilitation unit in a small urban center. There is a high turnover rate among rehab-assistants because of the heavy work assignments. Despite his need for staff, Justin decides to review each application thoroughly and interview candidates carefully because he recognizes that it is important to hire staff who can best provide high-quality care and who will fit well with the team. Which of the following decision-making models did Justin use in making his decision? a. Subjective model b. Objective model c. Optimizing model d. Satisficing model

ANS: C. Optimizing model Optimizing is a decision style in which the decision maker selects the option that is best, based on an analysis of the pros and cons associated with each option. A better decision is more likely when using this approach, although it takes longer to arrive at a decision. REF: Page 103 TOP: AONE competency: Business Skills

A brother calls to speak to his sister who has been admitted to the psychiatric unit. The nurse connects him to the community phone and the sister is summoned. Later the nurse realizes that the brother was not on the client's approved call list. What law has the nurse broken? A. The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Act B. The Tarasoff Ruling C. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act D. The Good Samaritan Law

ANS: C. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act The nurse has violated the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) by revealing that the client had been admitted to the psychiatric unit. The nurse should not have provided any information without proper consent from the client.

A client who will be receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) must provide informed consent. Which situation should cause a nurse to question the validity of the informed consent? A. The client is paranoid. B. The client is 87 years old. C. The client incorrectly reports his or her spouse's name, date, and time of day. D. The client relies on his or her spouse to interpret the information.

ANS: C. The client incorrectly reports his or her spouse's name, date, and time of day The nurse should question the validity of informed consent when the client incorrectly reports the spouse's name, date, and time of day. This indicates that this client is disoriented and may not be competent to make informed choices.

A client diagnosed with schizophrenia refuses to take medication, citing the right of autonomy. Under which circumstance would a nurse have the right to medicate the client against the client's wishes? A. When the client makes inappropriate sexual innuendos to a staff member B. When the client constantly demands inappropriate attention from the nurse C. When the client physically attacks another client after being confronted in group therapy D. When the client refuses to bathe or perform hygienic activities

ANS: C. When the client physically attacks another client after being confronted in group therapy. The nurse would have the right to medicate a client against his or her wishes if the client physically attacks another client. This client poses a significant risk to safety and is incapable of making rational choices. The client's refusal to accept treatment can be challenged because the client is endangering the safety of others.

To retain supervisory staff members, the director of nursing develops a mentoring program. The best person to be a mentor for a new supervisor in a leadership position is someone who has: a. been in the same position and can relate to the new supervisor's problems. b. had vast leadership opportunities and likes to talk about his or her past experiences. c. leadership experience and time to spend communicating with the new supervisor about his or her experiences. d. people who can help the new supervisor get what he or she needs to make the organization grow quickly and prosper in the process.

ANS: C. leadership experience and time to spend communicating with the new supervisor about his or her experiences. Mentors need to have experience and some success in the leadership area of interest, as well as interest in the future development of the novice. The mentor can be geographically distant or close and able to provide advice and feedback.

As the clinical director of 24 employees, you have been asked to explain to staff members why they are not getting a raise this year, even though they have been working short-handed for many months and patient satisfaction scores have never been higher. Because you believe yourself to be a transformational leader, you will approach this problem by: a. telling the assistant clinical director and asking her to share the bad news with the other staff members. b. posting a note on the bulletin board that includes the phone number of the chief nursing officer, so anyone who has complaints may express them. c. showing staff members the budget and asking for input about how to cut costs so that raises will be possible in the future. d. meeting with a small group of seasoned staff members and asking them how to break the news.

ANS: C. showing staff members the budget and asking for input about how to cut costs so that raises will be possible in the future. Transformational leadership involves engaging those being led and inspiring shared vision in moving toward a goal that all will accept as desirable. This involves enabling and empowering others to believe that their input and effort will make a difference in solving problems.

8. In a rural hospital, the unit for which you are charge nurse has a particularly busy morning. A 52-year-old patient is complaining of left-sided chest pain and a multiparous patient is about to deliver. A child with asthma is experiencing early signs of an attack. The other RN on the unit is a recent graduate who has not yet been orientated to the labor room and has limited cardiac nursing experience. An unregulated assistant is also available. You must decide which patient situation you will take and where the RN's skills can best be used. Given the limitations in skills and experience, number of staff available, and time constraints, you must make a decision that involves: a. A higher-order thinking process. b. Selecting the best option for reaching a predefined goal. c. Optimizing. d. Satisficing.

ANS: D With this approach, the decision maker selects an acceptable solution, one that may minimally meet the objective or standard for a decision. This approach allows for quick decisions and may be the most appropriate when lack of time is an issue. REF: Page 103 TOP: AONE competency: Knowledge of the Health Care Environment

Which is an accurate description of a common law? A. A common law would be invoked to deal with a nurse who, without justification, threatens a client with restraints. B. A common law would be invoked to deal with a nurse who touches a client without the client's consent. C. A common law would be invoked to deal with a hospital employee who steals drugs, hospital equipment, or both. D. A common law would be invoked to deal with a nurse's refusal to provide care for a specific client.

ANS: D. A common law would be invoked to deal with a nurse's refusal to provide care for a specific client. Common laws apply to a body of principles that evolve from court decisions resolving various controversies. Common law may vary from state to state. Assault (threats) and battery (touch) are governed by civil law. Stealing is governed by criminal law.

7. A clinic nurse has observed another nurse deviating from agency policy in performing wound care. The best approach for the clinic nurse to take is to: a. Stay out of it. b. Inform the nursing supervisor. c. Fill out a notification form (incident report). d. Assess the risk to the client and the agency before proceeding.

ANS: D. Assess the risk to the client and the agency before proceeding. If the situation is subjective, non-routine, and unstructured or if outcomes are unknown or unpredictable, the nurse leader and manager may need to take a descriptive or behavioral approach. More information (such as degree of risk to the client and to the agency) needs to be gathered to address this situation effectively. REF: Page 103 TOP: AONE competency: Knowledge of the Health Care Environment

18. Justin is a nurse manager in a rehabilitation unit in a small urban center. There is a high turnover rate among rehab-assistants because of the heavy work assignments. Despite his need for staff, Justin decides to review each application thoroughly and interview candidates carefully because he recognizes that it is important to hire staff who can best provide high-quality care and who will fit well with the team. Which of the following decision-making solutions should Justin consider to have a more efficient department a. Replace staff only with qualified applicants. b. Determine what the problem or problems are before hiring new staff. c. Consult with the human resources department and develop a plan for hiring new staff. d. Consider all the options listed.

ANS: D. Consider all the options listed. Decision making involves a goal-oriented consideration of many options that are objectively weighed according to their possible risks, consequences, and positive outcomes. The options should be ranked in the order in which they are likely to result in the desired goals or objectives. The solution selected should be the one that is most feasible and satisfactory and has the fewest undesirable consequences. In this instance, all of the options listed might be considered and weighed. REF: Page 101 | Page 112 | Page 113 TOP: AONE competency: Business Skills

An involuntarily committed client is verbally abusive to the staff and repeatedly threatening to sue. The client records the full names and phone numbers of the staff. Which nursing action is most appropriate to decrease the possibility of a lawsuit? A. Verbally redirect the client, and then limit one-on-one interaction. B. Involve the hospital's security division as soon as possible. C. Notify the client that documenting personal staff information is against hospital policy. D. Continue professional attempts to establish a positive working relationship with the client.

ANS: D. Continue professional attempts to establish a positive working relationship with the client. The most appropriate nursing action is to continue professional attempts to establish a positive working relationship with the client. The involuntarily committed client should be respected and has the right to assert grievances if rights are infringed.

12. Sue, a nurse manager, has a staff nurse that has been absent a great deal for the past three months. A whistleblower gives some information to Sue indicating that the staff nurse will be resigning and returning to school. Because of this, Sue decides to do which of the following? a. Immediately fire the staff nurse. b. Speak to the whistleblower and elicit more information. c. Speak to the staff nurse and ask her to resign. d. Do nothing.

ANS: D. Do nothing Doing nothing is often warranted because of lack of energy, time, or resources to solve the real problem adequately, and because the benefits are not seen as sufficiently compelling to commit to an action. REF: Page 109 | Page 110 TOP: AONE competency: Leadership

5. After the nurses who work on an adolescent psychiatric unit have had a brainstorming session, they are ready to resolve the problem of teenagers who are unmanageable. To maximize group effectiveness in decision making and problem solving, the nurse manager has: a. Prevented conflict. b. Formed highly cohesive groups. c. Used majority rule to arrive at decisions. d. Encouraged equal participation among members.

ANS: D. Encouraged equal participation among members. Groups are more likely to be effective if members are involved, the group is cohesive, communication is encouraged, and members demonstrate some understanding of the group process. The nurse leader or manager should provide a nonthreatening and positive environment in which group members are encouraged to participate actively. REF: Page 105 TOP: AONE competency: Communication and Relationship-Building

1. The risk manager informs the nurse manager of an orthopedic unit that her unit has had an increase in incident reports about patients falling during the 11-7 shift. The nurse manager knows that the best way to resolve the problem is to: a. Use creativity. b. Obtain support from the 7-3 shift. c. Use institutional research. d. Identify the problem.

ANS: D. Identify the problem. Identification of a problem is the first step in problem solving and occurs before any other step. The most common cause for failure to resolve problems is the improper identification of the problem/issue; therefore, problem recognition and identification are considered the most vital steps. REF: Page 109 | Page 110 TOP: AONE competency: Knowledge of the Health Care Environment

19. When confronted with the controversy and the apparent poor morale of the evening staff, the unit manager decided the staff needed to take some time off. He scheduled holidays for the staff without consulting them. A couple of the staff nurses approached the manager and indicated that the problem was not scheduling, but rather the team leader and her patient assignments. What was the unit manager's first missed step in problem solving? a. Not using a problem-solving model b. Not considering a number of alternatives c. Poor evaluation of outcomes d. Incorrect problem identification

ANS: D. Incorrect problem identification The unit manager did not begin with an accurate identification of the problem. Problem solving needs to begin with "why?" REF: Page 109 | Page 110 TOP: AONE competency: Business Skills

24. The agency in which you are a nursing leader makes a decision to reduce the number of RN positions in favor of PN positions because agency data suggest that the clients in the agency can receive appropriate care from PN staff. Furthermore, the agency is facing a decline in funding and without restructuring, some clients might not receive services at all. You provide this information on this decision to the staff and ask them to advise you if they have any feedback, concerns, or alternative solutions. This decision-making style is known as: a. Paternalistic. b. Shared. c. Reasoned d. Informative.

ANS: D. Informative. The informative model offers the staff the ability to make a decision after the information has been shared and without the active involvement of the manager. REF: Page 103 TOP: AONE competency: Leadership

An inpatient psychiatric physician refuses to treat clients without insurance and prematurely discharges those whose insurance benefits have expired. Which violation of an ethical principle should a nurse recognize in this situation? A. Autonomy B. Beneficence C. Nonmaleficence D. Justice

ANS: D. Justice The nurse should determine that the ethical principle of justice has been violated by the physician's actions. The principle of justice requires that individuals should be treated equally regardless of race, sex, marital status, medical diagnosis, social standing, economic level, or religious belief.

23. Jane, an experienced head nurse, is given the task of completing the summer vacation schedule for the pediatric unit. She is fully aware of the hospital's restrictions on time off and the number of staff on vacation at any given time, as well as its issues regarding seniority. She weighs the options of allowing staff choice, such as it takes more time but gives employees options. However, if choice is allowed, this could cause arguments. Which of the following is the best alternative? a. Ask for requests for vacation time in advance, and post the times. b. Post the completed vacation schedule. c. Post a tentative schedule, and request feedback. d. Post a blank schedule, and ask staff members to fill in their times by a given date.

ANS: D. Post a blank schedule, and ask staff members to fill in their times by a given date. This is based on a decision-making model that allows experience and knowledge to predict whether a decision will or will not work. The experience of the head nurse suggests that it is important to involve staff in decisions that affect them the most. REF: Page 101 | Page 102 TOP: AONE competency: Knowledge of the Health Care Environment

Which statement should a nurse identify as correct regarding a client's right to refuse treatment? A. Clients can refuse pharmacological but not psychological treatment. B. Clients can refuse any treatment at any time. C. Clients can refuse only electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). D. Professionals can override treatment refusal if the client is actively suicidal or homicidal.

ANS: D. Professionals can override treatment refusal if the client is actively suicidal or homicidal. The nurse should understand that health-care professionals can override treatment refusal when a client is actively suicidal or homicidal. A suicidal or homicidal client who refuses treatment may be a danger to self or others. This situation should be treated as an emergency, and treatment may be performed without informed consent.

A geriatric client is confused and wandering in and out of every door. Which scenario reflects the least restrictive alternative for this client? A. The client is placed in seclusion. B. The client is placed in a geriatric chair with tray. C. The client is placed in soft Posey restraints. D. The client is monitored by an ankle bracelet.

ANS: D. The client is monitored by an ankle bracelet. The least restrictive alternative for this client would be monitoring by an ankle bracelet. The client does not pose a direct dangerous threat to self or others, so neither physical restraints nor seclusion would be justified.

The director of nursing has been observing staff interactions in a 20-bed coronary care unit. Based on her observations, which of the following staff members is an obvious leader? a. The unit secretary who knows everyone's business b. The chief nursing officer who is in charge and is responsible for nursing services c. The chief cardiologist who admits the largest number of patients and brings in more revenue than any other physician d. The staff nurse who persuades other staff members to practice by making evidence-based decisions

ANS: D. The staff nurse who persuades other staff members to practice by making evidence-based decisions Leaders are those who do the best job of sharing their vision of where the followers want to be and how to get there. It is the ability to inspire others to bring a vision (such as evidence-based decision making) to reality and is not necessarily tied to status or information flow.

John is interested in leadership positions within his nursing organization. Although he has been on the same unit for 10 years, he has attended two workshops during that time and has steadfastly refused opportunities to engage in leadership development opportunities or other learning offered as part of the hospital's succession planning strategy. He says that he is interested in a leadership role primarily because it will give him a more stable work schedule and will enable him to spend more time with his family. In coaching John, it would be important to: a. affirm that his years of service and stability on the unit are the most important attributes for assumption of a leadership role. b. reinforce that his concern with maintaining balance outside work would be a key factor in selecting him for a leadership position. c. encourage him to consider the financial rewards of the position, as well as the positive effec

ANS: D. encourage him to seek out new experiences and learning that will complement his existing strengths derived from experience and his interest in work-life balance. According to Covey, effective leaders continually engage in learning and self-renewal, as well as in maintaining a balanced life, radiating positive energy, believing in other people, being concerned with the common good, and being synergistic.

Susan, a new graduate on the dialysis unit, appears to take Kari's remarks very seriously and works even harder, often volunteering for extra assignments. She also is often in Kari's office, advising of successes with her patients and of the extra effort that she is committing. This behavior suggests that Susan: a. is fearful of losing her job. b. lacks understanding of Kari's leadership style. c. is not intimidated by Kari's leadership style. d. knows how to "play the game."

ANS: D. knows how to "play the game." Followers under transactional leadership feel secure about what will happen next or what is needed to be rewarded; therefore, they learn to "play the game."

While explaining the importance of developing leadership skills among nurses to a group of first-year nursing students, Natalie, a nursing unit manager, emphasizes that: a. most nurses are not expected to assume leadership roles. b. the role of nurse leadership is only at the bedside, ensuring that patient care is performed according to established standards. c. only individuals in formal leadership roles are expected to be leaders. d. the public depends on nurses to assume leadership in moving consumer advocacy concerns forward.

ANS: D. the public depends on nurses to assume leadership in moving consumer advocacy concerns forward. The complexity of nursing and the healthcare environment demands that all nurses assume roles of manager, leader, and follower, depending on the situation. Nurses are involved in providing leadership in direct patient care, in leading others at a unit or organizational level, in moving the profession forward, and in participating in legislative and policy arenas. Consumers depend on nursing leadership to carry the healthcare agenda forward.

After a newly hired director of nursing has reviewed the hospital's strategic plans, she develops a time line for achieving those plans. The new leader is: a. not expecting that novice leaders will have a vision. b. demonstrating mistrust of the abilities of her staff to implement the plans. c. instituting deadlines against which the performance of staff will be evaluated. d. translating a global document into realistic plans for nursing.

ANS: D. translating a global document into realistic plans for nursing. Followers need three things from leaders: direction, trust, and hope. Developing time lines for the strategic plan involves translating a vision into reality and being able to communicate a vision meaningfully, which is an example of a leader's influencing behavior.

Which of the following indicates safe delegation? a. The nurse supervisor for a large urban acute care department asks the unit manager to accept two new acutely ill patients, which the manager does. The unit is short two staff, and the replacement is inexperienced. b. A unit manager agrees to release a staff from her unit to Unit B. The staff member she agrees to release is experienced on Unit B and is agreeable to the change. The unit manager's unit is fully staffed and patients are stable. c. The nurse supervisor asks the head nurse for Unit A to make do without a replacement for an ill staff member because Unit A was originally overstaffed anyway. Patient acuity levels are very high on Unit A and two staff are orientating. d. The nurse supervisor asks the charge nurse on Unit B to cover Unit F, which is two floors up, because the charge nurse for Unit F is ill. The charge nurse for Unit B is an experienced manag

B. A unit manager agrees to release a staff from her unit to Unit B. The staff member she agrees to release is experienced on Unit B and is agreeable to the change. The unit manager's unit is fully staffed and patients are stable.

19. You ask Evelyn, a new UNP, to check what is left in Mrs. N.'s inhaler when Evelyn makes visits to Mrs. N. and also to check whether Mrs. N. is receiving any positive effect from the medication. Evelyn reports for 3 weeks that Mrs. N. is using the inhaler and that there is enough medication left in the device. The day of her last visit to Mrs. N., Mrs. N. is admitted to the hospital in severe respiratory distress. When she is admitted, she tells the physician that she has not been using the inhaler for 4 weeks. Before assigning Evelyn to Mrs. N.'s care, the most appropriate action of the care coordinator would have been to: a. Determine Evelyn's educational background and preparation for this role. b. Ask Evelyn if she has worked with inhalers before and to describe what she knows about them. c. Advise that if Evelyn has any questions about what to do with the inhaler, she should come to the coordinator. d. Advis

B. Ask Evelyn if she has worked with inhalers before and to describe what she knows about them.

The day shift nurse asks an LPN/LVN to complete a component of care for a client. The day shift nurse is engaging in what function? a. Delegating b. Assigning c. Sharing d. Authorizing

B. Assigning

You ask Evelyn, a new UNP, to check what is left in Mrs. N.'s inhaler when Evelyn makes visits to Mrs. N. and also to check whether Mrs. N. is receiving any positive effect from the medication. Evelyn reports for 3 weeks that Mrs. N. is using the inhaler and that there is enough medication left in the device. The day of her last visit to Mrs. N., Mrs. N. is admitted to the hospital in severe respiratory distress. When she is admitted, she tells the physician that she has not been using the inhaler for 4 weeks. Determination of Evelyn's educational preparation and certification is related to the concept of: a. Accountability. b. Authority. c. Role performance. d. Assignment.

B. Authority.

You ask Evelyn, a new UNP, to check what is left in Mrs. N.'s inhaler when Evelyn makes visits to Mrs. N. and also to check whether Mrs. N. is receiving any positive effect from the medication. Evelyn reports for 3 weeks that Mrs. N. is using the inhaler and that there is enough medication left in the device. The day of her last visit to Mrs. N., Mrs. N. is admitted to the hospital in severe respiratory distress. When she is admitted, she tells the physician that she has not been using the inhaler for 4 weeks. This incident is an example of: a. Incompetence of the UNP. b. Failure to follow through. c. Skills but no motivation. d. Lack of accountability.

B. Failure to follow through.

Functions such as "delegates tasks to assistive personnel" that are outlined in a position description for an RN Team Leader would be considered: a. Active delegation. b. Passive delegation. c. Passive accountability. d. Active responsibility.

B. Passive delegation.

With delegation, responsibility and accountability remain with the: a. Physician. b. Professional who delegates. c. Individual who receives the delegation. d. Individual who previously performed the task.

B. Professional who delegates.

During staff development programs, staff nurses verbalize their frustration about their workloads and having to delegate so many tasks to others. One of the main reasons that delegation has emerged as an issue is because of: a. The amount of paperwork required to complete care. b. The complexity of client care. c. Earlier discharge practices. d. The numbers of other disciplines present on a given unit.

B. The complexity of client care.

During a fire drill, the nurse manager becomes very assertive and directive in her communications with staff. This type of situational leadership depends on: a. Supportive behavior by the leader and immature followers. b. The development level of the followers and the type of behavior of the leader. c. Well-developed followers combined with a strong leader who acts quickly. d. The leader's ability to evaluate personnel and communicate that evaluation.

B. The development level of the followers and the type of behavior of the leader.

An RN colleague, who is a long-standing and collaborative member of your team, is performing a complex and novel dressing for the first time for the patient to whom she has been assigned. Which of the following would be the most appropriate communication with her? a. "How do you usually do this kind of dressing?" b. "The dressing needs to be done today and tomorrow with the supplies on this cart." c. "Here is what you need for the dressing, and I will show you what needs to be done." d. "I know you know what you are doing. Let me know if you have any problems."

C. "Here is what you need for the dressing, and I will show you what needs to be done."

County Hospital has position descriptions for all staff, including RN Team Leaders. Sarah, a team leader on the rehab unit, assesses the needs of the patients in her area, assesses the skills and backgrounds of each of the individuals on her team, and then assigns and delegates the appropriate care provider to each patient and task. Sarah's activity in the example described is termed: a. Passive delegation. b. Passive accountability. c. Active delegation. d. Active responsibility.

C. Active delegation.

The nurse manager is setting up the room assignments for the unit. She has one critical patient on the unit, who is going to require more care than the others. Before delegating a task, a nurse manager should: a. Delegate the admission assessment to the LPN. b. Review the employee's performance assessment for the most recent period. c. Assess the amount of guidance and support needed in a particular situation. d. Create a task analysis of critical behaviors for the individual.

C. Assess the amount of guidance and support needed in a particular situation.

County Hospital has position descriptions for all staff, including RN Team Leaders. Sarah, a team leader on the rehab unit, assesses the needs of the patients in her area, assesses the skills and backgrounds of each of the individuals on her team, and then assigns and delegates the appropriate care provider to each patient and task. Sarah provides Colleen, her RN colleague with details regarding the patients to whom Colleen has been assigned on the day shift. This is an example of: a. Accountability. b. Responsibility. c. Assignment. d. Delegation.

C. Assignment.

The unit manager is working in a large metropolitan facility and is told that two UNPs are to be assigned to work with her. Delegation begins with: a. Acknowledging the arrival of the second UNP on the unit. b. Providing clear directions to both UNPs. c. Matching tasks with qualified persons. d. Receiving reports from the prior shift.

C. Matching tasks with qualified persons.

Which of the following exemplifies accountability? Karen, the nurse manager on 5E: a. Consistently submits her budgets on time. b. Gets along well with her staff and with other managers. c. Outlines her rationale for reduction of RN coverage on nights to the Nursing Practice Committee after serious patient injury. d. Actively solicits ideas regarding scheduling from her staff.

C. Outlines her rationale for reduction of RN coverage on nights to the Nursing Practice Committee after serious patient injury.

In delegating to a UNP in a home health setting, which of the following represents the most appropriate delegation communication? a. "You will be taking care of Mrs. S., who needs assistance with her bath." b. "You will need to help Mrs. S. get into and out of her shower. Ensure that you check the condition of her feet, and let me know if you have any concerns when you check in." c. "I am not sure that you know how to do this, but I am giving you Mrs. S. She is quite obese and needs skin care." d. "Mrs. S. needs help to get into and out of her bathtub. Her bath will need to be completed by 10:00. When you are helping her to dry, please check between her toes and toenails, and phone me by 10:30 if you notice nail discoloration or redness."

D. "Mrs. S. needs help to get into and out of her bathtub. Her bath will need to be completed by 10:00. When you are helping her to dry, please check between her toes and toenails, and phone me by 10:30 if you notice nail discoloration or redness."

Sally is an experienced nurse on the unit and is very experienced with ICP monitoring. She is assigned David, a patient who has been admitted with a severe head injury. In communicating with Sally, you would: a. Provide a detailed explanation of what she needs to do with ICP monitoring. b. Tell her when she needs to provide an update about David's status. c. Ask her to tell you what she knows about ICP monitoring and share expectations about reporting. d. Advise her that you are available if she needs you.

D. Advise her that you are available if she needs you.

The night nurse understands that certain factors need to be considered before delegating tasks to others. These factors include the: a. Complexity of the task and the age of the delegatee. b. Potential for benefit and the complexity of the task. c. Potential for benefit and the number of staff. d. Complexity of the task and the potential for harm.

D. Complexity of the task and the potential for harm.

You are working in a home health service and have three unlicensed nursing personnel (UNPs) assigned to your team. You have worked with two of them for 2 years; the third is new. The two experienced UNPs have patients with complex illnesses for whom they provide basic care. The third member of the team has been assigned to patients with less complex illnesses. Your best approach to supervising their care is to: a. Remain in the office and ask each UNP to check in with you upon arrival at their first patient care site. b. Ask another RN to supervise the two experienced assistants so you can be with the new person full time. c. Meet the new staff member at the first patient care site and ask the others to call if anything is unusual. d. Meet the new staff member at the first patient care site and call the others with questions to determine whether anything is unusual.

D. Meet the new staff member at the first patient care site and call the others with questions to determine whether anything is unusual.

You are a member of a team assigned to care for 15 general medical/surgical clients. You have all worked well together in the past in this same type of care. If you are assigned to coordinate this team's work, your best strategy, based on the Hersey and Blanchard model, would be to: a. Have a list of tasks to be accomplished and tell each member of the team what he or she must do. b. Encourage people to discuss their frustrations in providing this care. c. Ignore them—they've done it before. d. Provide minimal direction and let them come to you with questions.

D. Provide minimal direction and let them come to you with questions.

Leslie, a UNP, transfers a patient while using improper technique. The patient is injured, and as a result, a suit is launched in which both Sarah (the delegator) and Leslie (the delegatee) are named. Sarah is named in the suit because she: a. Retains accountability for the care of the patient. b. Worked the same shift as Leslie. c. Has passive accountability for delegation. d. Retains accountability for the outcomes of care for the patient.

D. Retains accountability for the outcomes of care for the patient.

A key advantage that a nurse manager has in terms of delegating is that: a. Clients receive less attention because too many staff make it difficult to coordinate care. b. Nurses report less pressure to perform necessary tasks themselves. c. Administration can predict overtime more accurately. d. Team skills can be used more effectively.

D. Team skills can be used more effectively.

The nurse on the 7-7 shift is assigning a component of care to an unlicensed nursing personnel (UNP) employee. The night nurse should remain: a. Accountable. b. Responsible. c. Authoritative and liable. d. Responsible and task-oriented.

A. Accountable.

Which of the following would be most in line with Hersey and Blanchard's concepts? a. The team of caregivers on day shift are familiar with their roles and with the patients. The nurse manager decides to work on the unit budget in her office. b. After a year of working on the unit, Shari, an LPN, is still hesitant about many policies and procedures. The charge nurse decides to challenge Shari with more difficult patients. c. The nursing supervisor asks one of her charge nurses to lead a technology integration project. The supervisor continuously demands involvement in decisions that the charge nurse is making in the project. d. Team members complain that Alysha, an RN, is unmotivated, and that she refuses assignments that are complex or difficult. The charge nurse suggests that Alysha is relatively new and that she needs time to adjust.

A. The team of caregivers on day shift are familiar with their roles and with the patients. The nurse manager decides to work on the unit budget in her office.

An example of a nursing care activity that would not be delegated by an RN to a UNP is: (Select all that apply.) a. teaching self-catheterization to a patient with paraplegia who has limited English. b. basic care for a patient with a head injury who is rapidly deteriorating. c. one-to-one observation with a suicidal patient. d. assessment of patients being admitted through the Emergency Department. e. basic hygienic care for a patient who is post MI and stable.

A. teaching self-catheterization to a patient with paraplegia who has limited English. B. basic care for a patient with a head injury who is rapidly deteriorating. D. assessment of patients being admitted through the Emergency Department

After disturbing the peace, an aggressive, disoriented, unkempt, homeless individual is escorted to an emergency department by police. The client threatens suicide. Which criteria would enable a physician to consider involuntary commitment? (Select all that apply.) A. Being dangerous to others B. Being homeless C. Being disruptive to the community D. Being gravely disabled and unable to meet basic needs E. Being suicidal

ANS: A. Being dangerous to others D. Being gravely disabled and unable to meet basic needs E. Being suicidal The physician could consider involuntary commitment when a client is being dangerous to others, is gravely disabled, or is suicidal. If the client is determined to be mentally incompetent, consent should be obtained from the legal guardian or court-approved guardian or conservator. A hospital administrator may give permission for involuntary commitment when time does not permit court intervention.

1. In a busy rehabilitation unit, the team manager decided that the best way to reward the staff was to give them a monetary bonus rather than time off. The staff was very concerned about the decision and went to the administration with a number of complaints. Critical thinking is a process that entails a number of steps. What steps did the manager omit? She should have (select all that apply): a. Identified what assumptions were underpinning the issues. b. Considered why it was important to make this change or the context for the change. c. Considered how this change might affect staff relationships. d. Attained a majority consensus of all staff.

ANS: A. Identified what assumptions were underpinning the issues. B. Considered why it was important to make this change or the context for the change. C. Considered how this change might affect staff relationships. Taking a majority consensus is not a step in the critical thinking process. Points A, B, and C are "what," "why," and "how" questions that are part of effective critical thinking processes. REF: Page 101 | Page 102 TOP: AONE competency: Leadership

A client diagnosed with schizophrenia receives fluphenazine decanoate (Prolixin Decanoate) from a home health nurse. The client refuses medication at one regularly scheduled home visit. Which nursing intervention is ethically appropriate? A. Allow the client to decline the medication and document. B. Tell the client that if the medication is refused, hospitalization will occur. C. Arrange with a relative to add medication to the client's morning orange juice. D. Call for help to hold the client down while the injection is administered.

ANS: A. Allow the client to decline the medication and document. It is ethically appropriate for the nurse to allow the client to decline the medication and provide accurate documentation. The client's right to refuse treatment should be upheld unless the refusal puts the client or others in harm's way.

13. The maintenance department wishes to have the nursing lounge renovated, so the lounge will be more "user-friendly." The department asks the nursing staff to make a wish list of everything that they would like to see in the new lounge. This process is an example of which part of the decision-making process? a. Assessment/Data collection b. Planning c. Data interpretation d. Generating hypotheses

ANS: A. Assessment/Data collection In this particular model (a model similar to the nursing model), data collection is the first step toward identifying important alternatives or determining if there is a problem or problems. REF: Page 112 | Page 113 TOP: AONE competency: Leadership

A client requests information on several medications in order to make an informed choice about management of depression. A nurse should provide this information to facilitate which ethical principle? A. Autonomy B. Beneficence C. Nonmaleficence D. Justice

ANS: A. Autonomy The nurse should provide the information to support the client's autonomy. A client who is capable of making independent choices should be permitted to do so. In instances when clients are incapable of making informed decisions, a legal guardian or representative would be asked to give consent.

9. The risk manager wants to evaluate the reasons for an increased number of falls on the rehab unit. The risk manager devises a fishbone diagram. A fishbone diagram is a useful tool to: a. Identify the root causes of problems. b. List possible solutions to problems. c. Help leaders select the best options. d. Evaluate the outcomes of decisions made.

ANS: A. Identify the root causes of problems. A fishbone diagram, also known as a cause-and-effect diagram, is useful for determining the reasons (causes) for an effect (falls). REF: Page 111 TOP: AONE competency: Knowledge of the Health Care Environment

2. The nurse manager of a rehab unit wants to purchase a new anti-embolic stocking. To make a high-quality decision, the nurse manager would: a. Involve the rehab staff in the decision. b. Involve the sales representative. c. Make the decision alone. d. Involve administration in the decision.

ANS: A. Involve the rehab staff in the decision. In a shared decision model, the decisions are made through an interactive, deliberate process and the staff may express and discuss options and preferences. The shared decision model has been shown to increase work performance and productivity, decrease employee turnover, and enhance employee satisfaction. REF: Page 103 TOP: AONE competency: Communication and Relationship-Building

The adage "leaders are born and not made" reflects which of the following ideas around leadership? a. Management can be taught; leadership depends on abilities. b. Mentorship is important in developing innate skills of leaders. c. Leadership is a natural skill that cannot be refined or developed. d. Succession planning and formal education related to leadership are ineffective.

ANS: A. Management can be taught; leadership depends on abilities. Leadership is an abilities role that is reflective of rich personal experience. It can be developed and refined through such strategies as coaching, mentorship, and reflection. Management can be taught and learned.

A psychiatric nurse working on an inpatient unit receives a call asking if an individual has been a client in the facility. Which nursing response reflects appropriate legal and ethical obligations? A. Refusing to give any information to the caller, citing rules of confidentiality B. Refusing to give any information to the caller by hanging up C. Affirming that the person has been seen at the facility but providing no further information D. Suggesting that the caller speak to the client's therapist

ANS: A. Refusing to give any information to the caller, citing rules of confidentiality. The most appropriate action by the nurse is to refuse to give any information to the caller. Admission to the facility would be considered protected health information (PHI) and should not be disclosed by the nurse without prior client consent.

An inpatient client, whom the treatment team has determined to be a danger to self, gives notice of intention to leave the hospital. What information should the nurse recognize as having an impact on the treatment team's next action? A. State law determines how long a psychiatric facility can hold a client. B. Federal law determines if the client is competent. C. The client's family involvement will determine if discharge is possible. D. Hospital policies will determine treatment team actions.

ANS: A. State law determines how long a psychiatric facility can hold a client. Most states commonly cite that in an emergency a client who is dangerous to self or others may be involuntarily hospitalized.

Without authorization, a nurse administers an extra dose of narcotic tranquilizer to an agitated client. The nurse's coworker observes this action but does nothing for fear of repercussion. What is the ethical interpretation of the coworker's lack of involvement? A. Taking no action is still considered an unethical action by the coworker. B. Taking no action releases the coworker from ethical responsibility. C. Taking no action is advised when potential adverse consequences are foreseen. D. Taking no action is acceptable because the coworker is only a bystander.

ANS: A. Taking no action is still considered an unethical action by the coworker. The coworker's lack of involvement can be interpreted as an unethical action. The coworker is experiencing an ethical dilemma in which a decision needs to be made between two unfavorable alternatives. The coworker has a responsibility to report any observed unethical actions.

A nurse executive is hired to restore a unit's productivity, which has decreased as the result of low staff morale. The nurse executive utilizes which of the following leadership principles? a. The leader declares the intent and goals to enhance productivity and assumes that the unit also wishes to increase productivity, which allows nurses to feel in control of the environment. b. If staff members increase productivity, then they are given opportunity to engage in learning events such as workshops and conferences. If the staff members are not satisfied, they will insist on a different leader, who will get them what they want. c. Leaders at the national level who are seeking relief for nurses in the workplace are seen as the solution to the nursing shortage. d. Workplace satisfaction depends on staffing ratios, adequate pay, and tuition reimbursement, and these are things the leader can control.

ANS: A. The leader declares the intent and goals to enhance productivity and assumes that the unit also wishes to increase productivity, which allows nurses to feel in control of the environment. Stephen M.R. Covey suggests that Smart Trust is a method for restoring trust in organizations. Smart Trust Actions include declaration of the leader's intent and assumption by the leader that others also have positive intentions. Building trust involves signaling goals and intended actions in advance. Actions such as promising external rewards such as additional learning opportunities, workload relief, and compensation are consistent with transactional leadership, which leads to low to stable commitment and limited satisfaction.

What is the legal significance of a nurse's action when the nurse threatens a demanding client with restraints? A. The nurse can be charged with assault. B. The nurse can be charged with negligence. C. The nurse can be charged with malpractice. D. The nurse can be charged with beneficence.

ANS: A. The nurse can be charged with assault. Assault is an act that results in a person's genuine fear and apprehension that he or she will be touched without consent.

22. Knowing when to have the entire team participate in the decision-making process or when to have only the team leader make the decisions depends on the situation and the desired outcomes. The autocratic process is used in which of the following situations? a. The task and the outcome are relatively simple and defined b. It is unlikely that the group will reach a consensus. c. A decision has to be discussed thoroughly. d. A number of options need to be considered.

ANS: A. The task and the outcome are relatively simple and defined An autocratic style is appropriate when rapid decision making is required and in situations where the task and the potential outcome are well-defined. REF: Page 103 | Page 104 TOP: AONE competency: Leadership

14. A good nursing decision maker is one who: a. Uses various models to guide the process based on the circumstances of the situation. b. Adopts one model and uses it to guide all decision making. c. Decides not to use any models because they are all useless. d. Develops a new model each time a decision has to be made.

ANS: A. Uses various models to guide the process based on the circumstances of the situation. The decision model that a nurse uses depends on specific circumstances. Is the situation routine and predictable or complex and uncertain? Is the goal to make a decision that is "just good enough" (conservative) or one that is optimal? REF: Page 101 | Page 102 TOP: AONE competency: Leadership

Becky graduated 5 years ago and is keenly interested in pursuing leadership opportunities. She has been active in learning about leadership through workshops and Internet research and recently began a graduate degree program with a focus on nursing administration. She has excellent clinical skills and eagerly accepts responsibility for various projects on the unit. Her sarcastic and sometimes aggressive behavior tends to alienate other staff members on the unit. In coaching Becky, you: a. suggest that she reflect on situations in which she has had a positive influence and consider how her interactions contributed to the situation. b. suggest that she not consider leadership roles because her interaction skills are more suited to roles in which she has limited opportunities to work with others. c. ask staff members on the unit with whom she works to provide her feedback about ways in which her behavior irritates or

ANS: A. suggest that she reflect on situations in which she has had a positive influence and consider how her interactions contributed to the situation. Leadership involves radiating positive energy and the ability to inspire and motivate others. Management can be taught through formal instruction, but leadership is attained through reflection on rich personal experience.

After being interviewed for the unit manager position, the staff nurse reflects on the interview process. The staff nurse is aware that leadership begins: a. within. b. through a relationship with a mentor. c. with the job description. d. with the chief nursing officer of the organization.

ANS: A. within. People notice differences in workplaces and tend to choose those that evidence a high degree of trust between leaders and followers. Stephen M.R. Covey suggests that trust begins with self and that leaders must focus first on developing character and confidence, which is their credibility. Credibility enables leaders to trust themselves and gives others someone or something that they can trust.