Quiz 3

The most important approach that a nurse manager can take with an emotionally troubled employee is to: Select one: a. Act as a therapist for the employee. b. Adjust the standard of care to assist the employee. c. Assist the employee in obtaining professional help. d. Adjust the employee's work schedule to decrease stress.

Assist the employee in obtaining professional help.

In keeping with guidelines of the organization, the nurse manager documents staff problems. Documentation of disciplinary problems should: Select one: a. Include a plan to correct them and to prevent future occurrences. b. State a detailed history of past problems that are related to the current one. c. Be written at the convenience of the manager. d. Accumulate until the evaluation period begins.

Include a plan to correct them and to prevent future occurrences.

Sarah is involved in intervening when a patient attempts to harm herself on the unit. During the interaction, the patient slaps Sarah across the face. As a head nurse, it is important that you: Select one: a. Offer Sarah immediate education and training in self-defense. b. Assist with follow-up documentation and offer access to counseling. d. Encourage Sarah to see the incident as a normal part of care.

Assist with follow-up documentation and offer access to counseling.

Nurses generally experience difficulty in identifying behaviors and actions that could signal chemical dependency in a co-worker. Which of the following is not a behavioral change that occurs with chemical dependency? Select one: a. Personality and behavioral changes b. Job performance changes c. Changes in educational involvement and pursuit d. Absenteeism

Changes in educational involvement and pursuit

Clinical incompetence is one of the more serious problems facing a nurse manager. Joyce, the nurse manager, is not aware of the problems of Sarah, a novice nurse. After she investigates, it is obvious that Sarah's peers are covering for her. Which of the following might Joyce include in her meeting with the nurses? (Select all that apply.) Select one or more: a. "It is a nurse's professional responsibility to maintain quality control." b. "All instances of clinical incompetence are to be reported." c. "It is not considered being disloyal when one nurse reports another for poor care." d. "Patient care is the number one concern. Meeting standards is mandatory and necessary."

"It is a nurse's professional responsibility to maintain quality control." "All instances of clinical incompetence are to be reported." "It is not considered being disloyal when one nurse reports another for poor care." "Patient care is the number one concern. Meeting standards is mandatory and necessary."

In the Emergency Department waiting room, you notice a patient sitting, with his head in his hands, who has been waiting for about 5 hours for relief of his headache. When you approach him to ask him how he is doing, he says "I can't believe that I have to wait this long for help! Do you know what it is like to be in pain for 10 hours?" Your response to him would be: Select one: a. "It is frustrating to wait when you are in pain and when you are expecting to receive relief right away." b. "Don't talk to me. If you are going to be rude, then you will not receive treatment here." c. "We are very busy and don't have enough staff to deal with problems such as yours." d. "Perhaps you should go elsewhere. We do not have time for you here, as many more sick patients are waiting."

"It is frustrating to wait when you are in pain and when you are expecting to receive relief right away."

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

Choose between alternatives.

history of conflict with you and the staff, and who recently was charged with theft of patient belongings. You consult Human Resources, and together, you develop a plan, which includes: Select one: a. A private meeting with Gregory, a Human Resources representative, and you to deliver the news and deliver the termination notice and all other documents that are related. b. Planning an opportunity for Gregory to return and be recognized at a staff farewell. c. Calling Gregory at home to tell him that he is fired, and that his paperwork will be sent to him at a future date. d. Calling him into a meeting in your office on the ward, where assistance is available, should he become upset or agitated.

A private meeting with Gregory, a Human Resources representative, and you to deliver the news and deliver the termination notice and all other documents that are related.

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? Select one: a. Assessment/Data collection b. Planning c. Data interpretation d. Generating hypotheses

Assessment/Data collection

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

Accurate identification of the problem.

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: Select one: 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.

Assess the risk to the client and the agency before proceeding.

At 3 AM, a man walks into your emergency department. He paces back and forth in the waiting area before he approaches staff to ask if he can see his wife, who is a patient on another floor. He speaks rapidly, his face is flushed, he glances around often, and he keeps his hand in his jacket pocket. A best initial response would be to: Select one: a. Assess your situation and your surroundings. b. Ask two or three staff to assist in confronting the individual. c. Ask what floor his wife is on and remind him that visiting hours are closed. d. Remain calm as there is no potential for violence here.

Assess your situation and your surroundings.

Becky, RN, works as a staff nurse in mental health; Sharon works as a data entry clerk in Admissions; Sarah is an emergency room physician; and Donna is a housekeeper in geriatrics. Which of these four is most at risk for violence and aggression? Select one: a. Becky b. Sarah c. Sharon d. Donna

Becky

In Question 19, which of the four is most likely to be a perpetrator of violence? Select one: a. Becky b. Sarah c. Sharon d. Donna

Becky

Delaney, one of your staff nurses, confides that Marjorie, another nurse, has been actively telling others that you are incompetent and do not know what you are doing in relation to patient care, and that you lie to the staff about attempts to get more staffing. Through telephone calls and conversations during breaks, she is recruiting other staff to her position. Delaney confides that most of the staff find you fair, honest, and knowledgeable. Marjorie's behavior can best be characterized as: Select one: a. Political action. b. Bullying. c. Building alliances. d. Disgruntlement.

Bullying.

Arrange the strategies from Question 16 in the order in which they should occur in progressive discipline. Select one: a. A, B, C, D b. B, A, C, D c. C, B, A, D d. C, A, B, D

C, B, A, D

A patient who has a history of involvement with drugs and weapons comes up to you in the hallway and asks you a question regarding directions in treatment. When you respond, he moves closer in to you and puts both hands up on either side of your neck. No one else is in the hallway. Your best response at this point is to: Select one: a. Yell at him to stop. b. Calmly ask the patient to remove his hands. c. Hit the patient in the mid section. d. Use pepper spray.

Calmly ask the patient to remove his hands.

The unit manager discusses absenteeism with the unit clerk. She indicates that it is a serious problem on the unit. Which of the following points would they have likely discussed? (Select all that apply.) Select one: a. Employee morale is at a high level. b. Care will suffer and standards will be lowered. c. Existing staff have experienced little effect from the absenteeism. d. Replacement staff usually needs little supervision.

Care will suffer and standards will be lowered.

In which of the following situations would you, as the head nurse, be concerned about potential safety issues? Select one: a. Jordan comes to your office to complain about inadequate staffing on the unit. He says that he is concerned because he attributes a recent incident to the staffing levels. b. Henry, a long-standing RN on the unit, has begun to miss work regularly. He calls in but is vague about his reasons for the absences. c. Carla, RN, has just ended a relationship with Jake, RN, and he will not leave her alone. You are meeting with Jake today because colleagues on nights have reported that Jake seems to have been intoxicated last night and the previous night. d. Sarah is very quiet and says almost nothing in team meetings. Lately, she has been much more animated since becoming friendly with a couple of other RNs on the unit.

Carla, RN, has just ended a relationship with Jake, RN, and he will not leave her alone. You are meeting with Jake today because colleagues on nights have reported that Jake seems to have been intoxicated last night and the previous night.

In selecting the appropriate action in Question 13, it is important that: Select one: a. All documentation is reviewed. b. Usual processes for discipline are followed. c. Confidentiality is assured. d. An incident report is filed.

Confidentiality is assured.

Which of the following decision-making solutions should Justin (Question 17) consider to have a more efficient department? Select one: 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.

Consider all the options listed.

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: Select one: a. Routine problems. b. Crisis situations. c. Managers who prefer a "telling" style. d. Followers who cannot agree on a solution.

Crisis situations.

Select the statement that best defines the difference between problem solving and decision making: Select one: 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.

Decision making is a goal-directed effort, problem solving is focused on solving an immediate problem.

In addressing the staff turnover rate in Question 13, you are: Select one: a. Confirming the high correlation between managerial incompetence and violence. b. Demonstrating awareness that workplace violence, if present, has significant costs. c. Aware that staff and manager experiences contribute to high turnover. d. Aware that violence is a rare but present factor in the workplace.

Demonstrating awareness that workplace violence, if present, has significant costs.

During unit staff meetings, you observe that Marg rolls her eyes and snorts whenever Julia makes a comment. Your first response as a unit manager is to: Select one: a. Discuss what you have observed with Marg. b. File immediate documentation in Marg's personnel file. c. Ask Julie to monitor Marg's behavior during meetings. d. Ignore the behavior, as Marg is one of your strongest nurses.

Discuss what you have observed with Marg.

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? Select one: 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.

Do nothing.

The unit manager on 4E is concerned about the performance of Jean, a staff nurse. She is not involved directly with Jean, so she has not been able to determine whether the problem is one of motivation, ability, or both. If Jean lacks ability, which of the following strategies might the head nurse use? Select one: a. Dismiss or transfer Jean. b. Document all problem areas and then discuss with Jean. c. Develop appropriate solutions and make recommendations to Human Resources. d. Smooth over the problems if they are minor in nature.

Document all problem areas and then discuss with Jean.

In designing a new healthcare facility, it is particularly important to pay close attention to safety elements related to violence and aggression in which of the following settings? (Select all that apply.) Select one or more: a. Emergency b. Psychiatry c. Gerontology d. Maternal-child

Emergency, Psychiatry, Gerontology

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: Select one: a. Prevented conflict. b. Formed highly cohesive groups. c. Used majority rule to arrive at decisions. d. Encouraged equal participation among members.

Encouraged equal participation among members.

Residents in a new long-term care facility attend a large dining hall for meals. In reviewing reports of aggression and violence, you note that behaviors such as hitting, or attempting, to hit staff are increasing. Further investigation suggests that this behavior occurs most often at mealtimes. A possible intervention would be to: Select one: a. Seat residents with the highest potential for violence next to those with the lowest potential for aggression. b. Feed residents earlier in the day. c. Restrain residents who are violent or aggressive during meal times. d. Establish a smaller dining area that is away from the main area that is for residents who have potential for aggression/violence.

Establish a smaller dining area that is away from the main area that is for residents who have potential for aggression/violence.

A safety and security plan is important to a healthcare organization because it: Select one: a. Lays out preventive measures in relation to violence. b. Provides direction as to changes in facilities that protect staff. c. Establishes expectations in relation to behavior and tolerance of violence. d. Establishes policies and practices that guide prevention of violence and expectations in the workplace.

Establishes policies and practices that guide prevention of violence and expectations in the workplace.

You note that Unit 64 has had a high turnover rate of staff during the past year. In investigating this situation, an important source of data might include: Select one: a. Employee evaluations. b. Level of experience of staff. c. Exit interviews with staff.. d. Selection processes and decisions.

Exit interviews with staff.

All of the following are grounds for immediate dismissal except: Select one: a. Failing to pursue further medical help for a patient; patient dies. b. Selling narcotics obtained from the unit supply of narcotics. c. Restraining a patient in bed for 7 hours, unsupervised, as punishment for hitting a staff member. d. Grabbing the unit manager and threatening further physical harm after a poor performance appraisal.

Failing to pursue further medical help for a patient; patient dies.

The chief nursing officer understands that clinical incompetence is best prevented by a: Select one: a. Flexible protocol for evaluating competency skills. b. Standardized clinical skills checklist. c. Newly established peer review process. d. Formalized competency program with established standards for practice.

Formalized competency program with established standards for practice.

Several nurses on an adolescent psychiatric unit complain that the teens are becoming unmanageable on the 11-7 shift. To resolve this problem, the nurse manager decides that the staff should have a brainstorming session. The goal of brainstorming is to: Select one: a. Evaluate problem solutions. b. Critique the ideas of others. c. Generate as many solutions as possible. d. Identify only practical and realistic ideas.

Generate as many solutions as possible.

High-quality decisions are most likely to be made in nursing situations when: Select one: 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.

Group size is neither too small nor too large

A nurse manager must be familiar with the agency's policies regarding termination. Termination procedures include which of the following? Select one: a. Following specific procedures from other organizations b. Having an attorney present at the termination meeting c. Having adequate written documentation to support the action d. Having a friend present during the termination meeting

Having adequate written documentation to support the action

From the information supplied in this chapter, which statements best defines critical thinking? Critical thinking is a: Select one: 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.

High-level cognitive process that includes creativity, problem solving, and decision making.

During coffee and other breaks, Rosalie, the new RN, is shut out of conversations with the other staff. When she approaches other staff on the unit to ask questions, they turn and walk off in the other direction. The behavior of the staff is characteristic of: Select one: a. Dislike. b. Lack of trust in Rosalie's abilities. c. Horizontal violence. d. Cultural incompetence

Horizontal violence.

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: Select one: a. Use creativity. b. Obtain support from the 7-3 shift. c. Use institutional research. d. Identify the problem.

Identify the problem.

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: Select one: 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.

Identify the root causes of problems.

The clinic nurse understands that problem solving is best defined as: Select one: a. A higher-order thinking process. b. Selecting the best option for reaching a predefined goal. c. Identifying the gap between "what is" and "what should be." d. Determining creative approaches to resolving a problem or issue.

Identifying the gap between "what is" and "what should be."

Joe and Carol, two of the RNs on Unit 22, are discussing recent incidents on the unit that have involved patients and visitors uttering threats or making demeaning remarks to staff during evening hours. Joe observes that unless someone shoots at him, he is not concerned because "words can't hurt you." Joe's remarks: Select one: a. Illustrate common misperceptions about the nature of violence. b. Accurately depict the difference between violence and aggression. c. Are partially correct because verbal remarks do not cause injury. d. Reveal possible issues that Joe relates to violence in his personal life.

Illustrate common misperceptions about the nature of violence.

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? Select one: a. Not using a problem-solving model b. Not considering a number of alternatives c. Poor evaluation of outcomes d. Incorrect problem identification

Incorrect problem identification

Nathan has been on the cardiac unit for 6 months and has found it difficult to adjust to the expectations of his team. Which of the following behaviors would mostlikely signal that Nathan is intending to resign from his position on the unit? Select one: a. Increased absenteeism over the past month b. Increased attempts to discuss his concerns with his colleagues c. Testing of workplace guidelines d. Frequent defensiveness

Increased absenteeism over the past month

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: Select one: a. Involve the rehab staff in the decision. b. Involve the sales representative. c. Make the decision alone. d. Involve administration in the decision.

Involve the rehab staff in the decision.

Caroline asks family members to leave while she cares for the 16-year-old victim of a recent car accident. The father screams at her and tells her that she has no right to ask his family to leave, and that if she continues to do so, he will "throw her out of the room." Caroline is shaken and tells her head nurse, who tells her that this kind of thing is just part of the job. The guidance of the head nurse: Select one: a. Is reasonable. No physical violence was involved. b. Is related to why statistics on violence in health care are likely underreported. c. Acknowledges the deep distress and fear of the family. d. Acknowledges the concern of the nurse.

Is related to why statistics on violence in health care are likely underreported.

Before terminating an employee, a nurse manger must: Select one: a. Be an expert in all legal aspects of termination and discipline practices. b. Know the organization's specific policies for addressing disciplinary problems and termination. c. Function as a counselor for problem employees. d. Do everything to assist and protect the employee by adjusting standards and policies.

Know the organization's specific policies for addressing disciplinary problems and termination.

20 Ellen is a novice nurse on your unit. Even though she has come to you highly recommended, as her supervisor, you have noticed some knowledge and skill deficiencies. These deficiencies have been noticed by her peers as well. Which of the following is likely to be the greatest asset to Ellen in improving her performance? Select one: a. Giving her a book on nursing related to your area b. Having her spend time with the hospital's manager of education c. Sending her to a conference d. Making arrangements for practice time for her in the hospital's skills lab

Making arrangements for practice time for her in the hospital's skills lab

When decision making, critical thinking, and problem solving are considered, which of the following statements are accurate and valid points? Select one: a. The professional decision maker approaches problem solving by beginning with an outcome already in mind. b. Involvement in decision making is of little use unless you are an expert decision maker. c. Many models aid the nurse in improving his or her decision-making skills. d. The nursing decision maker who is successful recognizes that only those with similar experiences should be involved in decision making.

Many models aid the nurse in improving his or her decision-making skills.

Susan, a new graduate, is upset that so many staff have been absent lately from the unit. She declares to you that all absenteeism could be eliminated with proper management. Your response is based on understanding that: Select one: a. Not all absenteeism is voluntary. b. High personal control contributes to absenteeism. c. Direct discussions with employees who have high levels of absenteeism are not recommended. d. All absenteeism is related to personal issues and needs.

Not all absenteeism is voluntary.

A nurse manager understands that the second step in handling an employee with a disciplinary problem is to document the incident. Which of the following is best for documentation of personnel problems? Select one: a. Use of the performance appraisal on an annual basis b. Notes made immediately after an incident that include a description of the incident, actions taken, plans, and follow-up c. A tally sheet of medication errors and other specific problems that will be used at annual review d. Copies of reports, placed in his or her file, of all unusual occurrences involving the employee

Notes made immediately after an incident that include a description of the incident, actions taken, plans, and follow-up

While working with an aggressive patient, it is important for the nurse to: Select one: a. Speak firmly. b. Call the individual by name. c. Place herself between the patient and the door. d. Ignore threats against her.

Place herself between the patient and the door.

ane, 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? Select one: 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.

Post a blank schedule, and ask staff members to fill in their times by a given date.

A nurse manager understands that the typical first step in handling an employee with a disciplinary problem is a: Select one: a. Verbal reprimand. b. Written reprimand. c. Reminder of employment standards. d. Day off without pay.

Reminder of employment standards.

Linda, a staff nurse on nights, yells at Ali, another RN, and tells Ali that she is stupid and can't get anything right. In responding to this situation as head nurse, it is critical that you: Select one: a. Require that Linda attend anger management classes. b. Investigate to see if Ali did anything to aggravate Linda. c. Call both immediately into the office in the morning to discuss the situation. d. Respond to Linda in a way that is consistent with organizational processes and with similar situations.

Respond to Linda in a way that is consistent with organizational processes and with similar situations.

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. Justin decides to hire new staff in the order that applications are received until all vacant positions are filled. Which of the following decision-making models did Justin use in making his decision? Select one: a. Subjective model b. Objective model c. Optimizing model d. Satisficing model

Satisficing model

The education consultant for the hospital is presenting a workshop on "Documentation: A Manager's Responsibility." Which of the following points would she not include in her PowerPoint presentation? Documentation: Select one: a. Cannot be left to memory. A notation must be placed in the personnel file. b. Should avoid discussion of the problem. c. Should include what was done about the problem when it occurred. d. Needs to include date, time, and place.

Should avoid discussion of the problem.

The nursing director calls a meeting with one of the new unit managers. She is very concerned about a report of substance abuse on the manager's unit, and she reviews the procedures involved in dealing with chemically dependent staff. Which of the following statements would not be included in the discussion? "As a manager, you: Select one: a. Need to be aware of ADA issues." b. Should check with Human Resources regarding chemically dependent employees and employment practices." c. Check the nurse practice acts for the state in which the nurse resides." d. Should realize that the nurse is a professional embarrassment and should be kept out of sight of other staff."

Should realize that the nurse is a professional embarrassment and should be kept out of sight of other staff."

The chief nursing officer reviews the policy about "progressive discipline process." The progressive discipline process includes which of the following? The manager: Select one: a. Is a counselor and friend to the employee. b. Should reprimand and suspend the employee as a last resort. c. Should rehire the employee after a reasonable length of time. d. Should terminate the employee if the problem persists.

Should terminate the employee if the problem persists.

You are part of a multidisciplinary team that is charged with designing a workplace safety plan for your healthcare organization. This team has been established in response to increases in reports of violence and aggression. You begin by: Select one: a. Surveying staff about levels of satisfaction with the workplace and management, collegial, and patient relations. b. Offering training sessions in self-defense. c. Developing a policy that outlines zero tolerance for bullying. d. Offering education sessions on recognizing behaviors with potential for violence.

Surveying staff about levels of satisfaction with the workplace and management, collegial, and patient relations.

When progressive discipline is used, the steps are followed progressively only for repeated infractions of the same rule. On some occasions, rules that are broken are so serious that the employee is: Select one: a. Transferred to another unit. b. Suspended indefinitely. c. Asked to attend a union grievance meeting. d. Terminated after the first infraction.

Terminated after the first infraction.

Incivility is a disruptive behavior or communication that creates a negative environment and interferes with quality patient care and safety. The manager can implement steps that help to alleviate uncivil behavior on a unit. Which of the following would not be an appropriate first step? Select one: a. Suspending the staff member from work b. Providing written admonishment that is discussed and placed in the employee's file c. Providing verbal admonishment d. Terminating the staff member

Terminating the staff member

Nurse Stacey is a self-admitted drug addict and has been a heavy abuser of codeine. Stacey and the unit manager decide that changes have to occur. Stacey enrolls in an addiction program, and the manager has her transferred to a drug-free area. What other strategies might be appropriate? Select one: a. The manager could refer Stacey to the Human Resources Department. b. The manager could assist in monitoring Stacey's progress. c. The manager could counsel Stacey if Stacey has formed a trusting relationship with her. d. Stacey needs to be asked not to involve her family in the recovery program because this is a work-related situation.

The manager could assist in monitoring Stacey's progress.

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: Select one: 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.

The policy made decisions for other departments in the company.

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 upon the situation and the desired outcomes. The autocratic process is used in which of the following situations? Select one: a. The task and the outcome are relatively simple. 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.

The task and the outcome are relatively simple.

Your healthcare organization places a high value on workplace safety and integrates this into all aspects of administrative and patient care processes. As a unit manager, you thoroughly endorse this direction, and during the selection and hiring of new staff, you consistently: Select one: a. Refuse to hire applicants who are pushy during interviews. b. Thoroughly follow up with all references before offering a position. c. Ask applicants during the interview if drug or alcohol abuse is a problem. d. Refuse to interview applicants with sporadic work histories.

Thoroughly follow up with all references before offering a position.

The nurse manager knows that the most serious effect that absenteeism has on the nursing unit is that: Select one: a. Using replacement personnel with new ideas may be beneficial. b. Salary costs are lower because personnel are fewer, and outcome is favorable. c. Absence on the part of the rest of the staff is decreased. d. Unacceptable patient care may result.

Unacceptable patient care may result.

An outpatient surgery manager is evaluating infusion pumps for the operating room. The manager should: Select one: 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.

Use a decision-making tool to evaluate brands.

A good nursing decision maker is one who: Select one: 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.

Uses various models to guide the process based on the circumstances of the situation.

Jenny tells you that she is always able to tell when others are about to become violent because they yell. Your response to Jenny is based on your understanding that: Select one: a. Her perception is accurate. b. Yelling is more likely associated with aggression. c. Violence is signaled by a variety of behaviors. d. She is mostly accurate in her thinking.

Violence is signaled by a variety of behaviors.

The nurse manager places a staff member on probation because of reports of chemical dependency. The nurse manager should be aware that which of the following statements is true regarding chemical dependency? Select one: a. The chemically dependent employee usually hides any changes in behavior. b. When confronted with the issue, the affected employee is usually relieved to have someone to talk to about the problem. c. The chemically impaired nurse affects the entire healthcare organization. d. Hospital policy, state laws, and nurse practice acts address procedures for the chemically dependent employee in the most general terms.

the chemically impaired nurse affects the entire healthcare organization.