Leadership

Which is excluded from the competencies of nurse leader? 1 Work individually 2 Utilize informatics 3 Provide client centered care 4 Employ evidence-based practice

correct ans: 1 The core competency of a nurse leader is to work in interdisciplinary teams, but not individually. Utilizing informatics, providing client centered care, and employing evidence-based practice are the core competencies of a nurse leader.

Which skills would be essential for an effective nurse manager to develop and improve collaboration with others? Select all that apply. 1 Flexibility 2 Reacting hastily 3 Showing frustration 4 Ability to listen to others 5 Ability to share information and ideas

correct ans: 1, 4, 5 In order to collaborate effectively, the nurse should be flexible, must be willing to listen to others, and must share information and ideas with others. The nurse manager should plan a thoughtful response, consider others' perspective first, and not react hastily. The nurse manager should not share his or her own anger or frustration with other staff.

How does a nurse leader effectively implement change in an organization? 1 By avoiding using managerial skills 2 By using personal and professional skills 3 By avoiding giving timely feedback to team members 4 By removing the ineffective team members from the group

correct ans: 2 A nurse leader should use both personal and professional skills to ensure effective implementation of a change in an organization. A nurse leader should also use managerial skills, not avoid them, to ensure effective implementation of a change in an organization. A nurse leader should give regular and timely feedback to the team members to implement change effectively. A nurse leader should motivate the team members to work effectively rather than removing them from the team.

Which responsibility of the nurse manager differs from the responsibilities of a nurse leader? 1 Planning the budget 2 Motivating the team 3 Resolving the conflicts 4 Penalizing for poor performance

ans: 1 Budgeting is the responsibility of a nurse manager. The role of nurse leader is to motivate the nursing subordinates. Resolving conflicts is the responsibility of both the nurse leader and the nurse manager. Penalizing for poor performance is a behavior of transactional leadership.

Under a leader, a team of followers has failed to achieve success in conducting research. What does an effective leader do in this situation? 1 Criticizes the team members for failure 2 Provides excuses for the negative outcome 3 Refuses to take the responsibility for failure 4 Accepts failure and gains experience from it

correct ans: 4 An effective leader should accept the failure and gain experience from it to avoid repetition of the same errors. The effective leader should counsel and motivate the team members for future success and should not criticize them. Making excuses for the negative outcome is not the correct action of the effective leader. The effective leader should take responsibility for the failure and the growth he or she will gain from it.

The registered nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about leadership principles. Which statement made by a nursing student indicates the need for further teaching? 1 "A leader has a formal position." 2 "A leader intervenes with courage." 3 "A leader organizes a group of colleagues." 4 "A leader is a specific management position after promotion."

correct ans: 1 Leader does not necessarily have a formal position to indicate that he or she is a leader; rather, leadership refers to the performance. Leaders are those medical professionals who can intervene with courage when needed. Leaders are also able to organize a group of colleagues to solve an organizational problem. A nursing medical professional becomes a leader after promotion.

A nurse leader is setting priorities for achieving success by using the simplest and fastest method of communication. Which rules and responsibilities does the nurse fulfill by this action? 1 Maintaining balance 2 Building self-confidence 3 Generating self-motivation 4 Maintaining a positive attitude

ans 1 An effective leader maintains work-life balance in his or her own life, as well as facilitating balance for followers. Making communication as efficient as possible is one way of helping to maintain this balance. Self-confidence can be established by performing honest self-appraisal on a regular basis. Spending time on the needs of the followers and offering frequent and lavish praise will help build self-motivation. A positive attitude can be maintained by consistently having answers to the question asked by others, knowing where the organization is going, and taking the initiative to get the group to its goal.

A nurse leader is caring for a client during their entire stay in the hospital. Which nursing model is this nurse following? 1 Team nursing 2 Primary nursing 3 Functional nursing 4 Case method nursing

ans 2 I put 4 The primary nursing model brings the nurses back to direct client care. This means that the primary nurse provides coordinated, comprehensive, and continuous care to the client and the family. Team nursing involves different personnel such as registered nurses and licensed practical nurses assigned to a single client and responsible for different tasks. The functional model of nursing is a method of providing client care by which each licensed and unlicensed staff member performs certain tasks for a large group of clients. In the case method model of nursing, nurses do not provide continuous care to the client and different nurses are assigned to a single client.

Which theory states that the leadership traits in an individual are born and not made? 1 Style theory 2 Great Man theory 3 Two-factor theory 4 Situational-contingency theory

ans: 2 The trait theory is sometimes referred as the Great Man theory. According to this theory, the leadership traits such as a certain set of physical and emotional characteristics are innate and cannot be learned. Style theory focuses on what leaders do, but not on the leadership qualities. Two-factor theory focuses on motivation and job satisfaction based on hygiene factors and motivational factors. Situational-contingency theory focuses on the challenge of a situation and encourages an adaptive leadership style particular to that situation.

The count of hydrocodone is incorrect. After several minutes of searching the medication cart and medication records, no explanation is found. Who should the primary nurse notify about the discrepancy? 1 Nursing unit manager 2 Hospital administrator 3 Quality control manager 4 Healthcare provider prescribing the medication

correct ans: 1 Controlled substance issues for a particular nursing unit are the responsibility of that unit's nurse manager. Responsibility flows directly from the staff of a nursing unit to the nurse manager; the nurse manager reports to a nurse administrator. There is no direct flow of accountability from the primary nurse to the quality control manager. Healthcare providers are responsible for medical management issues, not issues associated with management of a nursing unit.

A nurse leader has prepared an objective for strategic planning. Which point indicates that the nurse possesses the ability to write objectives clearly and concisely? 1 Inclusion of the timeline and deadline 2 Leaving expectations open to interpretation 3 Starting with an article followed by a noun 4 Specifying multiple dates for the attainment of a goal

correct ans: 1 In order for objectives to be clear and concise, they should have a timeframe within which the activity or improvement must be achieved. The timeline and deadlines should be included in the written objective. A clear and concise objective should leave no question about the expectations; it should not be open to interpretation. An objective should always start with "to" followed by an action verb. A single date for attaining the goal is the indication of a clear and concise objective.

What are the major issues identified by the nurse leader as reasons for increased union activity? Select all that apply. 1 Low wages 2 Adequate staffing 3 Professional autonomy 4 Mandatory overtime requirement 5 Absence of reporting unsafe work environments

correct ans: 1, 4, 5 Low wages and poor benefits may lead to an increase in union activity. Mandatory overtime and work overload have led to increased union activity in nursing. The absence of procedures for reporting of unsafe work environments and poor quality of care may increase union activity. Inadequate staffing and unqualified caregivers may lead to increased union activity. Lack of professional autonomy and professional practice models may increase union activity.

Which statement is true regarding leadership? 1 Having the title of chief executive officer indicates a good leader. 2 Leadership is an earned honor and an action-oriented responsibility. 3 Playing an administrative role can automatically place the title of leader on an individual. 4 Strengthening the mission of an organization purely depends on the leader himself or herself.

correct ans: 2 Leadership is an earned honor, right, and privilege and an action-oriented responsibility that requires a time commitment. Having a title such as chief executive officer or chief nursing officer does not guarantee that a person will be a good leader. Administrative or management roles do not automatically confer the title of leader on an individual. Strengthening the mission of organization depends on both a good leader and follower.

Which action of the nurse leader while preparing to share any information with followers is accurate? 1 Giving complete information at one time 2 Avoiding sharing information through mail 3 Determining which information is to be shared 4 Sending text messages instead of face-to-face communication

correct ans 3 The nurse leader should determine the information that has to be shared with followers, but should not give all information at once. The nurse leader should give only limited information; giving too much at once can create disinterest in the listeners. The nurse leader can share information through mail as it is a primary communication method. The nurse leader should use face-to-face communication over text messages.

The nursing manager issued orders to take the utmost care of a client with myocardial infarction and expects the staff to obey and follow the rules immediately. Which type of decision making is the manager using? 1 Autocratic 2 Optimizing 3 Laissez-faire 4 Bureaucratic

correct ans: 1 The autocratic method results in rapid decision-making and is more appropriate in a crisis situation. Optimizing decision making is when the nurse considers both pros and cons of each position. Laissez-faire is a "hands-off" approach, which is taken by manager who chooses to do nothing when intervention is indicated. The bureaucratic style is focused on organizational rules and policies.

A Hispanic nurse is celebrating a quinceañera for her 15-year-old daughter. What is the appropriate action of the culturally competent nurse manager? 1 Make a joke about the cultural ritual. 2 Allow the nurse to take time off for this celebration. 3 Ask the nurse not to put so much value in cultural rituals. 4 Suggest that the nurse not invite other staff members to the occasion.

correct ans: 2 The nurse who is celebrating this event for her daughter should have time to make plans and arrangements. The nurse manager should teach staff how cultural differences enrich all of us and make deliberate efforts to include them in their daily lives. The nurse manager should ask staff to value cultural rituals and accept various cultural practices and perspectives. Inviting staff on this occasion of the quinceañera is common, and the nurse manager should not discourage this.

The nursing manager said, "Nurse leaders must also be excellent change managers." Which statement supports this? 1 Nurse leaders ensure a change that will support only staff. 2 Nurse leaders are only coordinators to bring a change in the system. 3 Nurse leaders can only support clients in changing their behaviors to improve care. 4 Nurse leaders will ensure that the disruption and chaos of change does not affect client care.

correct ans: 4 During change, nurse leaders keep the delivery of safe and effective care at the center of their attention to ensure that the disruption and chaos of change do not affect clients. By supporting a transparent and evidence-based environment, the nurse leader ensures a culture that will support both clients and staff during the change process. Nurse leaders play the roles of both coach and coordinator, facilitating the changes needed at a system, unit, or team level. Nurse leaders not only support clients in changing their behavior but also must foster innovation and promote change in the workplace that advance client safety and improves client outcomes.

The nurse leader mentors the staff on types of conflict. Which statement of the leader describes intrapersonal conflict? 1 It occurs due to difference in opinions with others. 2 It arises when a discord about policies and procedures exists. 3 It is related to hierarchical structure and role differentiation among employees. 4 It arises due to imbalances between the nurse's personal and professional priorities.

correct ans: 4 Intrapersonal conflict arises due to imbalance between the nurse's personal and professional priorities. The conflict due to a difference in opinions with others causes interpersonal conflicts. Organizational conflicts arise from a discord between policies and procedures. Organizational conflict also arises from hierarchical structure and role differentiation among employees.

The nurse leader notices that a staff nurse does not participate in bringing forth new ideas, but enthusiastically accepts innovation when brought forth by other staff members. Which type of innovation adopters display these characteristics? 1 Laggards 2 Innovators 3 Early majority 4 Early adopters

ans 3 I put 4 The characteristic of early majority is observed in people who will not bring forth an innovation but will readily adopt it when it is brought forth by others. A laggard is secure in holding to the past and comfortable only when an idea cannot fail. Innovators actively seek information and have vision for the organization. Early adopters are opinion leaders who learn about an innovation and apply it to their practice and they are effective in communicating the value of innovation.

Which actions can the mentor take to develop effective leadership qualities in the aspiring leader? Select all that apply. 1 Avoiding criticism 2 Modeling behavior 3 Noting the mistakes 4 Giving timely feedback 5 Providing appropriate advice

correct ans: 2, 4, 5 The mentor should model professional and desired behavior and give timely feedback and appropriate advice to make the aspiring leader an effective leader. The mentor should not criticize, but rather coach the new aspiring leader to develop a personal leadership style. Noting the mistakes without feedback does not help an aspiring leader become an effective leader.

Which action of the registered nurse (RN) represents his or her leadership ability? 1 Pursuing higher professional courses 2 Performing home visits to care for a client 3 Modifying the diet chart as per the client's condition 4 Supervising the tasks assigned to unlicensed nursing personnel

ans: 4 The nurse as a leader should supervise the tasks assigned to unlicensed nursing personnel to ensure the client's safety. Pursuing higher professional courses can help in self-growth but does not indicate leadership. Performing home visits and modifying a diet chart indicates the role of the nurse.

While auditing unit documents, a nurse finds some omissions. Which term best describes when the nurse meets with the staff to discuss the findings and communicates ways to achieve the desired goals? 1 Leadership 2 Followership 3 Management 4 Decision making

I put 1 ans: 3 The process of guiding, planning, and controlling others in a situation where communication is shared to improve clinical processes and outcomes is referred to as management. Leadership can be defined as a process of identifying a goal or target, motivating other people to act, and providing support and motivation to achieve goals. Followership is the process of following the leader or the manager to ensure the best clinical decision making and actions taken to achieve organizational outcomes. Decision making is a process of making crucial decisions.

Which actions can an effective mentor expect from an aspiring leader? Select all that apply. 1 Being loyal 2 Assisting with projects 3 Sharing personal problems 4 Maintaining confidentiality 5 Giving a fee in terms of rewards

correct ans: 1, 2, 4 The mentor has a right to expect loyalty, respect, assistance with projects, and confidentiality from the aspiring leader. An effective mentor does not expect a fee or rewards and gives guidance to balance the professional and personal work of an aspiring leader.

Which theory states that leaders act as change catalysts and innovators? 1 Role theory 2 Trait theory 3 Quantum theory 4 McGregor's Theory X

I put 1 ans 3 Quantum theory states that leaders must embrace uncertainty and understand behaviors before changing them. Therefore quantum leaders represent change catalysts and innovators. Role theory is a collection of concepts that predict circumstances under which certain type behaviors are expected. Trait theory is a leadership theory in which leadership traits such as a certain set of physical and emotional characteristics are innate and cannot be learned. McGregor's Theory X describes the workforce motivation by assuming that people basically do not like their work and must be coerced by their manager to perform.

Which strategy of the nurse leader regarding the quality improvement (QI) process requires revising? 1 Focus is on correcting errors. 2 The task includes staff development. 3 The leader involves the interprofessional team. 4 Outcomes are set with input from clients and staff.

correct ans 1 The quality improvement process mainly focuses on preventing errors rather than correcting them. The task of the QI process includes staff development. The team of the QI process involves the interprofessional team and the outcomes are set with the input of clients and the staff.

Which term refers to the nurse's ability to plan, direct, control, and evaluate others in different situations? 1 Delegation 2 Leadership 3 Followership 4 Management

I put 2 ans: 4 Management is defined as the ability to plan, direct, control, and evaluate the nurse staff in various situations. Delegation is the transfer of authority to perform some type of task or work. Leadership can be defined as the use of individual traits and abilities in relationship to others and the ability to interpret the context where a situation is emerging. Followership is that each member of a team contributes optimally, but acquiesces to a leader or manager to ensure the best clinical decision-making.

Which model of nursing is focused on the task-oriented approach to client care? 1 Team model 2 Primary model 3 Functional model 4 Case management model

ans 3 I put 2 The functional model of nursing is a method of providing client care by which each licensed and unlicensed staff member performs specific tasks for a large group of clients. Team nursing is a small group of licensed and unlicensed personnel, with a team leader, responsible for providing client care to a group of clients. Primary nursing is a model of client care delivery whereby one registered nurse functions autonomously as the client's main nurse throughout the entire hospital stay. Case management is a model of delivering client care based on client outcomes and cost containment.

As a part of informed consent, a surgeon explains to the client who is scheduled for surgery the details of the surgery and the related care. The nurse as a leader witnesses the complete procedure. What information does the nurse leader ensure was provided to the client? Select all that apply. 1 Surgery procedures 2 Name of the surgeon 3 Description of the risks 4 Anesthetic drug used during pre-operation 5 Name of the staff members who will be in the surgery

ans: 1, 2, 3 Informed consent must be done according to legal guidelines. It is an authorization by the client to perform a surgery or procedure on them. Therefore the detail about the procedure of the surgery must be provided. It also informs the client about the name of the person who is performing the procedure. A description of the possible risks of the procedure is conveyed through informed consent. The name and type of anesthetic drug to be used may not be included in the informed consent. The name of the staff members involved in the surgery may not be a part of the informed consent.

The nursing manger wants to transfer a nurse to the intensive care unit (ICU) and describes the roles and responsibilities of the position in detail to the nurse. After disclosing all details, the nurse manager inquires about the nurse's decision. Which type of principle is the nurse manger following? 1 Justice 2 Veracity 3 Nonmaleficence 4 Respect for others

ans: 2 Veracity concerns telling the truth and demands involved, giving all the facts of a situation truthfully, and then assisting employees to make appropriate decisions. Justice is the principle of treating all persons equally and fairly and it often arises in times of short supplies for resources. Nonmaleficence states that one should do no harm. Respect for others acknowledges the right of individuals to make decisions and to live by these decisions.

What are the qualities of an effective leader? Select all that apply. 1 Born with the right stuff 2 Elicit a vision from people 3 Bring out the best in people 4 Engender discipline and obedience 5 Inspire people to bring the vision into reality

ans: 2, 3, 5 Leadership is the ability to elicit a vision from people and to inspire and empower those people to do what it takes to bring the vision into reality. A leadership quality is to bring out the best in people. Leaders are not born with the right stuff; rather they develop these qualities gradually over time when they perform with the right kind of attitude and determination. Leaders must possess the ability to inspire the commitment of followers and allow them to achieve goals autonomously rather than simply engendering discipline and obedience.

Which internal factors affect the decision-making process of a leader? Select all that apply. 1 Time 2 Values 3 Interest 4 Resources 5 Knowledge

ans: 2, 3, 5 Values, interests, and knowledge are the internal factors that affect the decision-making process of a leader. Time and resources are the external factors that affect decision making of a leader.

A nurse encourages employees to implement a Magnet Recognition Program in the organization. The nurses think beyond their own personal needs and are clear about the group outcomes. Which leadership quality according to Gardner's tasks is reflected in the activity of the nurse? 1 Developing trust 2 Serving as a symbol 3 Representing the group 4 Achieving workable unity

ans: 3 According to Gardner's Tasks of Leadership, encouraging employees to implement a Magnet Recognition Program shows that the nurse is representing the group. Trust develops when leaders are clear when providing direction and refrain from misdirecting others in their thinking and actions. The leader may serve as a symbol by becoming involved in public relations events, for example. The nurse as leader can achieve workable unity between and among parties by avoiding, diminishing, or resolving conflicts.

Which theory states that leaders should expand and respond to a dynamic change rather than prescribing and approaching change as a lock-step, pre-prescribed method? 1 Role theory 2 Chaos theory 3 Complexity theory 4 Organizational theory

ans: 3 Complexity theory states that the leaders should expand and respond to engaging dynamic change and focus on relationships rather than on prescribing and approaching change as a lock-step, pre-prescribed method. Role theory is a framework used to understand how individuals perform within organizations. Chaos is the theoretical construct defining the seemingly random yet deterministic characteristics of complex organizations. Organizational theory is the systematic analysis of how organizations and their component parts act and interact.

Which statement is true regarding the satisficing decision model? 1 It involves shared decision-making. 2 A decision is made by analyzing pros and cons associated with each option. 3 It allows for a quick decision, which is important when lack of time is an issue. 4 It is more appropriate when conflict is likely to occur or when the problem is unstructured.

ans: 3 The satisficing decision model allows for quick decisions and is best to use when lack of time is an issue. With shared decision-making, decisions are made through an interactive, deliberate process. In the optimizing decision style, decisions are made by analyzing pros and cons associated with each option. Autocratic decision-making is more appropriate when conflict is likely to occur or when the problem is unstructured

What would the nurse state is a characteristic of an effective leader? 1 Autocratic behavior 2 Problem-solving skills 3 Culture of zero tolerance for violence 4 Emphasis on inconsistent job performance

correct ans: 2 Expertise in problem-solving skills is an effective leadership quality that is increased by risk-taking behaviors by the nurse leader. Adapting autocratic behavior may lead to ineffective leadership. A culture of zero tolerance for violence is an ineffective leadership strategy. Emphasis on consistent job performance is the characteristic of an effective manager.

What qualities does the professional nurse require to lead, manage, and follow in a team? Select all that apply. 1 Being insensitive 2 Impeding relationships 3 Exercising self-awareness 4 Motivating self and others 5 Managing emotions in self and others

correct ans: 3, 4, 5 Managing emotions, such as fear, anxiety, and anger, and responding to those feelings in a healthy manner, as well as avoiding passive-aggressive behavior, are traits that the nurse should have to manage a team. The nurse should have the desire to deepen self-awareness and encourage others to do the same to follow in a team. Motivating or inspiring self and others towards a goal is another quality that the nurse should have to lead a team. The nurse should be empathetic and able to reveal others' perspective in a situation. Fostering and handling relationships is another one of the abilities the nurse should have when leading and managing a team.

Which action would a nurse leader specifically take to promote a health care climate where curiosity, reflection, and change are embraced? 1 Serving as a coach or a guide 2 Maintaining a good relationship with the team 3 Working to solve process problems with the team 4 Empowering staff to be life-long learners and risk takers

correct ans: 4 A nurse leader who empowers staff to be life-long learners and risk takers is promoting a health care environment where questioning the status quo, reflecting on processes and advocating for change when appropriate is welcome and encouraged. The nurse leader should serve as coach, maintain a good relationship with the team, and collaborate with the team to problem solve, but these actions are not specific to creating a culture of curiosity, reflection and change.

A nurse manager works on a unit where the nursing staff members are uncomfortable taking care of clients from cultures that are different from their own. How should the nurse manager address this situation? 1 Assign articles about various cultures so that they can become more knowledgeable. 2 Relocate the nurses to units where they will not have to care for clients from a variety of cultures. 3 Rotate the nurses' assignments so they have an equal opportunity to care for clients from other cultures. 4 Plan a workshop that offers opportunities to learn about the cultures they might encounter while at work.

correct ans: 4 A workshop provides an opportunity to discuss cultural diversity; this should include identification of one's own feelings. Also, it provides an opportunity for participants to ask questions. Although articles provide information, they do not promote a discussion about the topic. Relocation is not feasible or desirable; clients from other cultures are found in all settings. Rotating the nurses' assignments probably will increase tension on the unit.

Which action by the nurse leader is indicative of transactional leadership? 1 Accounting for the needs and abilities of individual employees 2 Encouraging the novel and innovative thinking of the employees 3 Motivating the employees by articulation of an inspirational vision 4 Motivating the self-interest of the employees by offering external rewards

correct ans: 4 Transactional leadership relies on the power of organizational position and formal authority to reward and punish performance. Therefore offering external rewards to motivate the self-interest of employees is a type of transactional leadership. The transformational leader can motivate employees by accounting for their needs and abilities individually. Encouraging the novel and innovative thinking of employees is a characteristic of transformational leadership. The transformational leader helps motivate employees by articulation of an inspirational vision.

What would the nurse recognize as the correct hierarchical order for human needs according to Maslow's theory of human needs? Arrange from the top priority need to the lowest priority need. 1. Safety 2. Social 3. Esteem 4. Self-actualization 5. Physiological

correct ans: 5, 1, 2, 3, 4