leadership exam 2 testbank
The staff on a nursing unit notes that patient satisfaction varies from month to month. They plot the degree of patient satisfaction each month for 1 year to determine when the periods of greatest dissatisfaction are occurring. The staff uses which type of graph? a. Time plot b. Pareto chart c. Flowchart d. Cause-and-effect diagram
ANS: A A run plot, or time plot, graphs data in time order to identify any changes that occur over time
An RN is consistently late to work, causing reassignment of patient care and the need for repeated shift reports. The nurse, who receives a warning for repeated tardiness, states, "My husband left me, I have no car, no family close by, and the bus is always late, which makes me late. The nurse manager doesn't care how hard I try to get here, and I am raising a child by myself." The nurse is using which type of logical fallacy? a. Appeal to emotion b. Appeal to tradition c. Hasty generalization d. Confusing cause and effect
ANS: A An appeal to emotion is an attempt to manipulate other people's emotions for the purpose of avoiding the real issue
According to the unit's policy for call-ins, a nurse is suspended for 3 days because of excessive call-ins that occur within 15 minutes of shift change. The nurse states, "You are unfair to me." Which theory would disprove the nurse's statement? a. Authoritative b. Closed systems c. Open systems d. Trait
ANS: A Autocratic/authoritative management style revolves around the assumption that authority confers the right to issue commands within an organization on the basis of impersonal rules and rights, by virtue of the management position rather than any trait ascribed to the person who occupies that position. Other characteristics include the following: Impersonal rules govern the actions of superiors over subordinates, all personnel are chosen for their competence and are subject to strict rules that are applied impersonally and uniformly, and a system of procedures for dealing with work situations is in place. Represents the systems theory of the organization.
Florence Nightingale is attributed with being intelligent (she developed statistical methods to evaluate health care), dependable (she often worked long hours to care for the injured), and ambitious (she fought against society's perception of nursing). Those who depict her as a leader on the basis of these qualities are practicing which leadership theory? a. Trait b. Chaos c. Bureaucracy d. Organizational
ANS: A Leadership trait theory describes intrinsic traits of leaders and is based on the assumption that leaders were born with particular leadership characteristics. Other traits found to be associated with this leadership theory include intelligence, alertness, dependability, energy, drive, enthusiasm, ambition, decisiveness, self-confidence, cooperativeness, and technical mastery
Physical therapists are represented by a union, nurses are represented by a separate union, and pharmacists have yet another union within a single agency. This type of union representation is known as: a. occupational unionism. b. industrial unionisms. c. union shop. d. power sharing.
ANS: A Occupational unionism indicates separate unions for each occupation in an agency.
The task of completing and signing the initial assessment on a newly admitted patient who is about to undergo minimally invasive procedures on an outpatient basis can be delegated to: a. the registered nurse (RN). b. the licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN). c. unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). d. all levels of staff, because the information is about the past and cannot change.
ANS: A Only the RN can perform and sign the admission assessment, although some components such as monitoring vital signs may be delegated
A nurse groups patients with criteria such as "high risk for falls," "infection protocols," and "special communication needs" to determine the mix and number of staff needed on a telemetry unit. The nurse is using: a. a patient classification system to determine safe staffing levels. b. diagnostic-related groups for Medicare billing. c. case management to coordinate care. d. clinical pathways to determine care.
ANS: A Patient classification systems group patients according to care needs to determine safe staffing levels
A group of nurses are assembling outside a hospital protesting the use of foreign nurses after several nurses were terminated due to what the hospital called recurring "decreased census." The nurses carry signs with messages asking potential patients to seek care elsewhere. The local newspaper picked up the story, and the hospital is receiving negative press. The nurses are participating in: a. picketing. b. collective bargaining. c. a strike. d. arbitration.
ANS: A Picketing is a form of protest in which people (called picketers) congregate outside a place of work or location where an event is taking place. Often this is done in an attempt to dissuade others from going in ("crossing the picket line"), but it can also be done to draw public attention to a cause.
According to the Quality Chasm report: a. health care providers should be proactive rather than reactive to patient needs. b. common needs rather than individual preferences should be the priority. c. medical information should be confined to the primary care provider. d. specialized providers or case managers should control health care decisions.
ANS: A Quality is based on predicting patient needs rather than reacting to needs
A staff nurse provides care based on intuition and always seems to be in control of her personal and professional life—serving on the board of the state nurses association, serving as the nursing unit's representative on the ethics committee, and coaching her daughter's soft ball team. Many of the staff observes how she manages time and provides care. This nurse's power comes from which type of power? a. Referent b. Legitimate c. Information d. Connection
ANS: A Referent power comes from the followers' identification with the leader. Referent leaders are admired and respected and able to influence other nurses because of their desire to emulate her
A nurse has been asked to serve as the charge nurse on the evening shift. The agency were the nurse is employed is considering unionization. If the charge nurse position is accepted, this nurse: a. can be represented by the union because charge nurses are not considered part of the management team. b. is part of the management team, so union participation would be a conflict of interest. c. can file a grievance that will be arbitrated automatically by the union. d. is ineligible for collective bargaining activities that deal with unfair labor practices.
ANS: A Serving as charge nurse is part of a nurse's professional role and not a management function
A team of experienced nurses work together to develop algorithms that are converted into checklists to ensure standardization of commonly performed procedures. The focus of this team is primarily on which Institute of Medicine (IOM) competency? a. Safety b. Timely c. Equitable d. Patient-centered care
ANS: A Standardization contributes to safety and improves individual performance of care providers
Which task is most likely to be considered in a state's practice act as appropriate to delegate to a LPN/LVN if the patient's condition is stable and competence in the task has been established? a. Administer an enema for an elective surgery patient. b. Administer an antiarrhythmic medication IV while interpreting the patient's rhythm on the cardiac monitor. c. Develop a plan of care for a stable patient admitted for observation after a head injury. d. Teach a patient how to instill eye drops for glaucoma
ANS: A The RN who is delegating must consider the following: (1) the delegatee's current workload and the complexity of the task, (2) whether the staff member is familiar with the patient population and with the task to be performed, and (3) whether the RN is able to provide the appropriate level of supervision. The delegation decision-making tree would also support delegation of this task.
An explosion just occurred at the local factory, and hundreds of employees have sustained varying degrees of injury. Which type of nursing leadership is most effective in this situation? a. Autocratic b. Democratic c. Laissez-faire d. Referent
ANS: A The dynamics of the situation demand that the leader take control and direct employees to specific actions in response to the emergency.
A patient is admitted with hypotension, shortness of breath, flushing, and hives. All levels of staff have been trained to assess vital signs. Given budget restrictions and proper delegation rules, to which care provider would the RN delegate the task of obtaining the initial blood pressure reading? a. RN b. LPN/LVN c. Unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) d. Use the blood pressure obtained in the ambulance, because it was assessed via electronic monitoring
ANS: A The patient's condition is not stable; therefore, the skills of an RN are required.
A nurse manager is concerned with restocking the emergency cart, creating the staff schedule, requesting floor stock from pharmacy, and checking the orders on patient charts. Which type of leader accurately describes this nurse? a. Transactional b. Situational c. Transformational d. Contemporary
ANS: A The transactional leader is concerned with the day-to-day operations of the facility.
A novice nurse is in the "rejection phase" of stress and wonders if she made the right decision when deciding nursing was her chosen career. Which strategy would help the novice nurse cope with transition into practice and reduce stress? a. When asked by the charge nurse to accept the new admission even though she had no discharges, the novice nurse stops and considers if this request is acceptable and safe, then accepts the assignment based on two patients having a low acuity level. b. Refusing to eat anywhere but the hospital cafeteria to ensure a balanced diet and time to socialize with other staff and visitors. c. Avoid wasting time by listening to coworkers' problems or ideas on how to staff the unit during the upcoming holiday since the novice nurse's time is valuable and better spent getting her own work completed. d. Make an effort to "win over" hostile or angry coworkers who find fault with the novice nurse's work performance
ANS: A To reduce stress and cope with the rejection phase of transition, the novice nurse should think before answering—take a few minutes before answering and deciding what is best course of action
A nurse manager wants his nursing unit to be a place where all nurses want to work, where patient satisfaction is high, and care is innovative and interdisciplinary. Staff are encouraged to chair taskforces to improve quality of care and he counsels staff in areas of measuring patient outcomes. Other managers want to mimic this manager's approach to improve their own units. This nurse is which type of leader? a. Transformational b. Transactional c. Laissez-faire d. Authoritative
ANS: A Transformational leaders mentor followers through a vision and are admired and emulated.
In an attempt to persuade employees to bargain for another type of health insurance, a handout is circulated that describes the present employees' health care insurance as being insensitive, limiting choices of care providers, and providing inferior care. This reflects which aspect of Lewin's planned change? a. Unfreeze b. Move c. Refreeze d. Acceptance
ANS: A Unfreeze is correct because the change agent promotes problem identification and encourages awareness of the need for change. In alignment with Lewin's stages of change (unfreezing, moving, and refreezing), education and involvement are keys to successful change. People must believe that improvement is possible before they will be willing to consider change.
The surgical team arrives in the operating room and one member states, "Everyone stop. Let's identify the patient and operative site. Now does anyone have any questions or concerns?" This process is known as: a. time-out. b. a critical pathway. c. special causes variation. d. lean methodology.
ANS: A A time-out occurs in the operating room to ensure the entire surgical team identifies the patient, operative site, and possible concerns or questions about the procedure
A novice nurse notices a patient is pacing the floor and twisting his hands. When the nurse enters the room, the patient stares at her and mumbles, "Can't anyone understand what I want?" while smiling and reaching out to shake the nurse's hand. The nurse recognizes a risk for violence based on which clinical findings? (select all that apply) a. Glaring at the nurse b. Nervousness, twisting of hands c. Murmuring when talking d. Diagnosis of a terminal illness e. Isolation, desire to be alone
ANS: A, B, C Nurses can recognize a risk for workplace violence by using the acronym STAMPEDAR (staring, tone of voice, anxiety, mumbling, pacing, emotions, disease process, assertive/nonassertive behavior, and resources).
A nurse responsible for staffing a medical-surgical unit must consider: (select all that apply) a. the patient census. b. physical layout of the unit. c. complexity of care required. d. educational level of all staff. e. task preferences of the nurses
ANS: A, B, C, D The primary considerations for staffing a specific nursing unit are the number of patients; the level of intensity of care required by those patients (commonly referred to as patient acuity); contextual issues, such as architecture, geography of the environment, and available technology; level of preparation and experience of the staff members providing the care; and the quality of the nurses' work life
Mandatory overtime and reduction in RN staff have resulted in decreased client satisfaction and a sentinel event. Management is unwilling to discuss a change in staffing, and collective bargaining interest is sparked. During the pre-election period, what actions by management are prohibited? (select all that apply) a. Seek individuals to spy on coworkers who are possible union supporters. b. Photograph employees participating in information sessions about unionization. c. Visit managers outside work to gain their perception of popularity of unionization. d. Threaten that, should the union win, the company will relocate when there is no intention to relocate. e. Require employees to declare their position on unionization prior to pick up paychecks.
ANS: A, B, D, E During the pre-election period, management may not solicit spying. During the preelection period, management may not photograph employees engaged in union activities. During the pre-election period, management may not lie about what will happen if the union is the victor in an election. During the pre-election period, management may not question employees about their preferences regarding union activity.
A hospital refused to purchase a better grade of utility gloves, even after learning that the cheaper utility gloves are easily punctured during routine use. This unsafe situation led nurses to seek unionization. During the pre-election phase for unionization, which actions by union representatives are prohibited by the National Labor Relations Board? (select all that apply) a. Scheduling a meeting in the agency's cafeteria to determine employees' interest in unionization b. Distributing nondocumented information that female nurses receive lower annual performance evaluations than do male nurses c. Distributing information about the benefits of unionization and grievances in a public parking garage located across from the hospital d. Suggesting to workers the likelihood of job loss should the union not win the election e. Signing authorization cards for employees who are on leave
ANS: A, B, D, E Union representatives must meet in nonwork areas. Union representatives must not spread rumors of prejudices. Neither the union nor employers can spread falsehood about potential job loss or repercussion in the event of unionization. Union representatives cannot sign cards for employees.
Which factors would be considered in the first steps in developing an effective patient classification system? (select all that apply) a. Planned procedures b. Ethnic diversity of patients c. Clinical competency of staff d. Educational level of nurses e. Age of patients
ANS: A, B, E The first step in developing a patient classification system is to understand the intensity of care needs, which requires identifying specific patient characteristics and care requirements
Registered nurses who are entering the workforce will have expanded leadership responsibilities that include: (select all that apply) a. serving on interdisciplinary care teams. b. being competent to work in several areas independently when dictated by patient census. c. attending a meeting to plan advanced training for unlicensed assistive personnel. d. evaluating outcomes of care that are reported to a standing committee. e. managing units with higher acuity, shorter length of stay, and more diverse patients and staff.
ANS: A, C, D, E The new nurses will be placed in many situations that require leadership and management skills: for example, managing a group of assigned patients, serving on a task force or committee, acting as team leaders or charge nurses, and supervising unlicensed assistive personnel and licensed vocational/practical nurses. Diverse patients have comorbidities and require complex interventions delivered during shorter stays with an ever-increasing diverse staff. The new nurses will be placed in many situations that require leadership and management skills, for example, managing a group of assigned patients, serving on a task force or committee, acting as team leaders or charge nurses, and supervising unlicensed assistive personnel and licensed vocational/practical nurses. The new nurses will be placed in many situations that require leadership and management skills, for example, managing A group of assigned patients, serving on a task force or committee, acting as team leaders or charge nurses, and supervising unlicensed assistive personnel and licensed vocational/practical nurses. The new nurses will be placed in many situations that require leadership and management skills, for example, managing a group of assigned patients, serving on a task force or committee, acting as team leaders or charge nurses, and supervising unlicensed assistive personnel and licensed vocational/practical nurses.
While participating in a task force to proactively plan for nursing care delivery over the next 20 years, a nurse learns that dramatic changes will occur as a result of: (select all that apply.) a. the increase in the number of minimally invasive procedures being performed for disease treatment. b. care provided for patients over an extended period in acute care settings. c. the reduction in the number of nurses and other health care professionals who are available to provide care. d. the widespread illiteracy and decreased self-efficacy of the aging patient population. e. the need to focus on social and environmental influences, educational level, and individual characteristics and values of the patient. f. the devaluing of nursing as a means of improving patient outcomes.
ANS: A, C, E Invasive surgical procedures are being replaced by laparoscopic procedures. The demand for nurses and other health care professionals cannot keep pace with the increased need for health care required by the growing older population. Care will focus on the unique lifestyles and values of a diverse population.
Patients with heart failure have extended lengths of stay and are often readmitted shortly after they have been discharged. To improve quality of care, a type of "road map" that included all elements of care for this disease and that standardized treatment by guiding daily care was implemented. This road map is referred to as a(n): a. benchmark. b. critical pathway. c. algorithm. d. case management
ANS: B A critical pathway determines the best order and timing of interventions provided by health care team members for a particular diagnosis
A male nurse hired to work in the emergency department is observed throwing a contaminated needle into the trash can. The team leader reprimands the nurse for not appropriately disposing of sharps. The nurse states, "You don't care that I threw the needle in the trash. You just want an all-female staff," putting the team leader in a defensive position. This communication technique is known as: a. straw man. b. red herring. c. slippery slope. d. confusing cause and effect
ANS: B A red herring is the introduction of an irrelevant topic for the purpose of diverting attention away from the real issue
A nurse is assisting with the delivery of twins. The first infant is placed on the scale to be weighed. The physician requests an instrument stat. The nurse turns to hand the instrument to the physician, and the infant falls off the scale. When evaluating the incident, the nurse and her manager list contributory factors such as the need for two nurses when multiple births are known, and the location of the scale so far from the delivery field. These nurses are performing a(n): a. standardization of care. b. root cause analysis. c. process variation. d. analysis of a deployment flowchart
ANS: B A root cause analysis is a process by which factors that underlie variation in performance, including the occurrence or possible occurrence of a sentinel event, are identified. The purpose of root cause analysis is to identify improvements that can be implemented to prevent future occurrences
A nurse is removing a saturated dressing from an abdominal incision and must cut the tape to remove the dressing. The nurse accidentally cuts the sutures holding the incision, and evisceration occurs. In quality improvement, this incident is best identified as a: a. root cause. b. sentinel event. c. variation in performance. d. causal factor
ANS: B A sentinel event is an unexpected occurrence that could result in serious physical or psychological injury to the patient, including the possibility of returning to surgery and a prolonged length of stay
An RN delegates to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) the task of performing blood pressure checks for a group of patients on a nursing unit. The UAP accepts the task and is responsible for: a. delegating the task to another UAP if he or she does not have the time or skill to complete the task. b. keeping the RN informed of any abnormal blood pressure readings. c. calling the physician when the patient's vital signs are not within established parameters. d. informing the dietary department to initiate a low-sodium diet for patients who are hypertensive.
ANS: B After accepting the assignment, the UAP is responsible for completing the task and reporting any patient concerns to the RN
A nurse gives Dilantin intravenously with lactated Ringer's solution containing multivitamins. The drug precipitates and obstructs the only existing line. When the team leader informs the nurse that these drugs cannot be mixed, the nurse states, "Everyone just pushes the medicine slowly. No one checks for compatibility. There isn't even a compatibility chart on the unit." Which type of logical fallacy has influenced the nurse? a. Ad hominem abusive b. Appeal to common practice c. Appeal to emotion d. Appeal to tradition
ANS: B An appeal to common practice occurs when the argument is made that something is okay because most people do it.
The new director of nurses has instituted "walking rounds" on all nursing units, rather than the usual taped shift reports. A veteran nurse exclaims, "She doesn't know how we do things here!" The nurse is demonstrating: a. appeal to emotion. b. appeal to tradition. c. red herring. d. straw man.
ANS: B An appeal to tradition is the argument that doing things a particular way is best because they've always been done that way
A group of RNs wish to seek union representation that would protect all workers in the agency including nonlicensed assistive personnel and non-nursing employees such as nutritionists and dietary workers. The type of union being sought is the strongest collective group and is known as a(n): a. occupational union. b. industrial union. c. union shop. d. right-to-work bargaining organization.
ANS: B An industrial unionism is a single union for all workers in the agency.
A concern that nurses were being asked to perform tasks that went beyond the state's nurse practice act was brought to the union's attention. Nurses were informed that either mediation or binding arbitration will be used to resolve the issue. A novice nurse asks about the difference between these techniques and is informed that: a. mediation is sanctioned by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to formally discuss concerns with management and labor. b. binding arbitration is a formal discussion between labor and management in which the arbitrator's recommendations are compulsory. c. mediation uses a trained person to negotiate a legally binding plan. d. binding arbitration requires both labor and management to participate in discussions on the least destructive approach to allow self-governance by employees.
ANS: B Binding arbitration requires that both parties meet in formal talks, and all parties must obey the arbitrator's recommendations
During height and weight assessments at a school's health fair, a child admits to drinking a cup of coffee with his mother every morning, and another child reports enjoying a morning cup of coffee on the commute to school. These two children are both below average on the height chart, and the nurse states, "Drinking coffee stunts a child's growth." This logical fallacy is referred to as: a. appeal to common practice. b. confusing cause and effect. c. ad hominem abusive. d. red herring
ANS: B Cause and effect are confused when one assumes that a particular event must cause another just because the two events often occur together.
A nurse plans care knowing when specific recovery milestones are expected. The nurse is providing care via: a. patient classification systems. b. clinical pathways. c. functional nursing. d. case management
ANS: B Clinical pathways plans patient care activities and interprofessional interventions and desired patient outcomes within a specified time period for a particular diagnosis or health condition
A teenage patient is using earphones to listen to hard rock music and is making gestures in rhythm to the music. The nurse assesses the amount of urine output in the Foley catheter and leaves the room. What communication technique is demonstrated in both of these situations? a. Blocking b. Filtration c. Empathy d. False assurance
ANS: B Filtration is the unconscious exclusion of extraneous stimuli in communication
During a health history interview, the nurse listens to a patient relating the precipitating events that led to the onset of chest pain. She focuses her attention on the patient, makes eye contact, and acknowledges what the patient has to say. The nurse is exhibiting: a. assertive communication. b. active listening. c. empathy. d. passive communication
ANS: B In active listening a number of techniques can be used by the receiver to enhance the ability to listen; these include (1) providing undivided attention, (2) giving feedback (rephrasing), (3) making eye contact, (4) noting nonverbal messages (body language), and (5) finishing listening before one begins to speak
A patient has decided to stop hemodialysis because his renal failure progresses and he wishes to spend more time with family. Palliative care will continue, and the approach will be discussed with the patient and family as needed and at change of shift. The care delivery model in this situation is termed: a. partnership. b. patient-centered. c. case management. d. total patient care
ANS: B Patient-centered care models entail the health care team partnering with the patient and family to ensure that patients' wants, needs, and preferences are the priority while allowing the patient and family to participate in decisions and educational needs
A nonprofit organization that distributes to governmental agencies, the public, business, and health care professionals knowledge related to health care for the purpose of improving health is the: a. Institute for Safe Medication Practices. b. Institute of Medicine. c. National Committee for Quality Assurance. d. The Joint Commission
ANS: B The Institute of Medicine is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance and disseminate to the government, the corporate sector, the professions, and the public scientific information that will improve human health
The nurse caring for a patient states, "Your blood pressure is dangerously high. Are you taking antihypertensive medicine?" The patient states, "I can't afford my medicine. I have no insurance." The nurse states "I feel really sorry for that patient. I wish it wasn't against policy to give her money." The nurse wants to help and places a note on Facebook that any donations would be appreciated to help a waitress who works at the cafeteria next door to the hospital buy her medications. The nurse posts that "She was so sick last evening when she came to the ED. I can't believe they don't provide insurance. I can't give her money but you all can help." This nurse: a. is showing empathy and as long as she lets the patient know the money is not from her, she is not violating any social media guidelines. b. is at risk for HIPAA violations. c. has properly followed policy and protected the patient by not using her name. d. is demonstrating the logical fallacy of slippery slope.
ANS: B The National Council State Board of Nursing's policy on social media prohibits posting of patient information on social media sites. This patient could be identified by knowing where she works and the fact that she was seen in the ED the day before.
A student nurse is concerned about delegation practices and wonders why hospitals employ unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) and LPN/LVNs. The student nurse refers to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and learns that the role of these personnel is to: a. supplement the staffing pattern when an RN is not available. b. aid the RN by performing appropriately delegated care tasks. c. replace the RN when the health care facility provides long-term care. d. provide patient teaching, allowing more direct care to be provided by the RN
ANS: B The UAP and LPN/LVN can increase productivity of the RN by performing those tasks that fall within their scope of practice
The nurse is demonstrating active listening when: a. while assessing the patient's vital signs, the nurse records the data and states, "You are improving, your vital signs are normal." b. eye contact is maintained while focusing on the patient as the patient describes the current pain level and location. c. he or she states, "I know how you feel, I recently lost my father and I am still hurting." d. cultural values are in opposition to the patient but shares that "I agree with your decision to use herbs rather than the prescribed medications."
ANS: B The behavior demonstrates active listening. A number of techniques can be used by the receiver to enhance the ability to listen; these include (1) providing undivided attention, (2) giving feedback (rephrasing), (3) making eye contact, (4) noting nonverbal messages (body language), and (5) finishing listening before one begins to speak
Each month data on admission assessments that are based on the following standard are entered: "All patients will be assessed by an RN within 2 hours of admission." The target goal for this standard is 97% compliance. Data are displayed on a graph that shows number and time of admission assessments and compliance variation limits. This pictorial representation is: a. Pareto chart. b. control chart. c. deployment chart. d. top-down flowchart
ANS: B The control chart is a run chart that has a centerline and added statistical control limits that help to detect specific types of change needed to improve a process
A nurse who was recently certified in chemotherapy administration fails to check compatibility of phenytoin (Dilantin) before injecting into a continuous infusion of D5W leading to occlusion of the line. Which statement by the nurse demonstrates a red herring? a. The nurse is upset and states, "I am sure I have injected this before without a problem" and the supervisor interprets this to mean the nurse often take shortcuts. b. The nurse states, "You are just upset because I am certified in chemotherapy administration and you are not." c. "The nurse who started the IV didn't get a blood return but determined the IV was the patient's—that is the problem." d. "This drug always occludes the line because it is so viscous."
ANS: B The nurse diverts attention away from the issue of not checking compatibility to introduce an irrelevant topic of chemotherapy administration certification which is not related to this situation.
A patient's spouse was just diagnosed with lung cancer although there was no history of tobacco use. The spouse states, "I am so mad. How can you get cancer without smoking?" Which statement by the nurse represents empathy? a. "Research is identifying many risk factors for cancer besides smoking." b. "I understand how you could feel angry about the diagnosis." c. "He is still a good husband." d. "Why do you think he got cancer?"
ANS: B The nurse is placing herself in the wife's position and sharing her emotions
The first step in the nursing process and in the problem-solving process is to: a. identify the problem. b. gather information. c. consider the consequences. d. implement interventions.
ANS: B The nursing process, which is familiar to nurses who address patient care needs, can be applied to all management activities that require decision making and problem-solving. As in the nursing process and the problem-solving process, one must first gather information about the problem or situation.
A nurse is interested in working in a large trauma center that is unionized but does not want to join the union or pay fees. She accepts the position but is not required to join or pay fees to the union based on which law? a. National Labor Relations Act b. Right-to-work law c. National Labor Relations Act d. Taft-Hartley Act
ANS: B The right-to-work law prohibits membership or payment of union dues or "fees" a condition of employment, either before or after hiring.
In today's world of fast, effective communication, what is the most commonly used means of societal communication? a. Facial expression b. Spoken word c. Written messages d. Electronic messaging
ANS: B Verbal communication, which involves talking and listening, is the most common form of interpersonal communication. An important clue to verbal communication is the tone or inflection with which words are spoken and the general attitude used when speaking
A new mother is experiencing pain after delivering an infant with Down syndrome. The staff nurse states, "I don't think she is really hurting. Let the next shift give the pain medication." The team leader notices the staff nurse looks agitated and anxious and asks about any concerns in providing care to this new mom. The staff nurse admits having a stillborn infant with Down syndrome. This is an example of which component of communication? a. Personal perception b. Past experiences c. Filtration d. Preconceived idea
ANS: B With past experiences that include a variety of positive, neutral, and negative events, the influence that these experiences can and will have on communication may be positive, neutral, or negative. The importance of recognizing that any reaction from the receiver may be biased by previous experience cannot be overstated
A hospital is seeking a 2.5% wage reduction for all nurses as part of a new balanced budget plan; however, the plan provides for raises for upper-level management. This plan resulted in a call for a union to protect the nurses. When the union representative arrives, what questions should the nurses ask? (select all that apply) a. Will the dues be used to support charity care when clients are unable to pay? b. How effective has the union been in representing nurses' best interest? c. What percent of dues pays union personnel salaries? d. Are dues used to promote research for terminally ill clients? e. If arbitration is unsuccessful and a strike occurs, will nurses receive compensation during the strike?
ANS: B, C, E Laborers (staff nurses) want a union with a successful track record of improving wages and benefits. Union dues are used to support union personnel, and the amount varies among different union groups; the higher the percentage of money that goes to pay union personnel salaries, the less money will be available to support members. Employers are not obligated to pay laborers during a strike, and unions may choose to pay employees while striking.
Faculty comes to class to present information about joining the Student Nurses Association (SNA). A student is heard saying, "Why join this organization? It is just a bunch of students like us. I'll wait and join the real nursing organization after graduation." This student is not aware of which benefits of SNA? (select all that apply) a. Members are eligible to sit for the licensure examination at a reduced rate. b. Leadership skills can be refined by working with other schools of nursing. c. The National SNA provides discounted rates for study abroad opportunities. d. A global view of nursing can be obtained through networking internationally. e. Lobbying efforts are a major benefit of belonging to SNA
ANS: B, D Leadership opportunities are available as officers and through conferences. SNA members work with other nursing students across the nation and internationally
In orientation, a new graduate is surprised to learn of workplace violence in health care agencies and asks, "What kind of violence is common in hospitals?" The educator describes workplace violence as: (select all that apply) a. care of patients admitted who are victims of domestic violence. b. experienced nurses withholding pertinent information from coworkers to portray them as incompetent. c. coworkers participating in an employee assistance program (EAP) to learn more about anger management for adult children living at home. d. care of persons being held for treatment prior to be incarcerated for committing homicide. e. statements such as "The new nurse has book sense but can't perform an admission physical without the help of everyone on the unit."
ANS: B, E Withholding information from novices or coworkers to purposely cause them to appear inadequate or unskilled is considered workplace violence because of the anxiety and stress it produces. This should not be tolerated and should be reported. Such statements, which belittle employees, lead to job dissatisfaction, lack of teamwork, and burnout and are considered lateral or workplace violence. This should not be tolerated and should be reported
Nurses in a unionized hospital are paid "compensatory pay" when working holidays equal to the number of hours worked with no extra compensation. Although they have suggested changes during the annual survey of employee satisfaction, management refuses to consider another system for compensatory pay. A trained member listened to both nurses and management to make recommendations that were not legally binding. This type of settlement is termed: a. picketing. b. binding arbitration. c. mediation. d. grievance.
ANS: C Mediation enlists the help of a trained person to listen to both sides; however, recommendations are not legally binding.
Nurses in a nonprofit hospital have expressed an interest in forming a union to secure fair wages and ensure client safety. To form a core support group of nurses, the union organizer can conduct meetings to gather initial information: a. away from the worksite with a group of managers to learn both sides of the situation. b. at the worksite with staff nurses who are respected leaders. c. in homes or local businesses with staff nurses. d. after photographing management meetings to discuss their strategies to decrease interest in unionization.
ANS: C The union representative meets with laborers (staff nurses) at a nonwork setting to gather information about grievances.
A large corporation employs nurses all over the United States. Nurses in one agency learned that fellow nurses in another agency are striking because they are required to work 16-hour shifts to cover for nurses who have left due to unsafe staffing practices. The union of the nonstriking agency nurses decides to stop work to support the nurses who are striking; thus, this union: a. is placing nurses at risk for a lawsuit because their direct employer did not cause the strike. b. must be an industry union representing both parties. c. is participating in a sympathy strike, which, if done correctly, is legal. d. must pay for any losses incurred by the agency during the strike
ANS: C A sympathy strike occurs when a union stops work to support the strike of another union.
A nurse is listening to a patient's apical heart rate. The patient asks, "Is everything okay?" The nurse says nothing and shrugs her shoulders. The nurse is demonstrating: a. open communication. b. filtration. c. blocking. d. false assurance
ANS: C Blocking occurs when the nurse responds with noncommittal or generalized answers.
A staff nurse states, "I really enjoyed having dinner with the Chief of Medical Staff and the President of the hospital. We hope to meet again soon." Which source of power does this nurse possess? a. Expert b. Legitimate c. Connection d. Reward
ANS: C Connection power results from knowing or associating with power people such as the upper administration.
An older adult is unable to reach the telephone and is found dead at home several hours later. The son of the deceased person arrives at the hospital and asks, "Can I just please stay and hold my dad's hand? He was so afraid of dying alone." Which response by the nurse shows empathy? a. "You are just too late for that. Where were you when he needed you?" b. "Did you ever consider purchasing a cell phone for your dad to prevent this from happening?" c. "I'll close the door so you can spend time with your dad. I will check back in a few minutes." d. "I lost my dad last year. He died alone. He was a policeman. I am just like you. Let me stay here and console you."
ANS: C Empathy is demonstrated by the ability to mentally place oneself in another person's situation to better understand the person and to share the emotions or feelings of the person
A nurse is overhead saying, "I don't mind working during the election and holiday. My parents are divorced, money is tight, and honestly I don't trust any politicians anyway. I plan to take a few weeks off next month." She works independently to research strategies to improve patient-centered care for the large number of immigrants that arrived in the area and then works with the team to share ideas. She recommends, "Let's think the suggestions over and come back together next week." This nurse's communication style is consistent with which generation? a. Baby Boomers b. Traditionalist c. Generation X d. Millenniums
ANS: C Generation X individuals grew up in when there was a high rate of divorces; they tend to be more cynical and value work-life balance and teamwork. Holidays are often associated with family gatherings which may have been absent in this generation's family; belief that ALL politicians are untrustworthy may be viewed as cynical. The need to take time to form suggestions to save time and come together to reach team decision are reflective of this generation
A group of nurses interested in unionizing decides to contact the largest union in the United States representing registered nurses, which is the: a. American Nurses Association. b. United American Nurses. c. National Nurses United. d. National Labor Relations Board.
ANS: C In 2009, the National Nurses United became the largest union representing nurses RNs as a result of a merger between the United American Nurses, California Nurses Association, National Nurses Organizing Committee, and Massachusetts Nurses Association.
A hospital recently learned that their scorecard did not meet the national benchmark for patient satisfaction and brought in a professional change agent to determine what their issues were and how they could improve their score. The agent collected data and recommended that nurses participate in interdisciplinary walking rounds and allow the patient and family to be participants. Nurses now round every shift and perform "huddles to update the team" as needed throughout the shift as part of best practices. Random visits are made to nursing units to ensure all nurses are participating and patients are interviewed for their involvement. This stage of Lewin's change is: a. unfreeze. b. moving. c. refreeze. d. resistance.
ANS: C In the refreezing stage, change becomes status quo and the agent reinforces until the change is part of the daily process as in the above situation
In recent Gallop Polls, nurses were voted as the most honest with the highest ethical standards of all professions. How does this degree of professionalism affect nurses' desire to participate in organized strikes? a. Nurses most often turn to collective bargaining strategies such as strikes to emphasize client safety initiatives. b. Nurses use evidence-based studies that reflect both management and labor views to support participation in unionization. c. Nurses often find union activities such as strikes in conflict with the need to serve and protect clients and their profession. d. Nurses who strike can be legally punished for abandonment and negligence, considered to be professional misconduct.
ANS: C Nurses are client advocates and promotion of professionalism is valued as evidenced by the public's opinion related to honesty and professionalism.
An RN is counseled by the nurse manager regarding inappropriate delegation when the: a. RN instructs the nursing assistant to greet ambulatory surgery patients and show them to their rooms. b. nursing assistant informs the RN that she has not been trained to collect a sputum specimen and the RN states, "I will show you this time and you can show me the next time." c. RN assigns the float LPN/LVN the task of completing a plan of care for a stable patient who was admitted for routine replacement of a feeding tube. d. LPN/LVN who has demonstrated competence is asked to perform a dressing change for a patient before she is discharged home.
ANS: C Only an RN can initiate and complete a new plan of care; this does not fall within the scope of practice of the LPN/LVN. The RN has violated one of the five rights of delegation
The number of IV site infections has more than doubled on a nursing unit. The staff determine common causes include the site is cleaned using inconsistent methods, dressing frequently becomes wet when patient showers, IV tubing is not changed every 48 hours per protocol, and inadequate hand washing of RN prior to insertion. A bar graph demonstrates the frequency in descending order, with 80% of infections being attributed to inadequate hand washing. The quality tool used is a: a. cause-and-effect diagram. b. run chart. c. Pareto chart. d. flowchart
ANS: C Pareto charts are bar graphs that show causes contributing to a problem in descending order so the leading cause is easily recognized
Managers who exhibit an authoritative behavioral style are most likely to use which source of power? a. Informal b. Expert c. Coercive d. Reward
ANS: C Seven primary sources of power are known. Coercive power is based on fear of punishment or failure to comply. Coercive power fits well into the authoritative behavioral style because authoritative managers dictate the work with much control, usually ignore the ideas or suggestions of subordinates, and provide little feedback or recognition for work accomplished.
An RN with excellent assessment and psychomotor skills would derive power on the basis of which source? a. Rewards b. Coercion c. Expert d. Legitimate
ANS: C Seven primary sources of power are known. Expert power is based on knowledge, skills, and information.
A group of nurses are meeting to decide how to staff the upcoming holidays. Each of the four members freely expresses thoughts about fair staffing but is willing to listen to other thoughts and reconsider their first recommendations. The nurses are avoiding conflict and supporting professional communication through: a. empathy. b. positiveness. c. supportiveness. d. accommodation
ANS: C Supportive communication occurs when each person's opinion/position is valued and each participant has the freedom to express a position but is willing to change that opinion/position
Historically, what movement most influenced unionization in American health care agencies/hospitals? a. Immigration laws protected foreign employees from discrimination in hiring or discharge on the basis of national origin and citizenship status. b. Women entered the workforce, gaining voice to support unions. c. The Industrial Revolution led to poor working conditions and the need to protect workers. d. Nurses were exposed to communicable diseases, which led to death and disability.
ANS: C The Industrial Revolution led to people working in factories where poor and unsafe working conditions were widespread.
A director of nursing (DON) asks the staff to list how their nursing unit can help the organization meet its goal to "provide quality patient care with attention to compassion and excellence." An ad hoc committee is formed to develop a timeline of identified actions. The DON coaches the committee to reach desired outcomes. This DON is demonstrating which other role of leadership and management? a. Transactional b. Clinical consultant c. Corporate supporter d. Autocratic
ANS: C The manager is embracing the mission of the organization by supporting achievement of goals noted in the mission statement
A novice nurse is placed in charge just after orientation ends. Which statement by the novice nurse would ensure a smooth delegation experience when delegating to an experienced staff member? a. "You have the patients in rooms 1 to 7. These patients require little skill so you will be fine." b. "Your assignments are posted in writing by the nurses' station. Be certain all your tasks are completed so the next shift is not behind." c. "You have patients in rooms 5 through 10 and I will administer all IV medications. I will let you know if I have to adjust. If you see you need help let me know." d. "Everyone is capable of providing the best care, so please sign up for the patients you would like to be assigned to."
ANS: C The nurse is clearly stating the assignments, allowing for a need to adjust both to needs of the unit and the delegate's needs
A nurse wants to apply open communication to obtain a thorough history and to determine cognitive function. Which question represents the use of open communication? a. Is today Wednesday? b. Do you know what day it is? c. Tell me what day of the week today is. d. Do you know what the first day of the week is?
ANS: C The patient must be able to name the day of the week rather than use answer yes or no.
An RN recently relocated to another region of the country and immediately assumed the role of charge nurse. When determining the appropriate person to whom to delegate, the RN knows that: a. the role of the LPN/LVN is the same from state to state. b. the LPN/LVN can be taught to perform all the duties of an RN if approved by the employer and if additional on-the-job training is provided. c. he or she must review the state's nurse practice act for LPN/LVNs, because each state defines the role and scope of practice of the LPN/LVN. d. The Joint Commission has certified and established roles for the LPN/LVN
ANS: C The scope of practice of the LPN/LVN varies significantly from state to state; RNs should know the LPN/LVN nurse practice act in the state in which they practice and should understand the legal scope of practice of the LPN/LVN
One difference between a leader and a manager is that a: a. leader has legitimate authority. b. manager motivates and inspires others. c. manager focuses on coordinating resources. d. leader focuses on accomplishing goals of the organization.
ANS: C The terms leadership and management are often used interchangeably, and it is difficult to discuss one without discussing the other. However, these roles have specific traits unique to themselves. The manager is the coordinator of resources (time, people, and supplies) needed to achieve outcomes.
An LPN/LVN has transferred to a nursing unit and arrives for the first day. The RN checks with the LPN/LVN often throughout the shift to provide support and determine if assistance is needed. The RN is providing which level of supervision? a. There is no supervision, because at times the LPN/LVN is not with the RN. b. Periodic inspection is being used. Because the LPN/LVN is licensed, the RN is relieved of the need to evaluate care. c. Continual supervision is being provided until the RN determines competency. d. Initial supervision is being provided because this is the LPN/LVN's first day on the unit
ANS: C This level of supervision is required when the working relationship is new, the task is complex, or the delegatee is inexperienced or has not demonstrated an acceptable level of competence
A nurse asks, "What is meant by 'internal' customers?" The correct response is: (select all that apply) a. insurance companies b. accreditors such as The Joint Commission c. X-ray technicians d. clinical pharmacist e. chief financial officer
ANS: C, D, E Internal customers are employees of an organization at all levels. An x-ray technician is an example of an internal customer. Internal customers are employees of an organization at all levels. A clinical pharmacist is an example of an internal customer. Internal customers are employees of an organization at all levels. A chief financial officer is an example of an internal customer
It is important to realize that nurses may seek unionization if: (select all that apply) a. physicians rotate on-call coverage among group members for complicated long-term clients. b. scheduling is presented that provides adequate staffing on holidays by rotation of time off for holidays among nurses. c. incident report trends indicate medication errors are caused by shift reports being taped and heard after nurses from the prior shift have left the unit. d. physicians, nurses, nutritionists, and physical therapists visit concurrently with clients to plan care. e. staff development activities are planned daily at 8 AM for 2 consecutive days to educate staff on new cardiac monitoring procedures while following normal staffing patterns
ANS: C, E Policies where shift reports are taped and heard after a prior shift has left have proved to lead to errors and unsafe care. Staff development activities should be scheduled to allow nurses to attend, and normal staffing patterns or time of training must coincide with nurses' availability and ability to listen to and retain information (such as at the beginning or end of the shift while others provide coverage).
A nurse has heard rumors that other nurses are interested in unionizing but knows little about the purpose of unions. The nurse's first action is to: a. contact an arbitrator who has worked with other nurses in unions. b. picket the agency where employed to gain inside information as to why unionization is sought. c. sign the dual-purpose union authorization card. d. review the National Nurses United website for collective bargaining information.
ANS: D The National Nurses United website gives information about collective bargaining for nurses.
A nurse is preparing an exercise program as part of a health promotion program for older adults with osteoporosis. Which question would retrieve the most valuable information about health practices? a. "Do you exercise?" b. "Do you like to exercise?" c. "When do you exercise?" d. "What exercise practices do you participate in?"
ANS: D "What exercise practices do you participate in?" is an open-ended question or statement that requires more information than just yes or no. This type of question augments the gathering of enough facts to build a more complete picture of the circumstances
An organization's emergency preparedness task force meets to discuss how it should react in case of a terrorist attack and develops a disaster evacuation plan that details how each department will assist individuals in reaching safety. This type of diagram is referred to as a: a. Pareto chart. b. control chart. c. top-down flowchart. d. deployment chart
ANS: D A deployment flowchart would show the detailed steps involved in the process and the people or departments that are to be involved at each step to assist individuals in reaching safety
During the night, a patient fell in the bathroom and sustained a hip injury. The patient was very upset because of being unable to attend a granddaughter's wedding in 2 days. The team looked at the process and determined that the patient had been medicated with a narcotic, had urinary urgency so had not taken the time to put on shoes, failed to turn on the light because the door to the hall let in some light, and stumbled over a towel that had been placed to collect water leaks caused by construction that was in progress to replace damaged sinks. Which factor was a special cause variation? a. Failure to take time to put on shoes due to urgency b. Unsteady gait due to narcotic administration c. Poor lighting that led to decreased vision d. Improper construction that caused the leak and towel placement
ANS: D A special cause variation is an uncommon variation that is unstable and unpredictable, is not under statistical control, and is related to a clearly identified single source, which in this scenario is the construction project
Which action represents the key management function of strategic planning? a. Determining that all nurses on the unit understand the current organizational philosophy b. Evaluating the communication process between the pharmacy and the nursing departments c. Monitoring data from the quality management initiative related to the last three orientation programs d. Developing a 5-year plan that will incorporate the clinical nurse leader as a part of all nursing units
ANS: D A strategic plan is a written document that details organizational goals, allocates resources, assigns responsibilities, and determines time frames. The strategic plan generally looks 3 to 5 years into the future
Which statement accurately describes communication? a. The components of communication are mutually exclusive. b. Communication is linear. c. Communication involves only the sender and the receiver; everything else is superficial. d. When the receiver becomes the sender, the subcomponent of communication that is in use is feedback
ANS: D Communication is a process that requires certain components, including a sender, a receiver, and a message. Effective communication is a dynamic process: With a response (feedback), the sender becomes the receiver, the receiver becomes the sender, and the message changes
An orthopedic unit is considering different types of care delivery models and staff have an opportunity to ask questions about how the models differ. The nurse manager provides an overview and uses the above visual to demonstrate which model of care delivery? a. Team b. Partnership c. Primary d. Functional
ANS: D Functional care delivery models assign tasks to each provider. In the above visual, the LPN is responsible for oral medication administration, the unlicensed assistive personnel provide hygiene, and the RN is assigned to task that require the nursing process
A group of nurses is presenting the importance of high-quality care during a system wide meeting of medical-surgical nurses. They point out a finding of the Quality Chasm that: a. being insured has little effect on a person's longevity and the quality of care received. b. lobbyists for the drug companies are able to gain permission for the use of new drugs within 1 year of their discovery. c. although a greater number of lawsuits stem from medication errors, more people actually die from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency disease syndrome (AIDS). d. medication-related errors place a tremendous financial burden on the U.S. health care system.
ANS: D Medication-related errors for hospitalized patients cost roughly $2 billion annually
A nurse makes patient care assignments as follows: RN1 has rooms 200-210; RN2 has rooms 211-221; RN3 has rooms 222-232. The two unlicensed assistive personnel have half the rooms, with one assigned to 200-215 and the second to 216-232. The care delivery model used in this situation is: a. team. b. primary. c. partnership. d. modular.
ANS: D Modular (or geographic) assignments are based on a geographic location in the nursing unit
Which task is appropriate for the RN to delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) provided the delegatee has had experience and training? a. Evaluate the ability of a patient to swallow ice after a gastroscopy. b. Assist a patient who is postoperative hip replacement to ambulate with a walker for the first time. c. Change the disposable tracheotomy cannula for a new postoperative tracheotomy patient if secretions are thick and tenacious. d. Obtain a sterile urine sample from a patient with a Foley catheter that is connected to a closed drainage system
ANS: D Obtaining a sterile urine sample from a patient with a Foley catheter that is connected to a closed drainage system is not an invasive procedure, and risk to the patient is minimal, making the task appropriate for delegation
A nurse is asked to "float" to another area where the patients require total care. The nurse smiles, picks up her stethoscope, and says, "I'll come back and eat lunch with everyone here." When she enters the elevator she hits the wall and mutters, "Always me. Don't I have any rights"? The nurse is demonstrating which communication style? a. Assertive b. Aggressive c. Passive d. Passive-aggressive
ANS: D Passive-aggressive communication is represented by incongruent actions—the nurse shows friendly gestures by smiling and demonstrating she wants to have lunch with the staff on the original unit; however, she shows her anger by hitting the wall and muttering
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) has been practicing for 25 years on a unit where a newly graduated RN with a bachelor's degree is hired. Before the RN arrives on the unit, the LPN is heard saying, "She'll try to tell everyone what to do because she makes more money. She'll sit at the desk and let us do all the work." This is an example of a(n): a. interpretation. b. context. c. precipitating event. d. preconceived idea
ANS: D Preconceived ideas are conceptions, opinions, or thoughts that the receiver has developed before having an encounter. Such ideas can dramatically affect the receiver's acceptance and understanding of the message
A nurse is delegating to the newly hired nursing unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) the task of assisting with oral hygiene, knowing that this assignment "does not require decisions based on the nursing process." The nurse is correctly using which of the five rights of delegation? a. Supervision b. Communication c. Person d. Circumstance
ANS: D Right circumstance involves the delegation of tasks that do not require independent nursing judgments
A hospital's policy requires that all nurse managers must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in nursing. A BSN nurse new to the hospital has recently been hired as nurse manager for the oncology unit. An RN who has worked on this unit for many years is unable to be promoted to a nurse manager position because of his educational status and has been commenting to physicians and staff, "The new nurse manager has book sense but no leadership abilities." What is the best approach that can be used by the new nurse manager who is attempting to gain the trust and respect of the nursing staff on the unit? a. Send memos to all staff except the upset nurse to invite them to a luncheon. b. Ask management to transfer the upset nurse to another unit. c. Assign the upset nurse to committees that do not directly affect that nursing unit. d. Acknowledge the clinical expertise of the upset nurse and clearly explain the expectations for teamwork and open, honest communication.
ANS: D The best way for the new nurse manager to communicate with this employee, who may be an informal leader, is to show respect for the individual's clinical expertise and experience through clear and direct communication. The new nurse manager should attempt to identify the staff nurse's power as an informal leader, should involve him and other staff members in decision-making and change-implementation processes, and should clearly communicate goals and work expectations to all staff members.
A clinical nurse leader (CNL) enters the workforce and hopes to use her interdisciplinary skills to participate on a quality improvement committee. The coordinator of the quality group invites the CNL to join the group. Which type of power is demonstrated by the coordinator of the group? a. Coercive b. Transformational c. Laissez-fair d. Legitimate
ANS: D The coordinator of the committee has an official position within the organizational committee.
Which component of an e-mail shown below would be both effective and concise? a. Subject: A short concise subject line: Meeting. b. Body: I would like you to answer these questions before the next meeting: Where would you like to meet? Do you want all the staff to attend? Can we serve refreshments? What is one goal for our unit? c. Body: Dear Staff, As you know, each department must reduce staff by 2%. We will need to discuss how to inform unlicensed staff about the downsizing efforts of the hospital. d. Body: The next staff meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 19, at 5 PM in the first floor auditorium. Please send items for the agenda. Sally Smith, MSN, RN, [email protected] or ext. 5582
ANS: D This provides a message that is concise and accurate with a clearly conveyed message for the reader and contact information from the sender, all of which are important components of effective e-mail communication
A nurse is reading about positive reinforcement with the goal of increasing staff motivation. Which action would demonstrate positive reinforcement? a. Every morning at shift change, thank each employee for an excellent job. b. Rotate a monthly "employee recognition award" among all employees on the unit. c. Wait until the annual performance review to recognize accomplishments. d. Give spur-of-the-moment recognition to an employee who has accomplished a goal
ANS: D To be effective, positive reinforcement should (1) be specific, with praise given for a particular task done well or a goal accomplished; (2) occur as close as possible to the time of the achievement; (3) be spontaneous and unpredictable (praise given routinely tends to lose value); and (4) be given for a genuine accomplishment.
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication by using the vastus lateralis site and is unfamiliar with the process. A step-by-step reference that shows how to complete the process is called a: a. deployment flowchart. b. top-down flowchart. c. Pareto chart. d. control plot
ANS: B A top-down flowchart shows the sequence of steps in a job or process such as medication administration
Mandatory overtime and reduction in RN staff have resulted in decreased client satisfaction and a sentinel event. Management is unwilling to discuss a change in staffing, and collective bargaining interest is sparked. A nurse is approached to sign a union authorization card. If signed, the card: a. authorizes the union to serve as his or her legal representative. b. indicates that the person is requesting additional information about collective bargaining. c. indicates the nurse desires to share information about grievances. d. gives permission for union dues to be deducted from pay.
ANS: A A signature on a union authorization card indicates that the nurse gives the union the right to serve as legal representation.
Regardless of the term used to describe high-quality health care, the focus of quality is: a. what the consumer needs and wants. b. economical care. c. having the greatest technologic advancement. d. services equally distributed among populations
ANS: A The customer determines quality on the basis of his or her unique perception of high quality care
A manager just finished the last annual performance review of the staff, reviews the unexpected expenditures for the month due to use of agency nurses and shares the latest quality indicators with the staff nurses. This manager is performing which management function? a. Directing b. Planning c. Organizing d. Controlling
ANS: D Controlling is the final management function. It includes performance evaluations, financial activities, and tracking outcomes of care to ensure quality