Nursing Elites

1. A __________ is often helpful to use when a problem is not easily identified.

• A. trial and error
• B. Delphi method
• C. political decision-making model
• D. affinity map

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An affinity map is a tool commonly used when a problem is not easily identified. It helps in organizing and grouping ideas, data, or information based on relationships or themes. Choice A, 'trial and error,' involves repeatedly trying different solutions until the problem is solved, which may not be efficient when the problem is not clearly defined. Choice B, the 'Delphi method,' is a structured communication technique for experts to reach a consensus, not specifically for unidentified problems. Choice C, 'political decision-making model,' refers to a process for making decisions in political contexts and is not directly related to identifying unknown problems.

2. Which of the following best describes the ethical concept of values?

• A. Values are an individual�s feelings about situations.
• B. Values are learned through family systems.
• C. Values are organized ways of thinking about the meaning of life.
• D. Values determine the rightness or wrongness of behavior.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Values are organized ways of thinking about the meaning of life.

3. Which of the following scenarios would be an example of shared governance on a nursing unit?

• A. Staff nurses delegate activities to CNAs.
• B. Procedure manuals are written by a committee of nurse managers.
• C. Staff nurses and CNAs make their own schedules.
• D. A unit manager seeks advice from her supervisor.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Shared governance in a nursing unit involves staff nurses and CNAs having autonomy and decision-making power in aspects like scheduling, which is reflected in them making their own schedules. This scenario aligns with the philosophy of shared governance where nursing practice is best determined by nurses. Choices A, B, and D do not exemplify shared governance as they involve hierarchical delegation, managerial decision-making, and seeking advice from superiors rather than autonomous decision-making by frontline staff.

4. A manager is prioritizing the following issues. Of the following issues, which should be considered urgent and important?

• A. The manager of physical therapy calls and complains about inappropriate behaviors of one of the staff nurses with one of his therapists.
• B. A staff nurse reports a pattern of malfunctioning IV pumps on the unit during her current shift, resulting in overdosing of medications.
• C. One of the staff nurses, who would have been an extra nurse for the next shift, calls in sick.
• D. A small group of staff nurses request a meeting to discuss initiating a scheduling committee.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because patient safety is a critical concern in healthcare settings. Malfunctioning IV pumps leading to medication overdosing poses a direct threat to patient safety and must be addressed urgently. Choice A involves interpersonal issues between staff members which are important but can be addressed in a less urgent manner compared to patient safety concerns. Choice C, a staff nurse calling in sick, is important for staffing but can be managed through existing protocols. Choice D, initiating a scheduling committee, is a routine operational matter that can be addressed at a later time and does not pose an immediate risk to patient safety.

5. When considering virtue ethics, which of the following is true?

• A. Virtue ethics attributes behaviors to moral rules.
• B. Virtue ethics attributes behaviors to knowledge of consequences.
• C. Virtue ethics focuses on moral character, rather than rules for behavior.
• D. Virtue ethics is a formal statement of rules for behavior.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Virtue ethics focuses on qualities and moral character rather than rules or duties. Virtue ethics emphasizes developing good character traits, such as courage, honesty, and compassion, to guide behavior rather than adhering to specific moral rules or focusing on the consequences of actions. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because virtue ethics does not attribute behaviors to moral rules, knowledge of consequences, or formal statements of rules for behavior; instead, it emphasizes the importance of cultivating virtuous character.

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