Nursing Elites

1. A unit director at a local hospital knows even leadership may face ethical dilemmas. Which of the following should the director take into consideration when dealing with an employee who is incompetent?

• A. The situation should be tolerated for as long as possible because of the amount of time and paperwork required to terminate an incompetent nurse.
• B. Incompetence only impacts the individual nurse.
• C. The director should follow her institution�s formal process for reporting and handling practices that jeopardize patient safety.
• D. Most nurse practice acts direct how to handle incompetent nurses.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The director should follow her institution�s formal process for reporting and handling practices that jeopardize patient safety.

2. Which of the following are important techniques when giving directions to subordinates? (EXCEPT)

• A. Know the context of the instructions.
• B. Use lateral communication.
• C. Verify feedback.
• D. Get positive attention.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Use lateral communication.' When giving directions to subordinates, it is important to know the context of the instructions, get positive attention, verify feedback, and give follow-up communication. Lateral communication refers to communication between individuals or groups on the same organizational level, which is not directly related to giving directions to subordinates. Choices A, C, and D are important techniques that help ensure effective communication with subordinates.

3. 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.

4. Which of the following is a positive benefit of conflict within an organization?

• A. Conflict leads to compromise of values and beliefs.
• B. Conflict leads to intergroup collaboration.
• C. Conflict helps people recognize differences and motivates them towards improved performance.
• D. Conflict always results in a win-win resolution.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Conflict within an organization can have positive outcomes as it helps individuals recognize legitimate differences, fostering diversity of thought and perspectives. This recognition can serve as a motivator for individuals to enhance their performance in order to address and adapt to these differences effectively, ultimately leading to improved organizational outcomes. Choice A is incorrect because conflict should not lead to compromising core values and beliefs. Choice B is incorrect as conflict typically leads to competition rather than collaboration. Choice D is incorrect because conflict does not always result in a win-win resolution; in reality, conflicts often involve compromise and trade-offs rather than everyone winning.

5. When in opposition to an immediate superior, a nurse manager should use which important strategy in a confrontation?

• A. Using 'I' language
• B. Using absolutes
• C. Using 'why' questions
• D. Using negative assertions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When in a confrontation, using 'I' language is crucial for a nurse manager. This approach allows the manager to express personal feelings without sounding accusatory, which can help reduce defensiveness and promote open communication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Using absolutes can come off as rigid and may escalate the conflict. 'Why' questions can be perceived as confrontational and may put the other person on the defensive. Negative assertions can lead to a more hostile exchange rather than fostering a constructive dialogue.

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