Nursing Elites

1. Healthcare systems primarily have functional structures. Which of the following would be an example of this?

• A. Open communication exists between Physical Therapy and Nursing.
• B. Medicine has authority over nursing.
• C. Laboratory services have little authority.
• D. All nursing tasks fall under nursing service.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. In functional structures, employees are grouped in departments by specialty, with similar tasks being performed by the same group. This means that in a healthcare system with a functional structure, all nursing tasks would fall under the nursing service. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because open communication between departments, one department having authority over another, or the level of authority of a particular department do not necessarily represent a functional structure.

2. While interviewing for a position at City Hospital, the nurse asks about the organizational structure of the institution. She is told that the hospital is organized into departments based on specialty (e.g., nursing, dietary, pharmacy, etc.). Based on what you know about organizational structure, select the structure in this example.

• A. Parallel
• B. Functional
• C. Service-integrated
• D. Matrix

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Functional. In functional structures, employees are grouped into departments based on specialty, allowing individuals with similar skills and tasks to work together efficiently. In this scenario, organizing the hospital into departments such as nursing, dietary, and pharmacy based on their specialties exemplifies a functional organizational structure. Choice A, Parallel structure, involves independent units working on similar tasks, which is not the case here. Choice C, Service-integrated structure, emphasizes cross-functional teamwork across various departments, which is not the main focus in the scenario. Choice D, Matrix structure, involves employees reporting to multiple managers for different projects or tasks, which is not described in the scenario.

3. What is the main purpose of a patient satisfaction survey?

• A. To improve patient outcomes
• B. To evaluate nursing performance
• C. To measure patient satisfaction
• D. To assess healthcare facilities

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main purpose of a patient satisfaction survey is to measure patient satisfaction. These surveys aim to gather feedback directly from patients regarding their experiences and perceptions of the healthcare services they have received. While patient satisfaction may impact outcomes indirectly, the primary goal of the survey is not to directly improve patient outcomes, making choice A incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because patient satisfaction surveys are not primarily focused on evaluating nursing performance specifically. Choice D is also incorrect because the main focus of the survey is on the satisfaction of patients rather than assessing healthcare facilities.

4. Which of the following are effective ways to apply power and politics in nursing? (EXCEPT)

• A. Picketing the employer
• B. Networking with other professionals
• C. Writing letters to legislators
• D. Joining professional organizations

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A - 'Picketing the employer.' Networking with other professionals, writing letters to legislators, and joining professional organizations are effective ways to apply power and politics in nursing. Picketing the employer is not an appropriate approach in a healthcare setting as it may lead to disruptions in patient care and conflict within the workplace.

5. The nurse manager has two employees with a longstanding conflict that is affecting the group's productivity and cohesiveness. She decides to meet with the employees in private, bring the conflict out into the open, and attempt to resolve it through knowledge and reason. Which conflict management strategy did she employ?

• A. Confrontation
• B. Suppression
• C. Collaboration
• D. Intervention

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse manager employed the conflict management strategy of 'Confrontation.' Confrontation involves bringing the conflict out into the open and attempting to resolve it through knowledge and reason, making it the most effective means of resolving conflict in this scenario. Choice B, 'Suppression,' involves ignoring or avoiding the conflict, which is not what the nurse manager did. Choice C, 'Collaboration,' refers to working together to find a mutually acceptable solution and was not explicitly mentioned in the scenario. Choice D, 'Intervention,' typically involves a third party stepping in to help resolve the conflict, which was not the case here.

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