Nursing Elites

1. How does decision making differ from problem solving?

• A. Decision making always involves selecting from a set of alternatives.
• B. Problem solving always involves selecting one of several alternatives.
• C. Problem solving never involves decision making.
• D. Decision making always involves solving a problem.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because decision making always involves selecting from a set of alternatives, while problem solving involves diagnosing a problem. Option B is incorrect as problem solving involves diagnosing a problem rather than selecting one of several alternatives. Option C is incorrect because decision making is often a part of problem-solving processes. Option D is incorrect as decision making may involve selecting from alternatives, not necessarily solving a problem.

2. Which of the following is a key component of a successful quality improvement (QI) project?

• A. Standardized care protocols
• B. Employee satisfaction
• C. Ongoing training and education
• D. Financial incentives

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ongoing training and education is the correct answer as it is an essential component of a successful quality improvement project. Continuous training and education help ensure that staff are knowledgeable about and up-to-date with the latest practices, technologies, and methodologies in healthcare. This ongoing learning process contributes to improving the quality of care provided.\nChoice A, standardized care protocols, though important, is more about ensuring consistency in care delivery rather than driving quality improvement initiatives. Choice B, employee satisfaction, while significant for staff morale, is not directly related to the core processes of quality improvement projects. Choice D, financial incentives, although motivating, are not the primary driver for successful quality improvement projects; it is the knowledge and skills gained through training and education that play a more critical role in enhancing quality.

3. The problem of overrating staff performance is called ___________ .

• A. Recency error
• B. Absolute judgment
• C. Halo error
• D. Leniency error

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Leniency error.' Leniency error occurs when a manager tends to overrate staff performance, giving higher ratings than deserved. Choice A, 'Recency error,' refers to the tendency to focus only on recent behaviors or events when evaluating performance. Choice B, 'Absolute judgment,' is not directly related to overrating staff performance; it refers to making evaluations without considering the context or comparison points. Choice C, 'Halo error,' involves allowing one positive aspect of an individual to overshadow other factors in performance evaluation, which is different from overrating overall staff performance.

4. Which of the following is a leadership style that assumes individuals are motivated by internal forces and uses participation and majority rule to get work done?

• A. Autocratic leadership
• B. Laissez-faire leadership
• C. Democratic leadership
• D. Transactional leadership

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Democratic leadership is a leadership style that operates on the belief that individuals are motivated by internal forces. It involves encouraging participation and decision-making through majority rule to accomplish tasks. This leadership approach fosters collaboration, empowerment, and involvement of team members in decision-making processes. Autocratic leadership (choice A) is characterized by centralized control and little input from team members. Laissez-faire leadership (choice B) involves minimal interference and provides little guidance or direction. Transactional leadership (choice D) is based on exchanges between leaders and followers for desired outcomes, focusing on rewards and punishments rather than internal motivation and participation.

5. A nurse manager asks the staff to submit written suggestions for a change in policy. The group would then vote on the different suggestions. What type of decision-making technique did the nurse manager use?

• A. Statistical aggregation
• B. Nominal group technique
• C. Brainstorming
• D. Delphi

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse manager used the nominal group technique. This technique involves group members submitting written suggestions, followed by a voting process. Statistical aggregation involves analyzing numerical data, not suggestions. Brainstorming focuses on generating creative ideas collectively, without a structured voting process. Delphi technique involves reaching a consensus through a series of questionnaires or surveys, without a direct voting process.

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