Nursing Elites

1. Many patient classification systems have some type of shortcoming. Among these are:

• A. The client's condition changes before the next shift.
• B. The staffing needs are predicted on a short-term basis.
• C. The potential admissions cannot be accounted for.
• D. The staffing mix changes because of illness.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Patient classification systems have limitations in accounting for changes in a client's condition, unexpected influx of new admissions, and changes in staffing due to illness. These systems often focus on short-term staffing needs rather than utilizing demand management, which considers client outcomes to predict staffing needs over a longer period. Not being able to account for potential admissions can lead to challenges in effectively managing staff allocation and resources. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not address the specific limitation of patient classification systems related to accounting for potential admissions.

2. Attending a continuing education class on advanced technology in health care is interpreted as which of the following by the nurse manager?

• A. Only important for nurse managers
• B. Not important
• C. A waste of time
• D. Essential to nursing care

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Essential to nursing care.' Advancements in technology play a crucial role in modern healthcare delivery. By attending a class on advanced technology, the staff nurse can enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately benefiting nursing care. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because advanced technology is not exclusive to nurse managers, is important for improving patient care, and is not a waste of time as it helps nurses stay updated with the latest advancements.

3. What is the primary reason for conducting a performance appraisal?

• A. Providing constructive feedback.
• B. Imposing punishment.
• C. Identifying issues.
• D. Offering coaching.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary reason for conducting a performance appraisal is to provide constructive feedback to employees. This feedback helps employees understand what is expected of them, how well they are performing, and areas where they can improve. Choice B (Imposing punishment) is incorrect because performance appraisals should focus on development rather than punishment. Choice C (Identifying issues) is not the primary reason but can be a secondary outcome of performance appraisals. Choice D (Offering coaching) is related to providing guidance and support, which is a part of the feedback process but not the primary reason for conducting a performance appraisal.

4. A resident on night call refuses to answer pages from the staff nurse on the night shift and complains that she calls too often with minor problems. The nurse feels offended and reacts with frequent, middle-of-the-night phone calls to 'get back' at him. The behavior displayed by the resident and the nurse is an example of what kind of conflict?

• A. Perceived conflict
• B. Disruptive conflict
• C. Competitive conflict
• D. Felt conflict

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Disruptive conflict.' In disruptive conflict, the parties involved are engaged in activities to reduce, defeat, or eliminate the opponent. In this scenario, the resident and the nurse are engaging in behaviors that disrupt their professional relationship by intentionally ignoring pages and making excessive retaliatory calls. Perceived conflict refers to a situation where one or more parties believe that a conflict exists, competitive conflict involves striving to achieve personal goals at the expense of others, and felt conflict refers to the emotional involvement in a conflict situation.

5. 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.

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