Nursing Elites

1. Politics is a means for influencing events and the decisions of others. The nurse manager who consistently reminds the staff that 'there is no I in team' and periodically brings treats for the staff is using:

• A. Image enhancement
• B. Political skills
• C. Reward power
• D. Expert power

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Political skills. Politics involve interpersonal endeavors, collective activities, analysis, planning, and managing image. In this scenario, the nurse manager is skillfully building team morale and influencing staff dynamics by emphasizing teamwork ('there is no I in team') and boosting morale through occasional treats. This demonstrates the use of political skills to influence and manage relationships within the team. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the manager's actions are not solely focused on image enhancement, reward power, or expert power. Instead, they are aimed at fostering teamwork and boosting staff morale.

2. A new manager is implementing an initiative with the desired outcome of having the unit run more smoothly. What quality is the manager demonstrating?

• A. Being unrealistic
• B. Being a change agent
• C. Being democratic
• D. Being authoritarian

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Being a change agent. The manager is demonstrating the quality of being a change agent by implementing an initiative aimed at improving the unit's operations. A change agent initiates and drives changes to enhance effectiveness and efficiency within the unit. Choice A is incorrect because the manager's actions are not described as unrealistic but rather proactive. Choice C, being democratic, is incorrect as it does not relate to the manager's initiative to improve unit operations. Choice D, being authoritarian, is also incorrect as the manager is not described as enforcing changes through strict control and power.

3. If a staff member does not respond to discipline, the manager must ______ employment.

• A. Terminate
• B. Confront
• C. Describe the staff nurse's behavior that violated the policy
• D. Determine the employee's awareness of the policy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When an employee does not respond to disciplinary measures, termination may be necessary. This is a last resort for managers when other strategies to improve performance have failed. Terminating an employee means ending their employment with the organization. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as the question specifically asks what action the manager must take when an employee does not respond to discipline. Confronting the employee, describing the behavior, or determining awareness of the policy are steps that may precede termination but are not the final action to be taken.

4. Which of the following best describes the concept of shared governance?

• A. Top-down management
• B. Nurse-led committees
• C. Shared decision making
• D. Hierarchical structure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Shared decision making.' Shared governance in healthcare involves empowering nurses to participate in decision-making processes that affect their practice. This model fosters collaboration, transparency, and accountability among healthcare providers. Choice A, 'Top-down management,' is incorrect because shared governance promotes a bottom-up approach. Choice B, 'Nurse-led committees,' is partially correct as it is a component of shared governance, but the core concept is broader and encompasses shared decision making beyond committee leadership. Choice D, 'Hierarchical structure,' is incorrect as shared governance aims to flatten hierarchies and distribute decision-making authority among healthcare team members.

5. Which of the following best describes the concept of value-based healthcare?

• A. Focusing on the volume of services provided
• B. Maximizing hospital revenue
• C. Improving clinical outcomes while controlling costs
• D. Emphasizing patient satisfaction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Value-based healthcare focuses on improving clinical outcomes while controlling costs. It emphasizes quality over quantity, aiming to provide efficient and effective care that enhances patient health outcomes while managing expenses. Choices A and B are incorrect because value-based healthcare is not about focusing on the volume of services provided or maximizing hospital revenue. Choice D, emphasizing patient satisfaction, is also not the primary focus of value-based healthcare, which prioritizes clinical outcomes and cost control.

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