Nursing Elites

1. The Hawthorne effect explains that the relationship between people and productivity is enhanced by which of the following?

• A. Special attention
• B. Organizations
• C. Creativity
• D. Groups

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Hawthorne effect is a term used to describe how people modify their behavior in response to the attention they are receiving rather than the manipulation of variables. Special attention, as mentioned in choice A, is the correct answer because when individuals feel that they are being closely monitored or that special interest is being taken in them, they tend to perform better or change their behavior. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the Hawthorne effect specifically focuses on the impact of attention and not on organizational structures, creativity, or group dynamics.

2. Which leadership style is most effective in a crisis situation?

• A. Democratic
• B. Autocratic
• C. Transformational
• D. Laissez-faire

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An autocratic leadership style is most effective in a crisis situation because it allows for quick decision-making without the need for extensive consultation or deliberation. In a crisis, immediate and decisive actions are often required to address the situation effectively. Democratic leadership, on the other hand, may slow down the decision-making process due to the need for consensus and input from team members. Transformational leadership focuses on inspiring and motivating followers, which may not always be as effective in a crisis where urgent actions are needed. Laissez-faire leadership, characterized by a hands-off approach, is generally ineffective in crisis situations as it lacks the necessary direction and guidance required to navigate through the challenges efficiently.

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. 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.

5. 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 behavior displayed by the resident and the nurse is an example of disruptive conflict. In disruptive conflict, the parties involved engage in activities to reduce, defeat, or eliminate the opponent. The resident refusing to answer calls and the nurse retaliating with frequent calls to 'get back' at him exemplify behaviors aimed at causing disruption and conflict between them. Perceived conflict refers to each party's perception of the other's position, competitive conflict involves one side winning at the expense of the other, and felt conflict is about the feelings of opposition within the relationship, none of which fully capture the nature of the conflict displayed in this scenario.

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