Nursing Elites

1. There are many ways to ensure that your appraisal system is nondiscriminatory. Which of the following is one way to ensure this?

• A. Giving the appraisal once per year
• B. Having no appeal process
• C. Withholding information from the employee
• D. Not allowing any input from the employee

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To ensure that an appraisal system is nondiscriminatory, one important step is to provide the appraisal once per year. This allows for ongoing evaluation and helps prevent bias. Choice B is incorrect because having no appeal process can lead to unfair treatment without a chance for review. Choice C is incorrect as withholding information from the employee can hinder transparency and objectivity. Choice D is incorrect as not allowing any input from the employee can overlook valuable insights and perspectives that could contribute to a fair evaluation process.

2. A nurse manager needs to resolve a conflict between the staff nurses and the physical therapy department. What type of power might the manager utilize? (EXCEPT)

• A. Connection and referent power
• B. Reward and punishment power
• C. Legitimate power
• D. Information power

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse manager may utilize various types of power to resolve the conflict between the staff nurses and the physical therapy department. Referent power and connection power are based on respect/admiration and influential links, respectively. Information power is about access to valuable data. Reward power involves offering inducements for cooperation, while punishment power is about imposing penalties for non-compliance. Legitimate power, however, is derived from the manager's authority associated with their job and rank. Since the question asks for the type of power the manager might utilize 'EXCEPT,' legitimate power, being a key type of power often used in managerial roles, is the correct answer. It's important for the nurse manager to understand the dynamics of power and utilize the appropriate types to effectively address interdepartmental conflicts.

3. The staff in the emergency department has presented the nurse leader with a suggestion for streamlining the triage process, cutting down on wait times. Which of the following qualities does the leader specifically need to implement the suggestion?

• A. Courage
• B. Integrity
• C. Energy
• D. Initiative

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Initiative is the correct quality needed in this situation. The staff has provided a suggestion for improvement, and the leader must take the initiative to implement it. Courage, integrity, and energy are valuable qualities as well but in this context, the most essential quality is initiative to drive the change forward and improve the triage process efficiently.

4. When a client is receiving pain medication through a PCA pump, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Educate the family not to push the button for the client while the client is asleep.
• B. Explain to the client that vital signs will be monitored regularly due to being on a PCA pump.
• C. Instruct the client to push the button only when pain is above a 7 on a scale of 0 to 10.
• D. Adjust the basal rate and decrease the lock-out interval time if the client's pain level is too high.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client is receiving pain medication through a PCA pump, it is essential to adjust the settings if their pain level is not adequately controlled. Increasing the basal rate and shortening the lock-out interval time can help manage the client's pain more effectively. This adjustment should be made by the healthcare provider based on the client's pain assessment and response to the current settings. It is crucial to individualize the PCA pump settings to optimize pain management for each client. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because educating the family not to push the button, explaining vital sign monitoring, and setting a specific pain level for button pushing are not direct actions the nurse should take to adjust the PCA pump settings for effective pain management.

5. Which of the following is a common characteristic of a high-performing healthcare team?

• A. Effective communication
• B. Shared leadership
• C. Collaborative decision making
• D. Hierarchical structure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Collaborative decision making is a key characteristic of a high-performing healthcare team because it involves team members working together to make decisions that lead to the best outcomes for patients. Effective communication is important in any team, but collaborative decision making goes beyond communication by involving team members in the decision-making process. Shared leadership is also crucial for a high-performing team, as it promotes equality and empowerment among team members. On the other hand, a hierarchical structure can hinder effective communication and teamwork by creating barriers between team members and limiting input from all team members, which is counterproductive to achieving optimal healthcare outcomes.

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