what is the primary responsibility of a nurse manager in a healthcare setting

ATI RN

Leadership ATI Proctored

1. What is the primary responsibility of a nurse manager in a healthcare setting?

A. To provide direct patient care
B. To manage healthcare facilities
C. To oversee administrative tasks
D. To conduct clinical research

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To oversee administrative tasks.' Nurse managers in healthcare settings are primarily responsible for managing the administrative aspects of a unit, ensuring smooth operations and efficiency. Choice A is incorrect because providing direct patient care is usually the responsibility of staff nurses, not nurse managers. Choice B is incorrect as managing healthcare facilities involves a broader scope of responsibilities beyond the role of a nurse manager. Choice D is also incorrect as conducting clinical research is typically not a primary responsibility of a nurse manager in a healthcare setting.

2. Which of the following is a primary responsibility of a nurse case manager?

A. Direct patient care
B. Financial planning
C. Conduct health education
D. Coordinate patient transitions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A primary responsibility of a nurse case manager is to coordinate patient transitions. This involves ensuring smooth transitions between healthcare settings, coordinating care plans, and ensuring continuity of care for patients. While direct patient care, financial planning, and health education are important aspects of healthcare, they are not primary responsibilities of a nurse case manager. Nurse case managers focus on managing and coordinating the overall care and services for patients.

3. The nurse manager is talking with the CNA about her time management. Which of the following is an example of a nurse manager as a coach?

A. Your timely response to patients' call lights is exemplary.
B. Your appearance is seldom professional.
C. You must get the vital signs taken on time or you will be disciplined.
D. You never report AM blood sugar levels on time.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Your timely response to patients' call lights is exemplary.' This choice reflects a positive reinforcement approach, providing feedback that praises and encourages good behavior. A coach in a professional setting aims to motivate, guide, and support staff rather than focusing on negative aspects or threats of discipline. Effective coaching involves recognizing and acknowledging employees' strengths and achievements to inspire continuous improvement and development. Choices B, C, and D are not examples of coaching as they either focus on criticism regarding appearance, use threatening language, or highlight a negative behavior without offering guidance or support.

4. The staff on a medical-surgical unit is in conflict with the occupational therapy department. What type of communication will be used to discuss the problems?

A. Downward communication
B. Lateral communication
C. Distorted communication
D. Upward communication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lateral communication. Lateral communication occurs between individuals or departments of the same hierarchical level, making it suitable for addressing conflicts between the staff on a medical-surgical unit and the occupational therapy department. Upward communication involves communication from staff to management or from lower management to middle or upper management. Downward communication is typically directive communication from an authority figure or manager to staff. Distorted communication is not a recognized type of communication and does not apply to this scenario.

5. What is the primary role of a nurse in an interdisciplinary team?

A. To lead the healthcare team
B. To advocate for the patient
C. To provide emotional support to the patient
D. To ensure compliance with regulations

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To advocate for the patient.' Nurses play a crucial role in interdisciplinary teams by ensuring that the patient's needs and preferences are considered in the care plan. While leadership (Choice A) can be a part of a nurse's responsibilities in certain situations, the primary role is patient advocacy. Providing emotional support (Choice C) is important but not the primary role in an interdisciplinary team. Ensuring compliance with regulations (Choice D) is important but not the primary focus when working within an interdisciplinary team.