Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following are effective ways to apply power and politics in nursing? (EXCEPT)

• A. Picketing the employer
• B. Networking with other professionals
• C. Writing letters to legislators
• D. Joining professional organizations

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A - 'Picketing the employer.' Networking with other professionals, writing letters to legislators, and joining professional organizations are effective ways to apply power and politics in nursing. Picketing the employer is not an appropriate approach in a healthcare setting as it may lead to disruptions in patient care and conflict within the workplace.

2. The nurse manager has two employees with a longstanding conflict that is affecting the group's productivity and cohesiveness. She decides to meet with the employees in private, bring the conflict out into the open, and attempt to resolve it through knowledge and reason. Which conflict management strategy did she employ?

• A. Confrontation
• B. Suppression
• C. Collaboration
• D. Intervention

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse manager employed the conflict management strategy of 'Confrontation.' Confrontation involves bringing the conflict out into the open and attempting to resolve it through knowledge and reason, making it the most effective means of resolving conflict in this scenario. Choice B, 'Suppression,' involves ignoring or avoiding the conflict, which is not what the nurse manager did. Choice C, 'Collaboration,' refers to working together to find a mutually acceptable solution and was not explicitly mentioned in the scenario. Choice D, 'Intervention,' typically involves a third party stepping in to help resolve the conflict, which was not the case here.

3. Which of the following leaders would be considered a transformational leader?

• A. The supervisor of a unit who requests staff to work overtime.
• B. The unit secretary who encourages staff to use the proper forms.
• C. A unit manager who reminds a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) to work on time management skills.
• D. The Advanced Practice Nurse who encourages a staff nurse to pursue additional education for career advancement.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because transformational leaders are known for inspiring and motivating their followers to reach their full potential. They focus on fostering a positive work environment, encouraging growth, and supporting career development. In this scenario, the Advanced Practice Nurse is displaying characteristics of a transformational leader by encouraging a staff nurse to pursue additional education for career advancement. Choices A, B, and C do not align with the traits of a transformational leader as they involve more routine tasks or directives without the inspirational and visionary approach typical of transformational leadership.

4. The manager of a medical-surgical unit is very task-motivated. Using Fiedler's Contingency Theory, under what circumstances would the manager be most effective?

• A. Only during highly stressful situations.
• B. When there is little to no stress.
• C. Under highly structured situations.
• D. When the situation is loosely structured.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: According to Fiedler's Contingency Theory, task-motivated managers are most effective under highly structured situations. This is because in such environments, where priorities are clear and tasks are well-defined, task-oriented managers can excel in organizing and accomplishing objectives efficiently. Choices A and B are incorrect because the effectiveness of a task-motivated manager is not solely linked to stress levels but rather to the structure of the situation. Choice D is also incorrect as a loosely structured situation would not provide the clarity and direction that a task-motivated manager thrives in.

5. When is the time to make people think about the routines that have been previously followed and to consider what might be a better plan of action?

• A. Collection of data
• B. Planning
• C. Analyzing data
• D. Identification

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Planning.' Planning is the phase where individuals reflect on current routines and explore alternative courses of action. This stage involves considering new strategies and approaches, making it the most suitable time to challenge existing norms. Choice A, 'Collection of data,' focuses on gathering information rather than actively reconsidering routines. Choice C, 'Analyzing data,' involves assessing the gathered data rather than proposing new plans. Choice D, 'Identification,' does not specifically address the process of reviewing routines and suggesting improvements, making it less relevant to the question.

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