Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following best describes the role of a nurse preceptor?

• A. Supervisor of all nursing staff
• B. Mentor and educator for new nurses
• C. Director of nursing services
• D. Coordinator of patient care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Mentor and educator for new nurses.' A nurse preceptor plays a crucial role in mentoring and educating new nurses. They provide guidance, support, and practical knowledge to help new nurses transition smoothly into their roles. While preceptors may have supervisory responsibilities during the orientation period, their primary focus is on supporting the professional development of new nurses, rather than supervising all nursing staff, directing nursing services, or coordinating patient care. Choice A is incorrect because a nurse preceptor does not supervise all nursing staff but focuses on new nurses. Choice C is incorrect as the role of a director of nursing services involves overall management and leadership of nursing services. Choice D is incorrect as a coordinator of patient care is responsible for organizing patient care activities, not specifically focused on mentoring new nurses.

2. Which of the following is an example of a sentinel event?

• A. A patient fall with no injury
• B. A medication error that results in no harm
• C. A patient suicide while in a healthcare facility
• D. A near miss incident

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, a patient suicide while in a healthcare facility. A sentinel event is an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury. Choices A, B, and D do not meet the criteria for sentinel events as described by The Joint Commission, as they do not involve death or serious harm to the patient.

3. A supervisor is restricting the flow of communication between staff. This has resulted in the staff having two very opposite directions. The supervisor's actions are known as which type of force?

• A. Opposing force
• B. Driving force
• C. Restraining force
• D. Restrictive force

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Restraining force. In this scenario, the supervisor's actions of restricting communication are creating opposing directions among the staff, which is impeding progress and change. Restraining forces work against change by hindering or restricting movement in the desired direction. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. 'Opposing force' does not specifically address the hindrance caused by the supervisor's actions. 'Driving force' is a positive force that initiates and supports change, which is not the case here. 'Restrictive force' is not a commonly used term in the context of organizational behavior and change management.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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