Nursing Elites

1. While interviewing for a position at City Hospital, the nurse asks about the organizational structure of the institution. She is told that the hospital is organized into departments based on specialty (e.g., nursing, dietary, pharmacy, etc.). Based on what you know about organizational structure, select the structure in this example.

• A. Parallel
• B. Functional
• C. Service-integrated
• D. Matrix

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Functional. In functional structures, employees are grouped into departments based on specialty, allowing individuals with similar skills and tasks to work together efficiently. In this scenario, organizing the hospital into departments such as nursing, dietary, and pharmacy based on their specialties exemplifies a functional organizational structure. Choice A, Parallel structure, involves independent units working on similar tasks, which is not the case here. Choice C, Service-integrated structure, emphasizes cross-functional teamwork across various departments, which is not the main focus in the scenario. Choice D, Matrix structure, involves employees reporting to multiple managers for different projects or tasks, which is not described in the scenario.

2. A new nurse manager is attempting to solve a management issue by using one solution after another until she solves the problem. This would be known as what type of method?

• A. Decision making
• B. Trial and error
• C. Experimentation
• D. Analysis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Trial and error is a method used by new managers to solve problems by trying different solutions until one is successful. In this scenario, the nurse manager is using a trial and error approach by attempting various solutions until the issue is resolved. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because decision making involves making choices based on available information, experimentation involves testing hypotheses in a controlled setting, and analysis entails examining data and information to gain insights or draw conclusions, none of which directly reflect the iterative process of trial and error.

3. What innate tendency influences staff to act in a certain way?

• A. Instinct
• B. Appreciation
• C. Control
• D. Esteem

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Instinct. Instinct theory suggests that behaviors are influenced by inherited or innate tendencies, guiding individuals to act in specific ways without conscious reasoning. In the context of staff behavior, instinct can play a significant role in shaping their actions and responses. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Appreciation, control, and esteem are external factors that may influence staff behavior, but in this context, the question specifically asks for an innate tendency that influences staff to act in a certain way, which aligns more closely with instinctive tendencies rather than external factors like appreciation, control, or esteem.

4. A manager identifies that he is spending more time than desired on completing repetitive paperwork. Which of the following would be appropriate ways to address this issue? (EXCEPT)

• A. Combining data reports to reduce duplication
• B. Delegating staff evaluations to the staff nurse on the unit with the most experience
• C. Assigning the preliminary draft of the schedule to a subcommittee of staff nurses
• D. Saying no to inappropriate paperwork assignments

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Delegating staff evaluations to a staff nurse, even if experienced, is not appropriate as it falls outside their scope and responsibility. Choices A, C, and D are suitable ways to address the issue of spending excessive time on repetitive paperwork. Combining data reports, assigning the preliminary draft of the schedule to a subcommittee of staff nurses, and saying no to inappropriate paperwork assignments are all effective strategies to streamline processes and reduce managerial workload.

5. A client complains every morning that the night shift nursing staff does not answer his call light promptly to assist his elimination needs. His concerns are not shared with the Nurse Manager, and he falls while trying to walk to the bathroom. This fall could be attributed to which of the following?

• A. Breakdown in communication
• B. Lack of staff
• C. Lack of concern
• D. Breakdown in management

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Breakdown in communication. In this scenario, the client's complaints about the night shift nursing staff not responding promptly to his call light indicate a lack of effective communication. If the client's concerns were properly communicated to the Nurse Manager, steps could have been taken to address the issue and prevent the fall. Choice B, Lack of staff, is incorrect as the issue here is not related to staffing levels but rather to communication breakdown. Choice C, Lack of concern, is not the primary cause of the fall; the root cause lies in communication failure. Choice D, Breakdown in management, while related, is not as direct a cause as the breakdown in communication which led to the fall.

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