Question 1

Marcella,an experienced head nurse,is given the task of completing the summer vacation schedule for the pediatric unit.She is fully aware of the hospital's restrictions on time off and the number of staff on vacation at any given time,as well as its issues regarding seniority.She weighs the options of allowing staff choice,such as it takes more time but gives employees options.However,if choice is allowed,this could cause arguments.Which of the following is the best alternative?
A) Ask for requests for vacation time in advance, and post the times.
B) Post the completed vacation schedule.
C) Post a tentative schedule, and request feedback.
D) Post a blank schedule, and ask staff members to fill in their times by a given date.

Accepted Answer

This choice is based on a decision-making model that allows experience and knowledge to predict whether a decision will or will not work.The experience of the head nurse suggests that it is important to involve staff in decisions that affect them the most.

Question 2

With regard to decision making,critical thinking,and problem solving,which of the following statements are accurate and valid points?
A) The professional decision maker approaches problem solving by beginning with an outcome already in mind.
B) Involvement in decision making is of little use unless you are an expert decision-maker.
C) Many models aid the nurse in improving his or her decision-making skills.
D) The nursing decision-maker who is successful recognizes that only those with similar experiences should be involved in decision making.

Accepted Answer

A nurse can draw upon many models in making a decision.It is critical to realize that decision-making expertise grows with exposure to decision making,and that diversity in expertise helps in developing options.

Question 3

In a busy rehabilitation unit,the team manager decided that the best way to reward the staff was to give them a monetary bonus rather than time off.The staff was very concerned about the decision and went to the administration with a number of complaints.Critical thinking is a process that entails a number of steps.What steps did the manager omit?
A) Identifying the assumptions that were underpinning the issues
B) Considering the context of the current problem or situation
C) Gathering data and evaluating all possible outcomes before making her decision
D) Attaining a majority consensus of all staff

Accepted Answer

Taking a majority consensus is not a step in the critical thinking process.Steps A,B,and C are considered by most authors to be the essential steps in the process of critical thinking.

Question 4

Decisions are most likely to be of high quality in nursing situations when
A) team leaders make the crucial decisions.
B) individuals are advised of the problems.
C) group size is neither too small nor too large.
D) members are passively involved.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that group size is important.Too small a group means a limited number of options generated.Too large a group can mean lack of structure or lack of meaningful discussion.

Question 5

Knowing when to have the entire team participate in the decision-making process or when to have only the team leader make the decisions depends on the situation and the desired outcomes.Which situation would warrant individual decision making?
A) The task and the outcome are relatively simple.
B) It is unlikely that the group will reach a consensus.
C) A decision has to be discussed thoroughly.
D) A number of options need to be considered.

Accepted Answer

People respond to cues in the situation and draw from stored information (tacit knowledge that is hard to describe)in the subconscious to make rapid decisions instead of taking an incremental,analytical approach such as that found in the rational decision-making model.Rational thinking and intuitive thinking are complementary,and successful decision making is a balance between the two approaches.If the task and the outcome are relatively simple,decisions can be made by one individual.

Quiz 7: Making Decisions and Solving Problems

With regard to decision making,critical thinking,and problem solving,which of the following statements are accurate and valid points?

Decisions are most likely to be of high quality in nursing situations when

Knowing when to have the entire team participate in the decision-making process or when to have only the team leader make the decisions depends on the situation and the desired outcomes.Which situation would warrant individual decision making?