Question 1

Which statement by the nurse shows understanding of the primary advantage in using the group process in decision making? The process

Accepted Answer

When the group has input in the decision-making process,there is more acceptance of the group's decision.Groups can be beneficial to the decision-making process.Groups generally offer the benefits of a broader knowledge base for defining objectives and more creativity in identifying alternatives.The effectiveness of the group decision-making process is dependent on the dynamics of the group.When a group is involved in the decision-making process,there may be additional time spent discussing alternatives,and more time may be allowed for planning; however,this is not a specific advantage.It may not necessarily eliminate opposition to the decision by administration,but when the group makes a decision,it may be easier to deal with administrative opposition.

Question 2

A nurse manager has an adequate understanding of their nursing role when making which of the following statements?

Accepted Answer

Whereas a manager is assigned or appointed to a role,a leader selects or assume a role.The nurse manager functions differently than a floor nurses,and although the nurse manager has some authority,it is less than the director of the hospital.

Question 3

What is the most consistent concern of the nurse as manager?

Accepted Answer

The role of the nurse as manager has evolved into a complex one that includes organizing patient care,directing personnel to achieve agency goals,and allocating resources.The most consistent concern of the nurse as manager is not to develop long-range career goals,maintain harmony within the agency,or organize subordinates to meet agency goals.Although having long-range career goals is a good idea for the nurse manager,it is not a day-to-day concern.Organizing subordinates in not a role of the nurse manager,but instead it is directing or supervising them to achieve patient care needs.

Question 4

A nurse wants to implement a change in the work environment.Which of the following actions would be the most important thing to do?

Accepted Answer

Seeing the input from coworkers from the beginning is an important component of initiating change in the work environment.In the unfreezing phase,all of the factors that may cause resistance to change are considered.Others who may be affected by the change are sought out to determine whether they recognize that a change is needed and to determine their interest in participating in the process.It will be important to determine whether the environment of the institution is receptive to change and then convince others to work with the group initiating the change.

Question 5

What types of changes in management can be anticipated with the introduction of generations X and Y to the nursing work force?

Accepted Answer

Members of generations X and Y are more independent and place higher value on personal time.They are not characteristically team players,but they are very creative and want to be responsible for their work outcomes.Baby Boomers are focused on building careers and are invested in organizational loyalty.The silent or veteran generation places high value on loyalty,discipline,teamwork,and respect for authority.

Question 6

A nurse is respected by peers for clinical skills and effective interpersonal relationships.The nurse has studied diabetic patient educational needs and consults with several units.What type of power does this nurse possess?

Accepted Answer

Expert power is based on specialized knowledge,skills,or abilities that are recognized and respected by others.Those who have information that others need to perform their duties have informational power.Legitimate power is based on the person's position within an organization.Reward power occurs when an individual has the power to give or withhold rewards.

Question 7

Which statement by the staff nurse shows adequate understanding of the nurse manager role? The nurse manager:

Accepted Answer

The manager coordinates the activities of the group to maintain balance and direction.There are generally four functions the manager performs: planning (what is to be done),organizing (how it is to be done),directing (who is to do it),and controlling (when and how it is done).Good leaders carefully balance job-centered and employee-centered behaviors to meet both staff and patient needs effectively and often have information and power through an official position.A good leader works toward developing goals and has a sense of purpose and direction.A good leader must also be aware of how her or his behavior impacts the workplace.Emotions,moods,and patterns of behavior displayed by the leader will create a lasting impression on the behavior of the team involved.A team member is a person who assumes a role among a group of peers.

Question 8

Which statement best describes effective leadership by the nurse manager?

Accepted Answer

Leadership in groups is democratic; the members feel positive about their participation and the outcomes of the group process.The other options are not examples of effective leadership.This person should be flexible enough to adapt to the changing roles of nursing staff.The nurse manager/leader should be willing and able to share power with the same people that he or she will supervise.It is important to understand that the most effective leadership style for one situation is not necessarily the most effective for another.Research indicates that the effectiveness of the leader is influenced by the situation itself.As leadership theories continue to develop,emphasis is more on what the leader does rather than on the traits the leader possesses.Effective leadership revolves around the leader focusing a group's efforts on identifying goals and carrying out the activities needed to reach those goals,not necessarily on individual issues,such as an annual evaluation processes or working with a staff to change communication skills.

Question 9

The nurse understands that having a stand-up meeting versus the traditional (sitting at a conference table)meeting takes less time to come to a decision based on which of the following ideas?

Accepted Answer

Nurses are expected to practice using evidence-based protocols and interventions for clinical decision making,and managers are expected to use those management practices that are not simply based on conventional wisdom but on demonstrated outcomes.Evidence indicates that stand-up meetings took 34% less time to make decisions (Pfeffer & Sutton,2006).Using this model could save an organization many hours a year that can be put to another productive use or could be eliminated from the payroll.However,very few organizations use this model for meetings even in the face of the clear evidence of the impact it would have on the organization.The CNL is a highly prepared individual in the clinical setting whose role is to positively impact patient safety issues by identifying and managing risk while meeting standards of quality clinical care.Autocratic management style is authoritative.Contingency leadership style is a style of leading that is flexible to adapt to the situation.

Question 10

The nurse manager is beginning the process of problem solving.Which action should be taken first?

Accepted Answer

The good manager will guide the process of defining or identifying the problem by asking the what,when,and where of the problem.Before the manager can perform any of the other steps of problem solving,the problem must be identified.Importance is placed on management's ability to differentiate between facts and opinions and to attempt to break down the information to its simplest terms.

Question 11

The nursing staff on a busy unit enjoys autonomy and needs minimal direction for patient care.Which leadership style would be most effective on this unit?

Accepted Answer

The democratic manager is people oriented and emphasizes effective group functioning.The environment is open,communication is both ways,and staff members are encouraged to participate in decision making.The manager is also willing to take responsibility to make decisions when staff participation is not necessary.An authoritarian leader makes decisions without the input of others.The laissez-faire manager maintains a permissive environment.The bureaucratic leader follows a close set of standards to maintain order.

Question 12

The nurse manager on a surgical unit receives notification that multiple victims of a plane crash will arrive at the hospital momentarily.What is the most appropriate leadership style to adopt in this situation?

Accepted Answer

The authoritarian style of management has its emphasis on the tasks,which would be effective during an emergency or disaster situation; hence,the autocratic manager may be most effective in a crisis situation.The laissez-faire manager maintains a permissive climate with little direction or control exerted.This manager allows staff members to make and implement decisions independently and relinquishes most of his or her power and responsibility to them.The democratic manager is people oriented and emphasizes effective group functioning.The environment is open,communication is both ways,and staff members are encouraged to participate in decision making.Eclectic is not a specific leadership management style.

Question 13

What action would be an appropriate first step for the nurse to take toward becoming an effective manager?

Accepted Answer

Effective managers have a balanced mix of management skills and leadership qualities.There are generally four functions the manager performs: planning (what is to be done),organizing (how it is to be done),directing (who is to do it),and controlling (when and how it is done).To be effective in performing these functions,a manager must develop communication and interpersonal skills.

Question 14

A nurse is unhappy about the way medications are being administered on the unit.What does the nurse need to do first to facilitate a change in the process?

Accepted Answer

The nurse needs to shift into the moving phase,which incorporates taking the lead by being responsible and willing to implement change by sorting out what must be done and by facilitating an appropriate and effective approach.Whenever one is not happy with a situation or procedure,it is important that providing suggestions for change be incorporated into the process.Discussing concerns with fellow nurses does not actively involve the change process.For change to be effective,it must have "buy-in" from other staff and not merely inform the staff or change nurse of how there is a better way to administer the medications on the unit.

Question 15

A nurse is interested in moving into a management position.Which action would assist with accomplishing this?

Accepted Answer

An expert refers to someone who is knowledgeable,experienced,and respected in his or her area of nursing.This type of expert power would assist the nurse to advance to higher positions in nursing.Reward power is closely linked with legitimate power in that it comes about because the individual has the power to provide or withhold rewards.Legitimate power is power connected to a position of authority.Coercive power is power derived from fear of consequences.

Question 16

The nurse manager is giving a presentation on the disadvantages of democratic leadership in group functioning.Which statement shows an understanding of this type of leadership?

Accepted Answer

Because of the encouragement of participation in decision making and the democratic leadership's emphasis on group function,decision making becomes more involved with consensus and is less timely.Democratic leadership encourages group participation and works to reduce any type of scapegoating behavior among members because everyone has equal voice.The group democratically makes decisions and determines outcomes that are not controlled by management.

Question 17

If many complaints arise about a newly developed procedure,what is the best way to handle them?

Accepted Answer

In handling complaints about a new procedure,consideration should be given to bringing in a person with expert power and returning to the moving phase for analysis and adjustment of the procedure if needed.Because a complaint occurs does not mean that the change is being resisted.Until the complaint is investigated,the change should continue; it should not be discontinued until the issue is fully determined and resolved about the newly developed procedure

Question 18

A nurse is using the decision-making process.Which action should be taken first?

Accepted Answer

Decision making requires the definition of a clear objective to guide the process.The nurse must set the objective before proceeding to the other steps in the decision-making process.The second step is to identify and evaluate alternate decisions.The third step is to make the decision and implement,and the last step is to evaluate the outcome.

Question 19

The nurse manager tells the patient that he must eat his breakfast before getting out of bed.What type of power is the nurse manager using?

Accepted Answer

Coercive power is power derived from fear of consequences.Expert power is based on specialized knowledge,skills,or abilities that are recognized and respected by others.Reward power is closely linked with legitimate power in that it comes about because the individual has the power to provide or withhold rewards.Legitimate power is power connected to a position of authority.Referent power is power that a person has because others closely identify with that person's personal characteristics; the person is liked and admired by others.

Question 20

What do the responsibilities of the nurse manager include?

Accepted Answer

Managers must be attentive to both dimensions of their job: the mission and goals of the organization and planning with the staff to meet the nursing care goals of the unit within the overall goals of the institution.Both levels must be addressed-the organization as well as the needs of the individuals.Other options are not as comprehensive and could be included within the first option.

Quiz 10: Challenges of Nursing Management and Leadership