Which of the following best describes the concept of total quality management (TQM)?
- A. Top-down management
- B. Employee-centered approach
- C. Continuous improvement
- D. Quality control
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Continuous improvement. Total Quality Management (TQM) focuses on constantly improving processes, products, and services to meet or exceed customer expectations. TQM involves all employees in identifying and solving problems, emphasizing continuous learning and innovation.
A: Top-down management is incorrect because TQM encourages involvement and empowerment of employees at all levels, not just top management.
B: Employee-centered approach is incorrect because while TQM values employees and their contributions, it is primarily focused on improving overall quality and processes, not solely centered on employees.
D: Quality control is incorrect because TQM goes beyond traditional quality control methods to encompass a holistic approach to quality management through continuous improvement efforts.
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Your nurse manager talks with you once per week to determine how you are adjusting to your role as a new nurse. She asks if you feel that you are able to provide good care to your patients, whether you are becoming familiar with the electronic health record, and whether your preceptor is encouraging your independence. This manager is demonstrating:
- A. An intrusive style.
- B. An effort to understand if you are coping with the demands.
- C. An attempt to intimidate.
- D. An authoritarian style.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the nurse manager is showing genuine concern for the new nurse's well-being and professional development. By asking about the nurse's ability to provide care, familiarity with the EHR, and support from the preceptor, the manager is seeking to understand and support the nurse's adjustment to the new role. This approach fosters open communication and a supportive environment.
Incorrect Choices:
A: An intrusive style implies invading personal boundaries, which is not evident in the scenario.
C: Intimidation involves creating fear or anxiety, which is not reflected in the manager's behavior.
D: An authoritarian style is characterized by strict control and limited feedback, which contradicts the manager's supportive and open approach.
An RN is writing reminders for good documentation for the nurses on her staff. The purpose is to ensure nursing documentation is legally credible. Which of the following is a recommendation she should include in the reminders?
- A. Use shortcuts in documentation.
- B. Only use approved abbreviations.
- C. Documentation should be subjective.
- D. Document after care is provided.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Only use approved abbreviations. Using approved abbreviations in nursing documentation helps ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency, which are crucial for legal credibility. Abbreviations can lead to misunderstandings or errors if not standardized.
Explanation for other choices:
A: Using shortcuts in documentation can compromise accuracy and lead to incomplete or unclear information, which could result in legal issues.
C: Documentation should be objective, not subjective, to provide an accurate portrayal of the patient's condition and care. Subjective documentation can be challenged legally.
D: Documenting after care is provided is important, but documenting in a timely manner is crucial for legal credibility. Delayed documentation can raise questions about the accuracy and reliability of the information.
A staff nurse describes the unit manager as 'a born leader.' The nurse ascribes to which theory of leadership?
- A. Trait theories
- B. Behavioral theories
- C. Formal leadership theories
- D. Democratic leadership theories
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Trait theories. This is because the nurse's description of the unit manager as 'a born leader' aligns with the trait approach to leadership that focuses on inherent qualities and characteristics of individuals that make them effective leaders. Trait theories suggest that certain traits such as intelligence, charisma, and decisiveness are inherent in effective leaders. The other choices are incorrect because B: Behavioral theories focus on the actions and behaviors of leaders, C: Formal leadership theories emphasize organizational structures and roles, and D: Democratic leadership theories pertain to leadership styles rather than inherent traits.
Which of the following indicators is viewed as important by the nurse manager in relation to a performance model?
- A. Patient outcomes
- B. Rapport with staff
- C. Daily job performance
- D. Flexibility
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Patient outcomes. Nurse managers are responsible for overseeing the quality of care provided by their staff. Patient outcomes directly reflect the effectiveness of care delivery. Monitoring patient outcomes helps nurse managers identify areas for improvement, implement changes, and ensure high-quality care.
Rapport with staff (B) is important for team cohesion but may not directly impact performance model evaluation. Daily job performance (C) reflects individual staff performance, not the overall performance model. Flexibility (D) is a valuable trait but is not a specific indicator in relation to a performance model.
Which of the following is an example of a conflict of interest in nursing?
- A. A nurse accepting gifts from a patient
- B. A nurse working for two competing healthcare organizations
- C. A nurse disclosing patient information without consent
- D. A nurse delegating tasks improperly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a nurse working for two competing healthcare organizations creates a conflict of interest as they may prioritize one organization over the other. This could compromise patient care and violate ethical standards.
A: Accepting gifts from a patient may be inappropriate but does not necessarily create a conflict of interest.
C: Disclosing patient information without consent is a breach of confidentiality but not specifically a conflict of interest.
D: Delegating tasks improperly is a violation of professional standards but does not directly relate to a conflict of interest.