Question 1

Neubauer's process of renewing oneself consists of which of the following?
A)Engaging in strenuous exercise
B)Strategizing leadership skills
C)Engaging in frequent self-assessments
D)Creating to-do lists

Accepted Answer

Neubauer's process of renewing oneself involves engaging in frequent self-assessments to identify areas for improvement and create goals for personal and professional growth. While exercise, leadership development, and task organization may also be beneficial for personal growth, they are not specifically mentioned in Neubauer's process.

Question 2

When someone questions a procedure,a commonly heard statement by many nurses is,"We've always done it this way." Which of the following best describes this attitude?
A)Fearing change
B)A desire for group cohesiveness
C)A desire to get ahead
D)Commitment

Accepted Answer

The statement "We've always done it this way" reflects a fear of change and an unwillingness to consider alternative approaches. This attitude can be detrimental to the quality of care provided, as it may prevent the implementation of best practices or improvements in patient outcomes.

Question 3

By realizing that "The universe is no longer seen as made up of a multitude of objects,but as one indivisible dynamic whole with interrelated parts that can be understood only as a pattern of a cosmic process," nurses can improve their ability to assist their patients and families.Nurses can best adapt this philosophy by:
A)Collaborating with specialists in caring for patients but letting the cardiac physician coordinate everything else
B)Using a holistic approach to patient care in and out of the hospital
C)Implementing critical pathways designed for specific disease entities
D)Working closely with pastoral care to enable best practices

Accepted Answer

The concept of the universe as a dynamic whole with interrelated parts reflecting a cosmic process requires a holistic approach to patient care, which is the focus of choice B. This approach involves looking at the patient as a whole person, taking into account not just their physical symptoms but also their emotional, mental, social, and spiritual needs. Collaborating with specialists, implementing critical pathways, and working with pastoral care may all be important aspects of patient care, but they do not necessarily reflect the principles of a holistic approach to care.

Question 4

One home-care agency is being bought by a competing company that has a different type of patient assignment system for nurses.The director of the agency being purchased decides to share the new assignment system with the staff,and she encourages them to consider trying it now and compiling some feedback about how it works before the acquisition occurs.This thinking is very proactive because:
A)It is better to choose to change and design one's own approach to change than to have a change imposed by some external force.
B)The new company will most likely force the staff nurses to adopt this care delivery system on the first day after the merger.
C)Change should be quick so there is not enough time to complain about potential ramifications.
D)Change theory indicates the most beneficial changes are made spontaneously by only a few of the people who will be a part of the change process.

Accepted Answer

By sharing the new assignment system with the staff and encouraging them to try it out and provide feedback, the director is being proactive in preparing the staff for the change that will occur after the acquisition. This approach allows for the staff to have some input and control over the change process, rather than having the new system imposed on them by the new company. This aligns with the idea that it is better to choose to change and design one's own approach to change than to have a change imposed by some external force.

Question 5

Using both the yin (patience,process,and empathy)and yang (courage and positive action),Taoism suggests the leader must balance opposites and be able to manage and grow from conflict.Which of the following is an example of effective leadership on a nursing unit undergoing change regarding the use of an assistant nurse manager position since this position is not currently effective? The nurse manager:
A)Asks all interested nurses to apply for the assistant nurse manager position
B)Determines that the nurse who has been on the unit the longest should be promoted
C)Chooses two charge nurses to manage the unit instead of one assistant nurse manager
D)Decides to promote her niece,who is very action oriented and self-directed,to obtain her own nurse manager position

Accepted Answer

Taoism suggests balancing opposites and managing conflict, so choosing two charge nurses to manage the unit instead of one assistant nurse manager shows a balanced approach to leadership. It involves taking the strengths and abilities of several individuals into consideration and therefore creates a potentially more effective leadership structure. A and B are not necessarily balanced approaches, with A having the potential to create conflict and competition between nurses, while B seems to prioritize seniority over ability. D is not an example of effective leadership because promoting a family member may create perceptions of favoritism and questions about qualifications.

Question 6

Nurses must acclimate themselves to feelings of uneasiness,ambiguity,and the unknown to be effective nurses in our chaotic health-care system.They would do well to use which of the following theories to assist them in achieving success?
A)Quantum theory
B)Adaptation theory
C)Developmental theory
D)Scientific theory

Accepted Answer

Quantum theory, with its focus on uncertainty and complexity, can help nurses navigate the unpredictable and dynamic nature of the healthcare environment.

Question 7

The most significant characteristic that will assist nurses to grow in this chaotic health-care environment is:
A)Rigidity
B)Efficiency
C)Steadfastness
D)Flexibility

Accepted Answer

Flexibility is the most significant characteristic that will assist nurses to grow in this chaotic health-care environment. Nurses need to be adaptable and constantly ready for changes in their work environment. Flexibility allows them to handle unexpected situations and adjust to new roles, procedures, and technologies. With the increasing demands and changes in the healthcare industry, being flexible will enable them to provide quality and safe patient care.

Question 8

The new nurse manager is determining how to schedule staff for the holidays of Thanksgiving,Christmas,and New Years.Finally she decides the most equitable process would be:
A)Have anyone with children get Thanksgiving and Christmas days off no matter what his or her seniority is.
B)Assign the holidays randomly so there is no favoritism involved.
C)Ask for preferences (first,second,and third choices)and then make a schedule to accommodate everyone's first choice on the specified holiday.
D)Assign those with seniority the holidays of their choice and shifts that they request,and fill in with the rest of the staff as to what is still needing coverage.

Accepted Answer

Option C allows for input from all staff members while also working to accommodate their first choice. This promotes equity and fairness in the scheduling process. Randomly assigning holidays (B) may create an unfair schedule for certain individuals, while prioritizing those with children (A) may unfairly disadvantage others with more seniority. Option D puts too much emphasis on seniority and may not adequately address the needs of all staff members.

Question 9

The Center for Creative Leadership published skills one should practice to be a more effective leader.These skills include:
A)Individualization,short- and long-term goal accomplishment,and frequent self-evaluation
B)Aggression,intenseness,and use of the most comprehensive planning strategies
C)Competitiveness,caution,and no risk-taking
D)Flexibility,collaboration,and willingness to partner with others

Accepted Answer

The skills listed in option D align with current leadership best practices and emphasize the importance of collaboration, flexibility, and partnership-building as key skills for effective leadership. Options A, B, and C highlight skills that are either outdated or not effective in today's leadership landscape.

Question 10

Cross-training to another unit is a routine occurrence for most acute-care nurses.Which of the following is a good example of this?
A)Using one's intuition wisely
B)Refusing to float to another unit
C)Managing time efficiently
D)Being proactive and cost effective

Accepted Answer

Being proactive and cost effective is a good example of cross-training as it involves adapting to different units efficiently, which can help in managing resources and improving patient care across various departments.

Question 11

It appears that many nurses use avoidance to manage conflict.However,this does not generally resolve the problem because:
A)Avoiding will generate a win-win situation.
B)Avoiding a conflict ultimately causes tension among team members and negatively influences the care environment.
C)Most staff are not capable of fully avoiding or ignoring a problem and so they begin to compromise with the other group,which yields a win-win situation.
D)Most problems that are ignored generally improve with time.

Accepted Answer

Avoiding a conflict may initially seem like a way to prevent it from escalating, but in reality it can lead to resentment, tension, and a decrease in quality of care. Ignoring the problem does not make it go away, and it can often escalate into a larger issue. It is important for nurses to address conflict in a respectful and professional manner to ensure that the team can work together effectively and provide the best care possible.

Question 12

Unfreezing is the first stage of Lewin's theory of change.An example of this stage in nurses is:
A)Using a new acuity system
B)Having frequent staff meetings to discuss a possible change
C)Accepting the new documentation method
D)Evaluating the newly implemented procedure

Accepted Answer

Having frequent staff meetings to discuss a possible change is an example of unfreezing because it allows for the identification of current practices and beliefs that may need to be altered in order to implement the change. The other options refer to stages of change that occur after the unfreezing stage. Using a new acuity system, accepting a new documentation method, and evaluating a newly implemented procedure are all examples of the changing stage.

Question 13

Malloch and Porter-O'Grady point out that organizations "work from the inside out" and not from top to bottom.It is significant for staff nurses to participate fully in the decision-making processes of their health-care organizations and they can best do this by:
A)Shadowing their physician colleagues
B)Compromising with other health-care workers so that nursing gets its share of resources
C)Empowering themselves and other nurses to negotiate for their patients
D)Ignoring the administrators of the organization

Accepted Answer

Empowering themselves and other nurses to negotiate for their patients is the best choice because it suggests that nurses should take an active role in decision-making and advocate for their patients. This approach is aligned with the authors' assertion that organizations work from the inside out, meaning that change must come from within the organization rather than being imposed from above. Shadowing physicians (option A) may be informative but does not directly empower nurses to participate in decision-making. Compromising (option B) implies that nursing is in competition with other healthcare workers, which may not always be the case. Ignoring administrators (option D) is not productive or professional.

Question 14

To lead in the midst of change and chaos,it is necessary to have a clear vision and support from one's followers.Which of the following illustrates that the staff support the nurse manager's vision on a nursing unit?
A)Staff members refuse to attend orientation to electronic documentation on their own time even though lunch or dinner is provided at a nearby restaurant.
B)The division's suggestion box reveals eight complaint messages about the nurse manager from nurses on her unit.
C)No one attends a mandatory orientation class on electronic documentation even though staffing would allow for half of the unit to participate.
D)Staff members are attending the manager's summer party to kick-off a new initiative for the unit's electronic documentation change.

Accepted Answer

The fact that staff members are attending the manager's summer party to kick-off a new initiative for the unit's electronic documentation change shows that they support the nurse manager's vision on a nursing unit. This suggests that the staff members are willing to take time out of their busy schedules to attend an event aimed at introducing the unit's new initiative, indicating that they are invested in the change and are willing to support the manager's vision. Options A, B, and C all demonstrate lack of support and engagement from the staff in the change process.

Question 15

Which of the following can increase a nurse manager's power most dramatically?
A)Preserving the status quo
B)Maintaining sacred cows
C)Empowering staff members to make change
D)Unionizing with other administrators

Accepted Answer

Empowering staff members to make changes is likely to increase a nurse manager's power most dramatically. This is because when a manager empowers their staff, they are giving them the tools and authority to make decisions and take action, which can lead to improved outcomes and increased efficiency. By doing so, the manager is showing trust and confidence in their staff, which can lead to greater loyalty and commitment. This type of collaborative approach can also foster creativity and innovation, which are critical components of success in healthcare today.

Question 16

Wheatley and Kellnor-Rogers say systems maintain themselves only when change is occurring.Which of the following statements best describes this?
A)Change is the essence of growth and survival.
B)It is imperative to keep organizations in flux to be successful.
C)The only idea for success is to keep things changing.
D)Change always produces positive growth.

Accepted Answer

Wheatley and Kellnor-Rogers argue that systems (including organizations) can maintain themselves only if they are constantly evolving and adapting to changing circumstances. This suggests that change is necessary for growth and survival, which aligns with option A. However, the other options do not accurately reflect the authors' argument. Option B suggests that organizations must be in a constant state of flux, which is not necessarily true, while option C implies that change is the only factor in success, which is too simplistic. Option D suggests that all change leads to positive growth, which may not always be the case.

Question 17

When asked what qualities were most important for a successful change to be accomplished,nurse leaders identified which of the following?
A)Effective communication,recognition of staff welfare,and staff empowerment
B)Tangible awards for participating staff,having some key people to argue against the change,and clearly setting target dates for implementation of the change process
C)Staff unawareness,identifying the predicted outcomes that would be generated from the change,and providing off-work time to discuss the change with the participating staff
D)Clearly specified actions that would be taken regarding staff who would not participate,favoritism toward all participating staff,and an evaluation plan for the change

Accepted Answer

Effective communication is essential to ensure everyone understands the change and their role in it. Recognition of staff welfare is important to ensure staff feel valued during the change process. Staff empowerment allows individuals to take ownership of the change and contribute to its success. Tangible awards (B) and punishment for non-participating staff (D) may create tensions and hinder the success of the change. Staff unawareness (C) is not a desired quality for successful change.

Question 18

The Internet has exposed us to multiple aspects of the world and has shown us how much we do not know.This perspective is most similar to which of the following ideas?
A)There are far more questions than there are answers.
B)Uncertainty breeds discontent.
C)It is impossible for each individual to be all knowing.
D)Life is an endless,thankless journey.

Accepted Answer

The statement highlights the idea that the more we know, the more we realize how much we don't know, emphasizing the abundance of unanswered questions, which aligns with choice A: "There are far more questions than there are answers."

Question 19

Change often is described as all of the following EXCEPT:
A)New
B)Unexpected
C)Negative
D)Stable

Accepted Answer

Change is typically characterized by the fact that it is NOT stable or constant. Therefore, the option that does not fit this description is D, which states that change is not negative. The other options (A, B, and C) all describe aspects of change that are often present, such as the fact that change can be new or unexpected.

Question 20

For the nursing profession to grow and become an even stronger force in health care,chaos theory advocates that nurse leaders:
A)Rethink the past and model themselves after previous nurse leaders.
B)Develop specific short- and long-term plans with evaluation outcomes.
C)Use their intuition,take risks,and be comfortable with uncertainty.
D)Work side by side with physician mentors.

Accepted Answer

According to chaos theory, complex systems (such as the health care system) are highly unpredictable and can exhibit chaotic behavior. Therefore, nurse leaders must be comfortable with uncertainty and willing to take risks in order to navigate through these complex systems. Developing specific plans with evaluation outcomes may not always be effective in chaotic situations. Relying solely on past models or working only with physician mentors may not be sufficient for nurses to drive growth and become a stronger force in health care.

Quiz 7: Chaos and Disequilibrium: Invigorating, Challenging, and Growth-Producing

Neubauer's process of renewing oneself consists of which of the following?

When someone questions a procedure,a commonly heard statement by many nurses is,"We've always done it this way." Which of the following best describes this attitude?

Nurses must acclimate themselves to feelings of uneasiness,ambiguity,and the unknown to be effective nurses in our chaotic health-care system.They would do well to use which of the following theories to assist them in achieving success?

The most significant characteristic that will assist nurses to grow in this chaotic health-care environment is:

The new nurse manager is determining how to schedule staff for the holidays of Thanksgiving,Christmas,and New Years.Finally she decides the most equitable process would be:

The Center for Creative Leadership published skills one should practice to be a more effective leader.These skills include:

Cross-training to another unit is a routine occurrence for most acute-care nurses.Which of the following is a good example of this?

It appears that many nurses use avoidance to manage conflict.However,this does not generally resolve the problem because:

Unfreezing is the first stage of Lewin's theory of change.An example of this stage in nurses is:

Malloch and Porter-O'Grady point out that organizations "work from the inside out" and not from top to bottom.It is significant for staff nurses to participate fully in the decision-making processes of their health-care organizations and they can best do this by:

To lead in the midst of change and chaos,it is necessary to have a clear vision and support from one's followers.Which of the following illustrates that the staff support the nurse manager's vision on a nursing unit?

Which of the following can increase a nurse manager's power most dramatically?

Wheatley and Kellnor-Rogers say systems maintain themselves only when change is occurring.Which of the following statements best describes this?

When asked what qualities were most important for a successful change to be accomplished,nurse leaders identified which of the following?

The Internet has exposed us to multiple aspects of the world and has shown us how much we do not know.This perspective is most similar to which of the following ideas?

Change often is described as all of the following EXCEPT:

For the nursing profession to grow and become an even stronger force in health care,chaos theory advocates that nurse leaders: