FUNCTIONS IN NURSING
THEORY AND APPLICATION
11TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)CAROL J. HUSTON
TEST BANK
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — Decision Making, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking,
and Clinical Reasoning — Nurse Manager Decision-Making
Stem
A nurse manager must decide whether to reassign a float RN
with strong med-surg experience to a telemetry unit
experiencing short-staffing for the shift. The manager has
limited time and incomplete telemetry competency data but
,needs to maintain patient safety and unit workflow. Which
approach should the manager use first?
A. Reassign the float immediately to the telemetry nurse
assignment to fill the gap.
B. Use a brief targeted assessment and pair the float with an
experienced telemetry nurse for supervision.
C. Refuse reassignment and call agency staffing to cover the
shift.
D. Assign the float to a less acute patient load on telemetry
without supervision.
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
Correct (B): A targeted competency check plus pairing promotes
safe delegation and supervised practice while addressing
staffing needs—aligns with evidence-based, staged decision
making and delegation principles.
Incorrect (A): Immediate independent reassignment risks
patient safety when competency is unknown.
Incorrect (C): Calling agency may be reasonable but delays
immediate coverage and may be less efficient than supervised
reallocation.
Incorrect (D): Assigning without supervision assumes
competence and places patients at risk.
,Teaching Point
Use brief competency checks and supervised pairing when time
and data are limited.
Citation
Huston, C. J. (2024). Leadership Roles and Management
Functions in Nursing (11th ed.). Ch. 1.
2
Reference
Ch. 1 — Decision Making, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking,
and Clinical Reasoning — Managerial Decision-Making Models
Stem
A charge nurse uses a managerial decision-making model to
select between two staffing solutions for a surge: call-in
overtime for experienced staff or redistribute patient
assignments among current team members. Which element of
the model is most critical to evaluate before choosing?
A. The personal preference of the charge nurse.
B. The objective impact on patient safety and quality outcomes.
C. How popular the option will be with staff.
D. How quickly the manager can implement the nurse's
preferred option.
Correct Answer
B
, Rationales
Correct (B): Managerial models emphasize defining objectives
clearly; patient safety and quality are primary goals that should
drive choice per Huston’s models.
Incorrect (A): Personal preference is a biasing factor and should
not direct managerial decisions.
Incorrect (C): Popularity may affect staff morale but is
secondary to core objectives like safety.
Incorrect (D): Speed is important but must be weighed against
safety and effectiveness.
Teaching Point
Prioritize patient safety and quality when evaluating managerial
options.
Citation
Huston, C. J. (2024). Leadership Roles and Management
Functions in Nursing (11th ed.). Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — Decision Making, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking,
and Clinical Reasoning — Vicarious Learning
Stem
A preceptor arranges simulation sessions and case studies for
new charge nurses to speed problem-solving skill development.