Zerwekh :Fundamentals of Nursing Today, [13 t0 26] 6th Edition Revised Test Bank

1. A newborn has several congenital anomalies incompatible with living beyond a month. He cannot retain formula, and his temperature drops when he is removed from the warmer. Two nurses who alternate caring for the baby argue about whether or not to attempt bottle feedings and whether he should be removed from the warmer to be held. What is the origin of the conflict described? a. Ethical values b. Nursing role concerns c. Personal goals for advancement d. Personality differences ANS: A This situation depicts personal issues based on two separate sets of ethics or values regarding the infant’s care. One nurse places value on nutritional needs and the other on the need for bonding. 2. Of the following common areas of conflict between nurses and their clients and families, which is most easily resolved? a. Issues of concern about quality of care b. Issues surrounding treatment decisions c. Issues of family involvement d. Issues about quality of parental care ANS: A Families typically are concerned with how well their loved one is being attended to. Conflict often arises out of concerns related to quality of care. This is something that the nurse can directly address, whereas issues of treatment decisions, family involvement, and quality of parental care often require more discussion and intervention. 3. What is the best strategy for resolving the conflict in a situation in which two staff nurses request the same vacation weeks? a. Accommodation b. Collaboration c. Competition d. Avoidance ANS: B Collaboration is the strategy that involves confrontation and problem solving. Needs, feelings, and desires of both parties are considered to create a win-win outcome. 4. On the unit in which you work, one nurse’s aide is usually pleasant and helpful; the other is often abrasive and angry. What is the most important basic guideline to be observed by a nurse who must resolve a conflict between the two nurse’s aides? a. Deal with issues, not personalities. b. Require the aides to reach a compromise. c. Weigh the consequences of each possible solution. d. Encourage ventilation of anger and use humor to minimize the conflict. He asks this question twice. ANS: A Dealing with the issues and not the personalities is one of seven important key behaviors in managing conflict. Issues tend to be more concrete, whereas personalities involve emotional issues. 5. One of your peers, a staff nurse, is a “potshot artist.” She often makes you the butt of innuendo or teasing digs. You are fed up and decide to take action the next time it happens. What strategy should be considered as an effective way of dealing with a “sniper”? a. Clam up and allow the individual to fully ventilate her concern. b. Confront the individual, saying that she is wrong. c. Coldly withdraw from the individual. d. Obtain group confirmation or denial of criticism raised by the individual. ANS: D When confronting the sniper, it is important to involve the rest of the staff to get a group consensus of denial or confirmation.