NUR 4590 / NUR4590 Exam 1: Professional Identity
of the Nurse Leader | ACTUAL EXAM | Questions &
Verified Answers | Latest Update –
Rasmussen University
1
A novice nurse manager on a medical unit tells the staff, “I believe our shared decisions
will generate the best outcomes.” Which leadership theory is she demonstrating?
A. Transformational leadership
B. Authentic leadership
C. Democratic leadership
D. Servant leadership
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Democratic (participative) leadership is founded on the belief that group
participation in decision-making yields superior results. Transformational leadership
inspires change through vision and individual mentoring; it is not defined by shared
decision-making as its central tenet. Authentic leadership stresses self-awareness and
values-based behavior, while servant leadership prioritizes follower growth; neither
focuses primarily on collective decision authority.
2
,The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) reminds the board that Magnet recognition requires
demonstration of nursing leadership at every level. Which characteristic is most closely
associated with the professional identity of a nurse leader embedded in the Magnet
framework?
A. Clinical expertise only
B. Advocacy for nurses and patients
C. Budget maximization
D. Task delegation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Magnet standards emphasize nurse leaders who advocate for staff and
patients, shaping policy and practice environments. Clinical expertise alone is
insufficient without advocacy. Budget maximization is a financial goal, not a Magnet
leadership identity trait. Task delegation is a management function, not the defining
professional characteristic of a Magnet nurse leader.
3
Which statement best differentiates a nurse manager from a nurse leader?
A. “Managers create vision; leaders implement it.”
B. “Managers control resources; leaders inspire innovation.”
C. “Managers focus on day-to-day tasks; leaders ignore them.”
D. “Managers and leaders perform identical functions in acute care.”
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: Classic management literature distinguishes managers (plan, budget,
control) from leaders (inspire, innovate, influence). Option A reverses the roles. Option C
incorrectly suggests leaders neglect daily operations, while option D ignores functional
distinctions.
4
According to Rost’s post-industrial view, which element is essential for leadership to
exist?
A. Coercion
B. Position power
C. Intentional influence relationship
D. Authoritarian control
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rost defines leadership as an intentional influence relationship aimed at
mutual change. Coercion and authoritarian control are industrial, top-down concepts.
Position power may be present but is not the essential element.
5
A nurse leader refuses to document fraudulent billing, citing the ANA Code of Ethics.
Which ethical principle is primarily upheld?
A. Fidelity
B. Non-maleficence
C. Veracity
, D. Justice
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Veracity requires truthfulness in professional communications. Fidelity refers
to keeping promises, non-maleficence to “do no harm,” and justice to fairness; none
directly address the duty to document truthfully.
6
During contract negotiations, a nurse leader quotes state regulations that mandate
minimum staffing ratios. Which source of power is being used?
A. Expert power
B. Referent power
C. Legitimate power
D. Coercive power
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Legitimate (positional) power derives from formal authority or statutory
mandate. Expert power comes from knowledge, referent from personal charisma, and
coercive from punishment capability.
7
Which competency is included in the American Organization for Nursing Leadership
(AONL) “Nurse Leader Core Competencies” domain of Communication & Relationship
Management?
A. Capital budget preparation
of the Nurse Leader | ACTUAL EXAM | Questions &
Verified Answers | Latest Update –
Rasmussen University
1
A novice nurse manager on a medical unit tells the staff, “I believe our shared decisions
will generate the best outcomes.” Which leadership theory is she demonstrating?
A. Transformational leadership
B. Authentic leadership
C. Democratic leadership
D. Servant leadership
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Democratic (participative) leadership is founded on the belief that group
participation in decision-making yields superior results. Transformational leadership
inspires change through vision and individual mentoring; it is not defined by shared
decision-making as its central tenet. Authentic leadership stresses self-awareness and
values-based behavior, while servant leadership prioritizes follower growth; neither
focuses primarily on collective decision authority.
2
,The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) reminds the board that Magnet recognition requires
demonstration of nursing leadership at every level. Which characteristic is most closely
associated with the professional identity of a nurse leader embedded in the Magnet
framework?
A. Clinical expertise only
B. Advocacy for nurses and patients
C. Budget maximization
D. Task delegation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Magnet standards emphasize nurse leaders who advocate for staff and
patients, shaping policy and practice environments. Clinical expertise alone is
insufficient without advocacy. Budget maximization is a financial goal, not a Magnet
leadership identity trait. Task delegation is a management function, not the defining
professional characteristic of a Magnet nurse leader.
3
Which statement best differentiates a nurse manager from a nurse leader?
A. “Managers create vision; leaders implement it.”
B. “Managers control resources; leaders inspire innovation.”
C. “Managers focus on day-to-day tasks; leaders ignore them.”
D. “Managers and leaders perform identical functions in acute care.”
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: Classic management literature distinguishes managers (plan, budget,
control) from leaders (inspire, innovate, influence). Option A reverses the roles. Option C
incorrectly suggests leaders neglect daily operations, while option D ignores functional
distinctions.
4
According to Rost’s post-industrial view, which element is essential for leadership to
exist?
A. Coercion
B. Position power
C. Intentional influence relationship
D. Authoritarian control
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rost defines leadership as an intentional influence relationship aimed at
mutual change. Coercion and authoritarian control are industrial, top-down concepts.
Position power may be present but is not the essential element.
5
A nurse leader refuses to document fraudulent billing, citing the ANA Code of Ethics.
Which ethical principle is primarily upheld?
A. Fidelity
B. Non-maleficence
C. Veracity
, D. Justice
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Veracity requires truthfulness in professional communications. Fidelity refers
to keeping promises, non-maleficence to “do no harm,” and justice to fairness; none
directly address the duty to document truthfully.
6
During contract negotiations, a nurse leader quotes state regulations that mandate
minimum staffing ratios. Which source of power is being used?
A. Expert power
B. Referent power
C. Legitimate power
D. Coercive power
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Legitimate (positional) power derives from formal authority or statutory
mandate. Expert power comes from knowledge, referent from personal charisma, and
coercive from punishment capability.
7
Which competency is included in the American Organization for Nursing Leadership
(AONL) “Nurse Leader Core Competencies” domain of Communication & Relationship
Management?
A. Capital budget preparation
