1. A nurse is applying a decision-making process to a clinical challenge. When
applying this process, the nurse must:
a. Analyze the root causes of the situation.
b. Begin by solving the underlying problem.
c. Choose between different courses of action.
d. Prioritize the maximum good for the maximum number of people.
ANS: C
In a decision-making process, particularly in a clinical setting, a nurse
needs to evaluate various potential solutions or courses of action to
address the clinical challenge. This involves considering different
options, weighing their potential outcomes, and making an informed
choice that best meets the needs of the patient and the clinical
situation. While analyzing root causes, solving underlying problems, and
considering the greatest good for the greatest number are important
components of critical thinking and ethical decision-making, the core of
the decision-making process itself involves choosing between different
courses of action.
2. A nurse is applying the traditional problem-solving model when mediating a
conflict between two colleagues. When applying this model, the nurse
should prioritize what task?
a. Identifying the root cause of the conflict.
b. Implementing a solution as quickly as possible
c. Eliciting input from other nurses
d. Encouraging each nurse to reflect on their actions.
ANS: A
When applying the traditional problem-solving model, the first step is to clearly
identify and understand the root cause of the problem. This foundational task is
crucial because it ensures that any solutions implemented will address the
underlying issues rather than just the symptoms of the conflict. Once the root cause
is identified, effective and sustainable solutions can be developed and
implemented.
,3. Which statement is true regarding decision making?
a. Scientific methods provide identical decisions by different individuals for
the same problems.
b. Decisions are greatly influenced by each person’s value system.
c. Personal beliefs can be adjusted for when the scientific approach to a
problem solving is used.
d. Past experience has little to do with the quality of the decision.
ANS: B
Decision-making is inherently influenced by an individual's values,
beliefs, and experiences. These personal factors shape how individuals
perceive problems, weigh options, and make choices. While scientific
methods and systematic approaches can provide a structured way to
address problems, the final decisions often reflect the decision-maker's
value system.
4. The nurse-manager of a short-staffed unit needs to make a decision about a
nurse’s request for an unpaid leave of absence. In order to increase the
chance of making a good decision, the manager should:
a. Involve as many people in the decision-making process as possible.
b. Begin the decision-making process by presuming the status quo to be
the best option
c. Generate as many different alternatives as possible.
d. Prioritize the option that is most innovative.
ANS:C
When faced with a decision, especially in a complex situation like
managing staffing needs while considering a leave of absence, generating
a wide range of alternatives can help the manager explore all possible
solutions. This approach increases the likelihood of finding a solution
that best balances the needs of the staff member requesting leave with the
operational requirements of the unit.
,5. an experienced nurse-manager has been described as being a ‘right-brained
thinker’. Which is an example of this manager’s decision-making process?
a. Uses data sets to generate solutions
b. Uses thinking that is outside the normal standards to find a solution
c. Has the ability to ask all those involved in the decision making
d. Focuses on the intended process to reach a solution or goal.
ANS: B
A right-brained thinker is often associated with creativity, intuition, and
thinking outside the box. This approach involves finding innovative and
non-traditional solutions to problems, rather than relying solely on data
sets, structured processes, or conventional methods.
6. A nurse-manager is applying an evidence-based approach to a clinical
question around client mobilization. When using a PICO ( patient or
population, intervention, comparison and outcome) format to search for
evidence, the nurse should identify what?
a. The role of intuition in the decision-making process
b. The preference of clients and their families
c. The clients for whom the intervention would be relevant
d. Costs associated with a potential change in practice
ANS: C
When using the PICO format to search for evidence in an evidence-based
approach, the "P" stands for the patient or population. This involves
identifying the specific group of clients for whom the intervention is
relevant, ensuring that the evidence gathered is applicable to the
particular clinical question or context being addressed.
7. A nurse-manager is applying the decision-making process when addressing
a nurse’s high rate of absenteeism. This process should result in.
a. An outcome that is desired by all
b. A chosen course of action
, c. An action that guarantees success
d. A new understanding of the problem
ANS:B
The decision-making process involves identifying a problem, generating
potential solutions, evaluating those solutions, and ultimately choosing
and implementing a course of action. The goal is to select the best
possible solution to address the issue at hand, in this case, the nurse's
high rate of absenteeism.
8. A nurse-manager is faced with a difficult decision in a situation that
involves the manager’s values. What is the manager’s best action?
a. Try to base a decision on intuition rather than values.
b. Set aside their own values and make a rationale decision
c. Defer the decision to a colleague with different values
d. Identify and reflect on their own values.
ANS: D
When faced with a difficult decision that involves personal values, it is
important for the nurse-manager to recognize and reflect on their own
values. This self-awareness can help the manager understand how their
values may influence their decision-making process and ensure that their
decisions are balanced, ethical, and in the best interest of all parties
involved.
9. Which statement concerning critical thinking is true?
a. It is a simple approach to decision making
b. It is narrower in scope than decision making
c. It requires reasoning and creative analysis
d. It is a synonym for the problem-solving process.
ANS: C
Critical thinking involves the ability to think clearly and rationally,
engage in reflective and independent thinking, and use reasoning and
creative analysis to evaluate and solve problems. It is broader in scope
applying this process, the nurse must:
a. Analyze the root causes of the situation.
b. Begin by solving the underlying problem.
c. Choose between different courses of action.
d. Prioritize the maximum good for the maximum number of people.
ANS: C
In a decision-making process, particularly in a clinical setting, a nurse
needs to evaluate various potential solutions or courses of action to
address the clinical challenge. This involves considering different
options, weighing their potential outcomes, and making an informed
choice that best meets the needs of the patient and the clinical
situation. While analyzing root causes, solving underlying problems, and
considering the greatest good for the greatest number are important
components of critical thinking and ethical decision-making, the core of
the decision-making process itself involves choosing between different
courses of action.
2. A nurse is applying the traditional problem-solving model when mediating a
conflict between two colleagues. When applying this model, the nurse
should prioritize what task?
a. Identifying the root cause of the conflict.
b. Implementing a solution as quickly as possible
c. Eliciting input from other nurses
d. Encouraging each nurse to reflect on their actions.
ANS: A
When applying the traditional problem-solving model, the first step is to clearly
identify and understand the root cause of the problem. This foundational task is
crucial because it ensures that any solutions implemented will address the
underlying issues rather than just the symptoms of the conflict. Once the root cause
is identified, effective and sustainable solutions can be developed and
implemented.
,3. Which statement is true regarding decision making?
a. Scientific methods provide identical decisions by different individuals for
the same problems.
b. Decisions are greatly influenced by each person’s value system.
c. Personal beliefs can be adjusted for when the scientific approach to a
problem solving is used.
d. Past experience has little to do with the quality of the decision.
ANS: B
Decision-making is inherently influenced by an individual's values,
beliefs, and experiences. These personal factors shape how individuals
perceive problems, weigh options, and make choices. While scientific
methods and systematic approaches can provide a structured way to
address problems, the final decisions often reflect the decision-maker's
value system.
4. The nurse-manager of a short-staffed unit needs to make a decision about a
nurse’s request for an unpaid leave of absence. In order to increase the
chance of making a good decision, the manager should:
a. Involve as many people in the decision-making process as possible.
b. Begin the decision-making process by presuming the status quo to be
the best option
c. Generate as many different alternatives as possible.
d. Prioritize the option that is most innovative.
ANS:C
When faced with a decision, especially in a complex situation like
managing staffing needs while considering a leave of absence, generating
a wide range of alternatives can help the manager explore all possible
solutions. This approach increases the likelihood of finding a solution
that best balances the needs of the staff member requesting leave with the
operational requirements of the unit.
,5. an experienced nurse-manager has been described as being a ‘right-brained
thinker’. Which is an example of this manager’s decision-making process?
a. Uses data sets to generate solutions
b. Uses thinking that is outside the normal standards to find a solution
c. Has the ability to ask all those involved in the decision making
d. Focuses on the intended process to reach a solution or goal.
ANS: B
A right-brained thinker is often associated with creativity, intuition, and
thinking outside the box. This approach involves finding innovative and
non-traditional solutions to problems, rather than relying solely on data
sets, structured processes, or conventional methods.
6. A nurse-manager is applying an evidence-based approach to a clinical
question around client mobilization. When using a PICO ( patient or
population, intervention, comparison and outcome) format to search for
evidence, the nurse should identify what?
a. The role of intuition in the decision-making process
b. The preference of clients and their families
c. The clients for whom the intervention would be relevant
d. Costs associated with a potential change in practice
ANS: C
When using the PICO format to search for evidence in an evidence-based
approach, the "P" stands for the patient or population. This involves
identifying the specific group of clients for whom the intervention is
relevant, ensuring that the evidence gathered is applicable to the
particular clinical question or context being addressed.
7. A nurse-manager is applying the decision-making process when addressing
a nurse’s high rate of absenteeism. This process should result in.
a. An outcome that is desired by all
b. A chosen course of action
, c. An action that guarantees success
d. A new understanding of the problem
ANS:B
The decision-making process involves identifying a problem, generating
potential solutions, evaluating those solutions, and ultimately choosing
and implementing a course of action. The goal is to select the best
possible solution to address the issue at hand, in this case, the nurse's
high rate of absenteeism.
8. A nurse-manager is faced with a difficult decision in a situation that
involves the manager’s values. What is the manager’s best action?
a. Try to base a decision on intuition rather than values.
b. Set aside their own values and make a rationale decision
c. Defer the decision to a colleague with different values
d. Identify and reflect on their own values.
ANS: D
When faced with a difficult decision that involves personal values, it is
important for the nurse-manager to recognize and reflect on their own
values. This self-awareness can help the manager understand how their
values may influence their decision-making process and ensure that their
decisions are balanced, ethical, and in the best interest of all parties
involved.
9. Which statement concerning critical thinking is true?
a. It is a simple approach to decision making
b. It is narrower in scope than decision making
c. It requires reasoning and creative analysis
d. It is a synonym for the problem-solving process.
ANS: C
Critical thinking involves the ability to think clearly and rationally,
engage in reflective and independent thinking, and use reasoning and
creative analysis to evaluate and solve problems. It is broader in scope
