BSN 465 Exam 3 V1 | BSN 465 Decision-
making in Nursing | Q&A with Rationale
(BSN465 Exam 3) | Nightingale College
1. Which leadership style is most effective in a crisis situation where rapid decisions are
required to ensure patient safety?
A. Laissez-faire leadership
B. Transformational leadership
C. Autocratic leadership
D. Democratic leadership
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Autocratic leadership is characterized by the leader making decisions
independently without input from the group. This style is highly efficient during
emergencies or codes where clear, immediate direction is necessary to save lives. While it
may decrease morale if used long-term, it provides the structure needed during high-stress
clinical crises.
2. A nurse manager is implementing a new EHR system and is currently identifying staff who
are resistant to the change. Which stage of Lewin’s Change Theory does this represent?
A. Moving
B. Refreezing
,C. Unfreezing
D. Stabilizing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Unfreezing is the first stage of Lewin’s theory where the leader creates the
motivation for change by helping others let go of old patterns. This stage involves
identifying barriers, such as staff resistance, and addressing the need for a new process.
Without successful unfreezing, the staff will likely revert to previous behaviors once the
pressure is removed.
3. Which of the following tasks is most appropriate for a Registered Nurse (RN) to delegate to
an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP)?
A. Assisting a stable patient with ambulation
B. Assessing a patient’s pain level post-operatively
C. Administering oral medications to a stable patient
D. Providing discharge education to a patient’s family
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assisting with ambulation for a stable patient falls under the standard tasks a
UAP can perform. RNs cannot delegate tasks that require clinical judgment, assessment, or
teaching to unlicensed staff. The RN remains responsible for evaluating the patient’s
tolerance of the activity after the task is completed.
, 4. When two staff nurses have a conflict regarding the holiday schedule and decide to use a
‘win-win’ strategy, which conflict management style are they employing?
A. Avoiding
B. Competing
C. Compromising
D. Collaborating
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Collaboration involves both parties working together to find a solution that
satisfies the goals of everyone involved. It is often referred to as a win-win approach
because it focuses on shared goals and mutual respect. Although it is the most time-
consuming method, it results in the highest level of satisfaction and long-term resolution.
5. A nurse is prioritizing care for four patients. Which patient should the nurse see first?
A. A patient with a fractured hip reporting pain of 8/10
B. A patient with COPD whose oxygen saturation is 89%
C. A patient who is 2 hours post-op and has a saturated dressing
D. A patient with heart failure requesting a routine medication
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The post-operative patient with a saturated dressing is the priority due to the
risk of active hemorrhage and circulatory collapse. This follows the ABC (Airway,
making in Nursing | Q&A with Rationale
(BSN465 Exam 3) | Nightingale College
1. Which leadership style is most effective in a crisis situation where rapid decisions are
required to ensure patient safety?
A. Laissez-faire leadership
B. Transformational leadership
C. Autocratic leadership
D. Democratic leadership
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Autocratic leadership is characterized by the leader making decisions
independently without input from the group. This style is highly efficient during
emergencies or codes where clear, immediate direction is necessary to save lives. While it
may decrease morale if used long-term, it provides the structure needed during high-stress
clinical crises.
2. A nurse manager is implementing a new EHR system and is currently identifying staff who
are resistant to the change. Which stage of Lewin’s Change Theory does this represent?
A. Moving
B. Refreezing
,C. Unfreezing
D. Stabilizing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Unfreezing is the first stage of Lewin’s theory where the leader creates the
motivation for change by helping others let go of old patterns. This stage involves
identifying barriers, such as staff resistance, and addressing the need for a new process.
Without successful unfreezing, the staff will likely revert to previous behaviors once the
pressure is removed.
3. Which of the following tasks is most appropriate for a Registered Nurse (RN) to delegate to
an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP)?
A. Assisting a stable patient with ambulation
B. Assessing a patient’s pain level post-operatively
C. Administering oral medications to a stable patient
D. Providing discharge education to a patient’s family
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assisting with ambulation for a stable patient falls under the standard tasks a
UAP can perform. RNs cannot delegate tasks that require clinical judgment, assessment, or
teaching to unlicensed staff. The RN remains responsible for evaluating the patient’s
tolerance of the activity after the task is completed.
, 4. When two staff nurses have a conflict regarding the holiday schedule and decide to use a
‘win-win’ strategy, which conflict management style are they employing?
A. Avoiding
B. Competing
C. Compromising
D. Collaborating
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Collaboration involves both parties working together to find a solution that
satisfies the goals of everyone involved. It is often referred to as a win-win approach
because it focuses on shared goals and mutual respect. Although it is the most time-
consuming method, it results in the highest level of satisfaction and long-term resolution.
5. A nurse is prioritizing care for four patients. Which patient should the nurse see first?
A. A patient with a fractured hip reporting pain of 8/10
B. A patient with COPD whose oxygen saturation is 89%
C. A patient who is 2 hours post-op and has a saturated dressing
D. A patient with heart failure requesting a routine medication
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The post-operative patient with a saturated dressing is the priority due to the
risk of active hemorrhage and circulatory collapse. This follows the ABC (Airway,
