Nursing Practice (2026) Q&A
1. Which leadership theory proposes that the effectiveness of a leader depends on the
readiness and developmental level of the followers?
A) Lewin's Change Model
B) Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
C) Hersey and Blanchard's Situational Leadership Theory
D) Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory
Correct Answer: Hersey and Blanchard's Situational Leadership Theory
Rationale: Hersey and Blanchard's Situational Leadership Theory posits that no single leadership
style is best; instead, effective leaders adapt their style based on the followers' competence and
commitment. This involves matching directive and supportive behaviors to the group's
developmental level. Lewin's model focuses on change, Maslow on motivation, and Herzberg on
job satisfaction.
2. According to Lewin's Change Model, what is the correct sequence of stages for implementing
organizational change?
A) Moving → Unfreezing → Refreezing
B) Unfreezing → Moving → Refreezing
C) Refreezing → Moving → Unfreezing
D) Unfreezing → Refreezing → Moving
Correct Answer: Unfreezing → Moving → Refreezing
Rationale: Lewin's Change Model describes change as a three-stage process. First, *Unfreezing*
involves preparing the organization for change. Next, *Moving* is the implementation of the
,change itself. Finally, *Refreezing* stabilizes the change and integrates it into the organization's
culture.
3. A novice nurse demonstrates high commitment but low clinical competence. According to
situational leadership, which style is most appropriate for the nurse leader to use?
A) Delegating (low directive, low supportive)
B) Telling (high directive, low supportive)
C) Selling (high directive, high supportive)
D) Participating (low directive, high supportive)
Correct Answer: Telling (high directive, low supportive)
Rationale: Situational leadership theory suggests that a follower with low competence requires
high direction. The "Telling" style (high directive, low supportive) is most appropriate for this
novice nurse, as it provides clear instructions and close supervision until competence develops.
4. Which management theory focuses on motivating employees by addressing a hierarchy of
needs, from basic physiological needs to self-actualization?
A) McGregor's Theory X and Y
B) Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
C) Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory
D) Lewin's Change Theory
Correct Answer: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Rationale: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a motivational theory that identifies five levels of
human needs: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. The theory
proposes that lower-level needs must be met before higher-level needs can motivate behavior.
,5. A nurse is implementing a new evidence-based protocol for fall prevention. Which stage of
Lewin's Change Model involves actively using the new protocol and monitoring its
effectiveness?
A) Unfreezing
B) Moving
C) Refreezing
D) Evaluating
Correct Answer: Moving
Rationale: In Lewin's model, the *Moving* stage is where the actual change is implemented.
This involves putting the new protocol into practice and monitoring its effectiveness.
*Unfreezing* is the preparation phase, and *Refreezing* is the stabilization phase.
6. What is the primary purpose of a root cause analysis (RCA) in a healthcare organization?
A) To assign blame to the individual who made an error
B) To identify the underlying causes of a sentinel event and prevent recurrence
C) To document the error for legal purposes
D) To discipline the staff involved in the error
Correct Answer: To identify the underlying causes of a sentinel event and prevent recurrence
Rationale: A root cause analysis (RCA) is a systematic process used to identify the root causes of
adverse events, with the goal of preventing future occurrences. It focuses on system factors, not
individual blame.
, 7. A nurse manager is implementing a shared governance model on a medical-surgical unit.
Which statement best describes the primary goal of this model?
A) To centralize decision-making authority with the nurse manager
B) To empower staff nurses to participate in decisions that affect their practice and patient care
C) To reduce the number of staff meetings required by policy
D) To enforce a top-down hierarchy to improve efficiency
Correct Answer: To empower staff nurses to participate in decisions that affect their practice
and patient care
Rationale: Shared governance is a professional practice model that gives nurses a voice in
clinical and administrative decisions, fostering autonomy, accountability, and collaboration. It
aims to decentralize decision-making, not centralize it.
8. Which of the following scenarios constitutes slander in a nursing context?
A) Leaving a negative comment about a colleague on social media
B) Verbally spreading false rumors about a coworker's competence
C) Documenting inaccurate information in a patient's medical record
D) Failing to report a medication error to the charge nurse
Correct Answer: Verbally spreading false rumors about a coworker's competence
Rationale: Slander is defaming another's character through speech, such as spreading rumors.
Libel, in contrast, is defamation through writing, such as a negative social media post. Both are
legal wrongs with professional consequences.
9. A nurse looks at the medical record of a patient who is not assigned to their care. This action
constitutes which legal violation?