changes. What should be the first step the nurse manager takes to address this issue?
A) Institute a new policy requiring staff to communicate during shift changes
B) Conduct a meeting with the staff to discuss communication issues
C) Provide training on communication techniques
D) Assign a different nurse leader to manage communication during shift changes
Answer: B) Conduct a meeting with the staff to discuss communication issues
Rationale: The nurse manager should first identify the root cause of the communication problem
by talking to staff. Addressing the issue collaboratively can improve the situation more
effectively than imposing policies or changes without understanding the underlying causes.
2. A nurse leader notices that team members are frequently late to staff meetings. What is
the most effective approach to resolving this issue?
A) Implement a strict attendance policy with penalties
B) Discuss the importance of punctuality and ask for input from staff about barriers
C) Hold meetings at different times to accommodate different schedules
D) Stop holding meetings altogether to avoid conflicts
Answer: B) Discuss the importance of punctuality and ask for input from staff about barriers
Rationale: A collaborative approach that seeks input from staff is more likely to result in
improved behavior and commitment. Understanding barriers to punctuality helps in finding a
solution that works for everyone.
3. A nurse leader wants to improve patient satisfaction on the unit. Which of the following
is the most effective leadership strategy?
A) Implement a patient satisfaction survey
B) Provide incentives for staff who receive positive feedback
C) Encourage staff to actively engage with patients and listen to their concerns
D) Reduce the workload to give staff more time to interact with patients
Answer: C) Encourage staff to actively engage with patients and listen to their concerns
Rationale: Engaging with patients and listening to their concerns directly impacts satisfaction
levels. While surveys and incentives can be useful, the direct interaction between staff and
patients is the most impactful.
,4. During a leadership meeting, a nurse leader observes that some staff members are
dominating the conversation. What is the best strategy to ensure all voices are heard?
A) Allow the dominating staff members to continue speaking and ignore others
B) Ask quieter staff members for their opinions directly
C) End the meeting early to avoid further disruption
D) Create a rule where only one person can speak at a time
Answer: B) Ask quieter staff members for their opinions directly
Rationale: By actively encouraging quieter staff members to share their thoughts, the nurse
leader fosters a more inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued.
5. A nurse leader is trying to foster a positive team environment. Which of the following
actions should the nurse leader take?
A) Create a competitive work environment to motivate staff
B) Encourage teamwork and provide opportunities for staff to collaborate
C) Focus on individual performance rather than team performance
D) Discourage staff from giving feedback to one another
Answer: B) Encourage teamwork and provide opportunities for staff to collaborate
Rationale: Collaboration and teamwork are key to building a positive and productive
environment. Fostering cooperation helps staff feel supported and valued, which leads to better
patient care and team dynamics.
6. A nurse leader notices that one of their team members is consistently underperforming.
What is the first step the nurse leader should take?
A) Write a formal warning for the employee
B) Provide the employee with additional training
C) Have a one-on-one discussion to identify potential issues
D) Reassign the employee to a different unit
Answer: C) Have a one-on-one discussion to identify potential issues
Rationale: The nurse leader should first understand the reasons behind the underperformance by
speaking directly with the employee. This allows for a supportive approach to solving the
problem.
7. A nurse leader wants to improve staff morale after a series of recent challenges. What is
the most effective first step?
, A) Offer financial bonuses to all staff members
B) Hold a team-building activity to help staff reconnect
C) Focus solely on improving patient outcomes
D) Implement strict performance evaluations to assess productivity
Answer: B) Hold a team-building activity to help staff reconnect
Rationale: Team-building activities can boost morale by strengthening relationships and
fostering a sense of unity. This approach addresses emotional well-being and teamwork, which
are vital for recovery after challenges.
8. Which leadership style is most effective in a high-stress environment such as an
emergency department?
A) Autocratic leadership
B) Transformational leadership
C) Laissez-faire leadership
D) Democratic leadership
Answer: A) Autocratic leadership
Rationale: In high-stress, fast-paced environments like the emergency department, decisive
action is often necessary. An autocratic leadership style allows the leader to make quick
decisions and give clear instructions in critical situations.
9. A nurse leader notices that the team is resistant to change. What is the best strategy to
overcome this resistance?
A) Ignore the resistance and proceed with the changes
B) Clearly explain the reasons for the change and involve staff in the planning process
C) Implement the changes without informing the staff to avoid conflict
D) Provide financial incentives to staff to encourage acceptance
Answer: B) Clearly explain the reasons for the change and involve staff in the planning process
Rationale: Transparency and involvement are key to overcoming resistance. When staff
members understand the reasons behind changes and are included in the process, they are more
likely to support the changes.
10. A nurse leader is preparing for an important staff meeting. Which of the following is
the most effective way to ensure the meeting is productive?