NSG 451
Professional Nursing Leadership
Perspectives
Proctored Midterm Exam
2026
(Questions & Solutions)
1. Multiple Choice
A nurse leader is implementing a transformational leadership style to improve staff motivation. Which action be
reflects transformational leadership?
A) Enforcing strict protocols without staff input
B) Encouraging innovation and inspiring a shared vision
C) Focusing on routine tasks and immediate problem-solving
D) Delegating all decisions to subordinates without guidance
Answer: B
325
,Rationale: Transformational leaders inspire and motivate staff by encouraging innovation, vision-sharing, and
professional development, unlike autocratic or laissez-faire styles.
2. True/False
Distributed leadership focuses on shared responsibility among team members rather than centralized authority
Answer: True
Rationale: Distributed leadership involves multiple members in decision-making, fostering collaboration and
shared accountability.
3. Short Answer
Describe one ethical dilemma a nursing leader might face in staffing allocation and propose a strategy to addres
it.
Answer: A leader might struggle with balancing fair workload distribution versus meeting patient care demands
They can use transparent criteria and involve staff input to ethically allocate staff and document decisions.
4. Fill in the Blank
The ________ theory of leadership emphasizes matching leadership style to the maturity and competence of th
followers.
325
,Answer: situational leadership
Rationale: Situational leadership requires adapting style based on follower readiness.
5. Matching
Match the leadership theory on the left to its main characteristic on the right.
A) Transactional Leadership
B) Servant Leadership
C) Authentic Leadership
D) Laissez-Faire Leadership
Emphasizes transparency and self-awareness
Focuses on rewards and punishments
Prioritizes serving others' needs
Minimal leader intervention
Answer: A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
325
, Rationale: Each leadership theory has distinct central traits that define it.
6. Multiple Choice
What is the primary focus of emotional intelligence in nursing leadership?
A) Managing clinical skills effectively
B) Recognizing and managing one’s and others’ emotions to improve team dynamics
C) Enforcing hospital policies without flexibility
D) Delegating tasks according to seniority
Answer: B
Rationale: Emotional intelligence helps leaders build rapport, manage conflict, and lead teams with empathy.
7. True/False
A nurse leader practicing laissez-faire leadership typically provides clear guidelines and close supervision.
Answer: False
Rationale: Laissez-faire leaders avoid direct supervision and provide minimal guidance.
325
Professional Nursing Leadership
Perspectives
Proctored Midterm Exam
2026
(Questions & Solutions)
1. Multiple Choice
A nurse leader is implementing a transformational leadership style to improve staff motivation. Which action be
reflects transformational leadership?
A) Enforcing strict protocols without staff input
B) Encouraging innovation and inspiring a shared vision
C) Focusing on routine tasks and immediate problem-solving
D) Delegating all decisions to subordinates without guidance
Answer: B
325
,Rationale: Transformational leaders inspire and motivate staff by encouraging innovation, vision-sharing, and
professional development, unlike autocratic or laissez-faire styles.
2. True/False
Distributed leadership focuses on shared responsibility among team members rather than centralized authority
Answer: True
Rationale: Distributed leadership involves multiple members in decision-making, fostering collaboration and
shared accountability.
3. Short Answer
Describe one ethical dilemma a nursing leader might face in staffing allocation and propose a strategy to addres
it.
Answer: A leader might struggle with balancing fair workload distribution versus meeting patient care demands
They can use transparent criteria and involve staff input to ethically allocate staff and document decisions.
4. Fill in the Blank
The ________ theory of leadership emphasizes matching leadership style to the maturity and competence of th
followers.
325
,Answer: situational leadership
Rationale: Situational leadership requires adapting style based on follower readiness.
5. Matching
Match the leadership theory on the left to its main characteristic on the right.
A) Transactional Leadership
B) Servant Leadership
C) Authentic Leadership
D) Laissez-Faire Leadership
Emphasizes transparency and self-awareness
Focuses on rewards and punishments
Prioritizes serving others' needs
Minimal leader intervention
Answer: A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
325
, Rationale: Each leadership theory has distinct central traits that define it.
6. Multiple Choice
What is the primary focus of emotional intelligence in nursing leadership?
A) Managing clinical skills effectively
B) Recognizing and managing one’s and others’ emotions to improve team dynamics
C) Enforcing hospital policies without flexibility
D) Delegating tasks according to seniority
Answer: B
Rationale: Emotional intelligence helps leaders build rapport, manage conflict, and lead teams with empathy.
7. True/False
A nurse leader practicing laissez-faire leadership typically provides clear guidelines and close supervision.
Answer: False
Rationale: Laissez-faire leaders avoid direct supervision and provide minimal guidance.
325
