Leading,Managing,Caring
Proctored Midterm Exam
2026
(With Solutions)
Multiple Choice
A nurse manager notices increased conflict within her team after the hospital implements a
major policy change. What leadership style is best to use initially to resolve this conflict?
a) Autocratic
b) Transformational
c) Laissez-faire
d) Transactional
Answer: b) Transformational
Rationale: Transformational leadership inspires and motivates teams through vision and support,
which is effective during change and conflict resolution.
2. Which of the following is the most appropriate step when preparing for a budget reduction in
a nursing unit?
Answer: b) Analyze current expenses and prioritize patient care activities
Rationale: Strategic allocation of resources while maintaining quality care is essential during
budget cuts.
3. What is the primary goal of servant leadership in nursing management?
Answer: b) To serve the needs of the team and patients
Rationale: Servant leadership emphasizes the development and well-being of people to achieve
organizational goals.
4. During a staff shortage, which action by a nurse manager exemplifies effective crisis
management?
Answer: b) Redistributing resources and requesting temporary staff
Rationale: Effective crisis management involves adaptive planning and resource allocation.
5. A nurse leader applies Emotional Intelligence (EI) by doing which of the following?
Answer: b) Recognizing and managing their own emotions and others'
,Rationale: EI enhances leadership effectiveness through self-awareness and empathy.
True/False
Transformational leaders focus mainly on maintaining the status quo rather than promoting
innovation.
False
Rationale: Transformational leaders inspire change and innovation rather than maintaining the
status quo.
Delegation in nursing management allows for improved efficiency and professional growth of
staff.
True
Rationale: Delegation empowers staff and optimizes workflow.
An autocratic leadership style is always the best approach during emergencies.
False
Rationale: While autocratic style can provide quick decisions, flexibility and communication often
yield better outcomes.
Effective communication in nurse leadership requires only verbal skills.
False
Rationale: Nonverbal and written communication are also critical in leadership.
Ethical leadership in nursing ensures decisions are made based on patient rights and fairness.
True
Rationale: Ethics guide fair and patient-centered decision-making.
Short Answer
11. Describe one key strategy a nurse manager can use to promote team resilience during
stressful periods.
Answer: Implementing regular debriefing sessions and providing emotional support can help
promote resilience.
Rationale: Reflective practice and support reduce burnout and build coping skills.
12. Identify two indicators of effective nurse leader delegation.
Answer: Appropriate task assignment based on staff competencies and timely feedback after
completion.
Rationale: These indicators ensure quality and accountability.
13. Explain the concept of ‘clinical governance’ in nursing management.
Answer: Clinical governance is a framework through which organizations are accountable for
continuously improving service quality and safeguarding high standards of care.
Rationale: It ensures accountability in patient safety and care quality.
14. What role does conflict resolution play in nursing leadership?
, Answer: It helps maintain a collaborative environment and ensures patient care is not disrupted.
Rationale: Managing conflict fosters teamwork and safety.
15. How does transformational leadership impact staff motivation?
Answer: It inspires staff by articulating a clear vision and recognizing individual contributions,
leading to higher engagement.
Rationale: Motivated staff improve care quality.
Matching
Match the leadership theory with its description:
Servant Leadership
Transactional Leadership
Situational Leadership
Emotional Intelligence Leadership
Transformational Leadership
a) Focuses on adapting leadership style to specific situations
b) Based on rewards and punishments to manage staff
c) Prioritizes serving the needs of others first
d) Leadership driven by awareness and management of emotions
e) Inspires followers to achieve more than expected
Answers:
16 - c
17 - b
18 - a
19 - d
20 - e
Rationale: Each theory has distinct principles that influence leadership behavior.
Fill in the Blank
____________ is the process by which leaders empower and develop their team members to
take responsibility and grow professionally.
Answer: Delegation
Rationale: Delegation allows skill development and workload distribution.
The nursing manager uses _____________ budgeting when the previous year’s budget is used as
a baseline for the new period.
Answer: Incremental
Rationale: Incremental budgeting adjusts past budgets for new budgets.
In change management, the ____________ phase involves preparing and supporting staff before
the change occurs.
Answer: Unfreezing
Rationale: Unfreezing prepares people mentally for change.