NUR 4590 / NUR4590 Exam 1: Professional Identity of the Nurse
Leader | ACTUAL EXAM | Questions & Verified Answers | Latest
Update – Rasmussen University
Question 1
A novice nurse manager repeatedly cites “the way we have always done it” when
blocking implementation of evidence-based fall-prevention protocols. Which leadership
identity trait is MOST underdeveloped?
A. Systems-thinking curiosity
B. Emotional intelligence
C. Authentic presence
D. Cultural humility
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The manager’s reliance on historical routine demonstrates absence of
systems-thinking curiosity (A)—the habit of questioning inter-related processes and
seeking innovative solutions. Emotional intelligence (B) relates to self- and
other-awareness; authentic presence (C) concerns genuine interaction; cultural humility
(D) addresses power imbalances in patient/staff relationships.
,Question 2
Which statement BEST distinguishes transformational leadership from transactional
leadership?
A. “I will award a $500 bonus if your unit meets infection targets.”
B. “Let’s co-create a shared vision that inspires staff to innovate care.”
C. “Follow the policy exactly as written to avoid disciplinary action.”
D. “Seniority determines who receives holiday shifts.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Transformational leadership inspires followers through shared vision,
intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration (B). Transactional leadership
relies on contingent reward (A), management-by-exception (C), or laissez-faire (D).
Question 3
The chief nursing officer (CNO) mandates that all nurse leaders complete a 2-hour
implicit-bias e-learning and submit certificates to HR. Which ethical principle is primarily
upheld?
A. Autonomy
B. Justice
,C. Non-maleficence
D. Veracity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mandatory bias training seeks equitable treatment of patients and staff
(justice, B). Autonomy (A) would allow leaders to opt out; non-maleficence (C) is
avoidance of harm; veracity (D) is truth-telling.
Question 4
A nurse leader discovers that a staff nurse charted vital signs 2 hours before they were
actually taken. Which action BEST balances legal obligation with just-culture principles?
A. Immediately terminate the nurse for falsification
B. Report the incident to the board of nursing within 24 h
C. Suspend without pay pending investigation
D. Conduct a root-cause analysis, then determine proportional corrective action
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Just culture differentiates human error, at-risk behavior, and reckless
conduct. RCA (D) identifies system influences before disciplinary decisions. Immediate
, termination (A) or suspension (C) bypasses due process; mandatory board reporting (B)
is required only for reckless or repeated behavior.
Question 5
Which behavior BEST exemplifies the nurse leader’s role in interprofessional
collaboration?
A. Rounding independently and then emailing suggestions to the team
B. Requesting pharmacy to change a patient’s antibiotic without discussion
C. Leading interdisciplinary bedside rounds using SBAR and mutual goal-setting
D. Scheduling separate nursing and physician huddles to save time
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Interprofessional collaboration requires shared decision-making and
communication structures such as SBAR during joint rounds (C). Independent rounding
(A) or unilateral requests (B) silos disciplines; separate huddles (D) reduce interaction
opportunities.
Question 6
The unit’s patient satisfaction scores have declined for two consecutive quarters. Which
activity best reflects the “evaluation” phase of the quality-improvement (QI) cycle?
Leader | ACTUAL EXAM | Questions & Verified Answers | Latest
Update – Rasmussen University
Question 1
A novice nurse manager repeatedly cites “the way we have always done it” when
blocking implementation of evidence-based fall-prevention protocols. Which leadership
identity trait is MOST underdeveloped?
A. Systems-thinking curiosity
B. Emotional intelligence
C. Authentic presence
D. Cultural humility
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The manager’s reliance on historical routine demonstrates absence of
systems-thinking curiosity (A)—the habit of questioning inter-related processes and
seeking innovative solutions. Emotional intelligence (B) relates to self- and
other-awareness; authentic presence (C) concerns genuine interaction; cultural humility
(D) addresses power imbalances in patient/staff relationships.
,Question 2
Which statement BEST distinguishes transformational leadership from transactional
leadership?
A. “I will award a $500 bonus if your unit meets infection targets.”
B. “Let’s co-create a shared vision that inspires staff to innovate care.”
C. “Follow the policy exactly as written to avoid disciplinary action.”
D. “Seniority determines who receives holiday shifts.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Transformational leadership inspires followers through shared vision,
intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration (B). Transactional leadership
relies on contingent reward (A), management-by-exception (C), or laissez-faire (D).
Question 3
The chief nursing officer (CNO) mandates that all nurse leaders complete a 2-hour
implicit-bias e-learning and submit certificates to HR. Which ethical principle is primarily
upheld?
A. Autonomy
B. Justice
,C. Non-maleficence
D. Veracity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mandatory bias training seeks equitable treatment of patients and staff
(justice, B). Autonomy (A) would allow leaders to opt out; non-maleficence (C) is
avoidance of harm; veracity (D) is truth-telling.
Question 4
A nurse leader discovers that a staff nurse charted vital signs 2 hours before they were
actually taken. Which action BEST balances legal obligation with just-culture principles?
A. Immediately terminate the nurse for falsification
B. Report the incident to the board of nursing within 24 h
C. Suspend without pay pending investigation
D. Conduct a root-cause analysis, then determine proportional corrective action
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Just culture differentiates human error, at-risk behavior, and reckless
conduct. RCA (D) identifies system influences before disciplinary decisions. Immediate
, termination (A) or suspension (C) bypasses due process; mandatory board reporting (B)
is required only for reckless or repeated behavior.
Question 5
Which behavior BEST exemplifies the nurse leader’s role in interprofessional
collaboration?
A. Rounding independently and then emailing suggestions to the team
B. Requesting pharmacy to change a patient’s antibiotic without discussion
C. Leading interdisciplinary bedside rounds using SBAR and mutual goal-setting
D. Scheduling separate nursing and physician huddles to save time
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Interprofessional collaboration requires shared decision-making and
communication structures such as SBAR during joint rounds (C). Independent rounding
(A) or unilateral requests (B) silos disciplines; separate huddles (D) reduce interaction
opportunities.
Question 6
The unit’s patient satisfaction scores have declined for two consecutive quarters. Which
activity best reflects the “evaluation” phase of the quality-improvement (QI) cycle?
