WGU C790 Nursing Examination Actual
Exam 2026/2027 – Complete Exam-Style
Questions with Detailed Rationales | 100%
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[SECTION 1: Leadership & Management Theories — Questions 1-12]
Q1: Which leadership style is characterized by a focus on inspiring followers, intellectual
stimulation, and individualized consideration to achieve change?
A. Transactional leadership
B. Autocratic leadership
C. Transformational leadership [CORRECT]
D. Laissez-faire leadership
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Transformational leadership focuses on motivating and inspiring followers to achieve
extraordinary outcomes and, in the process, develop their own leadership capacity. Key
components include idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and
individualized consideration. Transactional leadership relies on rewards and punishments, while
Laissez-faire is hands-off.
Q2: In situational leadership theory, which style is most appropriate for a follower who is willing
but unable to perform a task?
A. Telling (Directing)
B. Delegating
C. Coaching (Selling) [CORRECT]
D. Supporting (Participating)
Correct Answer: C
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Rationale: In the Hersey-Blanchard situational leadership model, "Coaching" or "Selling" is
effective when the follower has high willingness (commitment) but low ability (competence).
This style involves high directive behavior (teaching the task) and high supportive behavior
(encouraging the follower). Telling is for low ability/low willingness, while Delegating is for
high ability/high willingness.
Q3: A nurse manager uses a management by exception approach, only intervening when rules are
broken or standards are not met. This describes which leadership style?
A. Democratic leadership
B. Servant leadership
C. Transactional leadership [CORRECT]
D. Authentic leadership
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Transactional leadership is based on an exchange process; leaders manage by
exception, meaning they intervene only when things go wrong (active management by
exception) or wait for issues to become serious (passive management by exception). This
contrasts with transformational leadership, which is proactive and inspirational.
Q4: Which of the following best describes the leadership function of "Budgeting"?
A. Arranging resources and personnel to accomplish goals
B. Setting goals and objectives
C. Allocating financial resources to achieve organizational goals [CORRECT]
D. Monitoring performance and comparing it to standards
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Budgeting is the management function responsible for financial planning, forecasting
costs, and allocating resources (money) to support the unit's operational plans and goals.
Organizing relates to structure, and Controlling relates to monitoring performance.
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Q5: A nurse leader prioritizes the needs of the team members and empowers them to make
decisions, focusing on serving the greater good. This is known as:
A. Autocratic leadership
B. Servant leadership [CORRECT]
C. Bureaucratic leadership
D. Situational leadership
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Servant leadership focuses on the growth and well-being of people and the
communities to which they belong. The servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others
first, and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. This approach builds trust and
collaboration.
Q6: Emotional intelligence (EI) is critical for nurse leaders. Which component of EI involves
understanding the emotional makeup of other people and treating them according to their
emotional reactions?
A. Self-awareness
B. Self-regulation
C. Empathy [CORRECT]
D. Social skills
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Empathy is the ability to understand the emotional makeup of other people and to
treat them according to their emotional reactions. This is essential for nurse leaders to build
rapport, manage conflict, and support staff effectively. Social skills involve managing these
relationships effectively, while Self-awareness focuses on oneself.
Q7: Which management function involves establishing structure, allocating resources, and
assigning tasks to achieve organizational goals?
A. Planning