Test Bank For Leadership Roles and Management Functions in
Nursing: Theory and Application, 11th Edition (Huston, 2024),
Chapter 1-25 , 9781975193065 , All Chapters with Answers
and Rationals
The nurse is applying a decision making process to a clinical challenge. When applying this process the
nurse must?
A. Choose between different courses of action
B. Analyze the root cause of a situation
C. Prioritize the maximum good for the maximum number of people
D. Begin by solving the underlying problem - ANSWER: A. Choose between different courses of action
Feedback: Decision making is a complex, cognitive process often defined as choosing a
particular course of action. Problem solving is part of decision making and is a systematic
process that focuses on analyzing a difficult situation. It is not always realistic for the nurse
to solve each of the problems contributing to a larger challenge, especially at the beginning
of the decision-making process. The nurse often lacks the time, information, or resources to
analyze the root causes of a situation. Many times, the nurse makes a decision that benefits
the largest number of people, but this is not always feasible or desirable
The nurse is applying the traditional problem-solving model when mediating in a conflict between two
colleagues. When applying this model, the nurse should prioritize what task?
A. Encouraging each nurse to reflect on his or her actions
B. Implementing a solution as quickly as possible
C. Eliciting input from other nurses
D. Identify the root cause of conflict - ANSWER: D. Identify the root cause of conflict
Feedback: The traditional problem-solving model attempts to identify the root problem in
situations, a task that can require much time and energy. Efficiency is desirable, but trying
to implement a solution as quickly as possible can result in a hasty and incorrect solution.
Reflective thinking is always beneficial, but this is not a specific component of the
traditional problem-solving model. Outside input may or may not be necessary; this varies
with each individual problem.
Which statement is true regarding decision-making?
A. Past experience has little to do with quality of the decision
B. Personal belief can be adjusted for when the scientific approach to problem-solving is used
C. Decisions are greatly influenced by each person's value system.
D. Scientific methods to provide identical decisions by different individuals for the same problem. -
ANSWER: C. Decisions are greatly influenced by each person's value system.
Feedback: Values, life experience, individual preference, and individual ways of thinking
will influence a person's decision making. No matter how objective the criteria will be,
value judgments will always play a part in a person's decision making, either consciously or
subconsciously. It is not possible for a nurse to fully "set aside" personal beliefs when
making a decision, even if the nurse applies the principles of self-reflection
The nurse manager of a short staffed unit needs to make a decision about a nurses request for an
unpaid leave of absence. In order to increase the chance of making a good decision, the manager
should:
,A. Involved as many people in the decision making process as possible
B. Prioritize the option that is most innovative
C. Generate as many different alternatives as possible
D. Begin the decision making process by presuming the status quo to be the best option - ANSWER: C.
Generate as many different alternatives as possible
Feedback: The greater the number of alternatives that can be generated by the decision
maker, the better the final decision will be. Generating multiple alternatives may require
involving more people in the decision-making process, but the process can easily become
unwieldy if too many people are involved. The manager should always consider the status
quo as a possible option, but this is not always considered to be the default option.
Innovation is often a desirable characteristic, but it would be inappropriate to choose an
option solely because it is innovative; many other values must be considered
An experience nurse manager has been described as being a " right brain thinker ". This managers
decision making process likely prioritize what characteristic?
A. Transparency
B. Efficiency
C. Intuition
D. Linear analysis - ANSWER: C. Intuition
Feedback: Right-brained thinkers have traditionally been characterized as being creative and
intuitive. Linear analysis is more closely aligned with left-brained thinking. Transparency
and efficiency are desirable qualities that are not particularly aligned with either of these
two paradigms
The nurse manager is applying an evidence-based approach to a clinical question around client
mobilization. When using PICO format to search for evidence, the nurse should identify what?
A. The preferences of clients and their families
B. The role of intuition in the decision making process
C. The clients for whom the intervention would be relevant
D. Cost associated with a potential change in practice - ANSWER: C. The clients for whom the
intervention would be relevant
Feedback: The PICO (patient or population, intervention, comparison, and outcome) format
is used in evidence-based practice to guide the search for the current best evidence to
address a problem. Client and family preferences and cost are included in evidence-based
practice but are not explicit components of the PICO format. Intuition is a component of
decision making but is not specifically included in the PICO format
The nurse manager is applying the decision making process when addressing a nurses high rate of
absenteeism. This process should result in:
A. An action that guarantee success
B. A new understanding of the problem
C. A chosen course of action
D. an outcome that is desired by all - ANSWER: C. A chosen course of action
Feedback: A decision is made when a course of action has been chosen. A decision may not
always be pleasing to everyone involved in the situation, and success can never be fully guaranteed.
The manager should seek to fully understand the problem, but this is a phase in
decision making, not the result of the process
The nurse manager is face with a difficult decision in a situation that involves the managers values.
What is the managers best action?
A. try to Base a decision on intuition rather than values.
B. Defer the decision to a colleague with different values.
C. Set aside his or her values and make a rational decision.
D. Identify and reflect on his or her own value - ANSWER: D. Identify and reflect on his or her own
value
,Feedback: Every person has a value system, and this cannot be simply "set aside."
Awareness and reflection are necessary to make good decisions in the context of one's own
values. Intuition and values are not counterpoints, and prioritizing intuition does not negate
the importance of values. Values influence every decision to varying degrees, and it is
impractical to defer every value-laden decision to someone else
What statement is true concerning critical thinking?
A.It is narrower in scope than decision making
B. It is a synonym for problem-solving process
C.It is a simple approach to decision-making
D. It requires reasoning and creative analysis - ANSWER: D. It requires reasoning and creative analysis
Feedback: Critical thinking has a broader scope and is more complex than decision making
and problem solving. It is sometimes referred to as reflective thinking. Critical thinking also
involves reflecting on the meaning of statements, examining the offered evidence and reasoning, and
forming judgments about facts
A nurse manager has realized that the data gathering process before a recent decision may be
influenced by confirmation bias. How can the manager best prevent this in the future?
A. Collect only the minimum quality of data before making a decision.
B.Delegate data gathering to a trusted colleague who has different values
C.Make sure not to prioritize information that supports managers beliefs.
D. consider all implications of an alternative before making a decision - ANSWER: C.Make sure not to
prioritize information that supports managers beliefs.
Feedback: Confirmation bias refers to our tendency to search for and favor information that
confirms our beliefs while simultaneously ignoring or devaluing information that contradicts
our beliefs. Self-awareness and reflection can reduce this tendency. Delegating the
data-gathering process may be beneficial in some situations, but every person is prone to
confirmation bias, although in differing ways. Considering the implications of a decision is
an important part of decision making but does not address the issue of confirmation bias. Minimizing
data collection may reduce confirmation bias but could compromise the quality of a decision
A nurse manager has made a decision and is now preparing to evaluate the decision. What question
should best guide the nurses evaluation process?
A. Did the outcome align with original objectives?
B. Can evaluation be eliminated if the problem is resolved?
C. Is evaluation necessary when using a good decision making model?
D. Is every party happy with the outcome of the decision? - ANSWER: A. Did the outcome align with
original objectives?
Feedback: The evaluation phase is necessary to find out more about one's ability as a
decision maker and to find out where the decision making was faulty. This step cannot be
eliminated from the decision-making process because it provides the means for determining
whether a good decision was made. Happiness is not the criterion by which decisions are
usually evaluated. Rather, evaluation is done by comparing actual outcomes to desired
outcomes
Which statement concerning the role of the most powerful individuals in organizational decision-
making is true?
A. They tend to delegate decisions making rather than making decisions themselves.
B. They usually make important decisions with consideration of effort on others.
C. they often make decisions that are in congruency with their own values.
D. They exert less influence on decisions that was previously thought. - ANSWER: C. they often make
decisions that are in congruency with their own values.
Feedback: Not only does the preference of the powerful influence decisions of others in the
organization but the powerful are also able to inhibit the preferences of the less powerful.
Powerful people in organizations are more likely to have decisions made that are congruent
with their own preferences and values. Powerful people tend to make decisions on their own rather
than delegating them. Often, the effect on others is not prioritized as highly as it should be
, One of the nurses on the unit said, " my Vietnamese parents won't even look me in the eye, but I
know the Asian patients avoid making eye contact as a way of showing respect." this nurse is
demonstrating what type of illogical thinking?
A. deductive reasoning
B. overgeneralizing
C. a firming the consequences
D. arguing from analogy - ANSWER: B. Overgeneralizing
Feedback: This type of "crooked" thinking occurs when one believes that because one
person has a particular characteristic, every other person in the same category also has the
same characteristic. It is an overgeneralization to assign one meaning to an action to every
person from an entire continent. This kind of oversimplified deduction is exemplified when
stereotypical statements are used to justify arguments and decisions. When affirming the
consequences, one decides that if B is good and he or she is doing A, then A must not be good. When
arguing from analogy, the nurse applies a component that is present in two
separate concepts and then states that because A is present in B, then A and B are alike in all
respects
The nurse has accepted a job in a workplace where organizational power has a pronounced effect.
This characteristic may have what affect on the nurse in the workplace?
A. Many decisions will be delegated to the nurse by supervisors.
B. There will be a high level of mistrust and suspicion in the workplace.
C. Communication will be compromised in the work place.
D. The nurse may have to accept decisions contrary to his or her own values. - ANSWER: D. The nurse
may have to accept decisions contrary to his or her own values.
Feedback: The ability of the powerful to influence individual decision making in an
organization often requires adopting a private personality and an organizational personality.
The nurse will often have to accept decisions that solely reflect the values of more powerful
individuals. This may lead to a feeling of powerlessness but not necessarily mistrust and
lack of communication. Delegation of decision making is likely to be rare, not common,
because it is concentrated with those in power
The unit manager has created a decision grid in order to assist with difficult staffing decisions that will
affect many nurses. The decision grid will also allow the manager to:
A. Examine alternative visually and compare each against the same criteria.
B. Ensure that the decision is made objectively rather than subjectively.
C. Plot the outcome of a decision over time and evaluate decision making process.
D. Predict when events must take place to complete a project on time - ANSWER: A. Examine
alternative visually and compare each against the same criteria.
Feedback: A decision grid allows one to visually examine the alternatives and compare each
against the same criteria. This assists with the decision-making process, but it cannot
guarantee that the decision will be completely objective. A decision grid is not a tool for
tracking the outcomes of a decision. Decision grids are not synonymous with project
planning tables
A nurse manager is planning to apply a decision-making model to a clinical challenge. When using a
decision-making tool, what should the manager do?
A. be aware that the tool cannot eliminate the risk of human error
B. Have an impartial colleague apply the tool, if possible.
C. Apply the tool as quickly as possible.
D. Recognize the tool will negate the effect of the managers values. - ANSWER: A. be aware that the
tool cannot eliminate the risk of human error
Feedback: Management decision-making aids are subject to human error and do not remove
the effects of individual values, which always affect decision making. There is no particular
reason that a tool would have to be applied by another person. Making the correct decision
can take time; moving too quickly can compromise the quality of the process
Nursing: Theory and Application, 11th Edition (Huston, 2024),
Chapter 1-25 , 9781975193065 , All Chapters with Answers
and Rationals
The nurse is applying a decision making process to a clinical challenge. When applying this process the
nurse must?
A. Choose between different courses of action
B. Analyze the root cause of a situation
C. Prioritize the maximum good for the maximum number of people
D. Begin by solving the underlying problem - ANSWER: A. Choose between different courses of action
Feedback: Decision making is a complex, cognitive process often defined as choosing a
particular course of action. Problem solving is part of decision making and is a systematic
process that focuses on analyzing a difficult situation. It is not always realistic for the nurse
to solve each of the problems contributing to a larger challenge, especially at the beginning
of the decision-making process. The nurse often lacks the time, information, or resources to
analyze the root causes of a situation. Many times, the nurse makes a decision that benefits
the largest number of people, but this is not always feasible or desirable
The nurse is applying the traditional problem-solving model when mediating in a conflict between two
colleagues. When applying this model, the nurse should prioritize what task?
A. Encouraging each nurse to reflect on his or her actions
B. Implementing a solution as quickly as possible
C. Eliciting input from other nurses
D. Identify the root cause of conflict - ANSWER: D. Identify the root cause of conflict
Feedback: The traditional problem-solving model attempts to identify the root problem in
situations, a task that can require much time and energy. Efficiency is desirable, but trying
to implement a solution as quickly as possible can result in a hasty and incorrect solution.
Reflective thinking is always beneficial, but this is not a specific component of the
traditional problem-solving model. Outside input may or may not be necessary; this varies
with each individual problem.
Which statement is true regarding decision-making?
A. Past experience has little to do with quality of the decision
B. Personal belief can be adjusted for when the scientific approach to problem-solving is used
C. Decisions are greatly influenced by each person's value system.
D. Scientific methods to provide identical decisions by different individuals for the same problem. -
ANSWER: C. Decisions are greatly influenced by each person's value system.
Feedback: Values, life experience, individual preference, and individual ways of thinking
will influence a person's decision making. No matter how objective the criteria will be,
value judgments will always play a part in a person's decision making, either consciously or
subconsciously. It is not possible for a nurse to fully "set aside" personal beliefs when
making a decision, even if the nurse applies the principles of self-reflection
The nurse manager of a short staffed unit needs to make a decision about a nurses request for an
unpaid leave of absence. In order to increase the chance of making a good decision, the manager
should:
,A. Involved as many people in the decision making process as possible
B. Prioritize the option that is most innovative
C. Generate as many different alternatives as possible
D. Begin the decision making process by presuming the status quo to be the best option - ANSWER: C.
Generate as many different alternatives as possible
Feedback: The greater the number of alternatives that can be generated by the decision
maker, the better the final decision will be. Generating multiple alternatives may require
involving more people in the decision-making process, but the process can easily become
unwieldy if too many people are involved. The manager should always consider the status
quo as a possible option, but this is not always considered to be the default option.
Innovation is often a desirable characteristic, but it would be inappropriate to choose an
option solely because it is innovative; many other values must be considered
An experience nurse manager has been described as being a " right brain thinker ". This managers
decision making process likely prioritize what characteristic?
A. Transparency
B. Efficiency
C. Intuition
D. Linear analysis - ANSWER: C. Intuition
Feedback: Right-brained thinkers have traditionally been characterized as being creative and
intuitive. Linear analysis is more closely aligned with left-brained thinking. Transparency
and efficiency are desirable qualities that are not particularly aligned with either of these
two paradigms
The nurse manager is applying an evidence-based approach to a clinical question around client
mobilization. When using PICO format to search for evidence, the nurse should identify what?
A. The preferences of clients and their families
B. The role of intuition in the decision making process
C. The clients for whom the intervention would be relevant
D. Cost associated with a potential change in practice - ANSWER: C. The clients for whom the
intervention would be relevant
Feedback: The PICO (patient or population, intervention, comparison, and outcome) format
is used in evidence-based practice to guide the search for the current best evidence to
address a problem. Client and family preferences and cost are included in evidence-based
practice but are not explicit components of the PICO format. Intuition is a component of
decision making but is not specifically included in the PICO format
The nurse manager is applying the decision making process when addressing a nurses high rate of
absenteeism. This process should result in:
A. An action that guarantee success
B. A new understanding of the problem
C. A chosen course of action
D. an outcome that is desired by all - ANSWER: C. A chosen course of action
Feedback: A decision is made when a course of action has been chosen. A decision may not
always be pleasing to everyone involved in the situation, and success can never be fully guaranteed.
The manager should seek to fully understand the problem, but this is a phase in
decision making, not the result of the process
The nurse manager is face with a difficult decision in a situation that involves the managers values.
What is the managers best action?
A. try to Base a decision on intuition rather than values.
B. Defer the decision to a colleague with different values.
C. Set aside his or her values and make a rational decision.
D. Identify and reflect on his or her own value - ANSWER: D. Identify and reflect on his or her own
value
,Feedback: Every person has a value system, and this cannot be simply "set aside."
Awareness and reflection are necessary to make good decisions in the context of one's own
values. Intuition and values are not counterpoints, and prioritizing intuition does not negate
the importance of values. Values influence every decision to varying degrees, and it is
impractical to defer every value-laden decision to someone else
What statement is true concerning critical thinking?
A.It is narrower in scope than decision making
B. It is a synonym for problem-solving process
C.It is a simple approach to decision-making
D. It requires reasoning and creative analysis - ANSWER: D. It requires reasoning and creative analysis
Feedback: Critical thinking has a broader scope and is more complex than decision making
and problem solving. It is sometimes referred to as reflective thinking. Critical thinking also
involves reflecting on the meaning of statements, examining the offered evidence and reasoning, and
forming judgments about facts
A nurse manager has realized that the data gathering process before a recent decision may be
influenced by confirmation bias. How can the manager best prevent this in the future?
A. Collect only the minimum quality of data before making a decision.
B.Delegate data gathering to a trusted colleague who has different values
C.Make sure not to prioritize information that supports managers beliefs.
D. consider all implications of an alternative before making a decision - ANSWER: C.Make sure not to
prioritize information that supports managers beliefs.
Feedback: Confirmation bias refers to our tendency to search for and favor information that
confirms our beliefs while simultaneously ignoring or devaluing information that contradicts
our beliefs. Self-awareness and reflection can reduce this tendency. Delegating the
data-gathering process may be beneficial in some situations, but every person is prone to
confirmation bias, although in differing ways. Considering the implications of a decision is
an important part of decision making but does not address the issue of confirmation bias. Minimizing
data collection may reduce confirmation bias but could compromise the quality of a decision
A nurse manager has made a decision and is now preparing to evaluate the decision. What question
should best guide the nurses evaluation process?
A. Did the outcome align with original objectives?
B. Can evaluation be eliminated if the problem is resolved?
C. Is evaluation necessary when using a good decision making model?
D. Is every party happy with the outcome of the decision? - ANSWER: A. Did the outcome align with
original objectives?
Feedback: The evaluation phase is necessary to find out more about one's ability as a
decision maker and to find out where the decision making was faulty. This step cannot be
eliminated from the decision-making process because it provides the means for determining
whether a good decision was made. Happiness is not the criterion by which decisions are
usually evaluated. Rather, evaluation is done by comparing actual outcomes to desired
outcomes
Which statement concerning the role of the most powerful individuals in organizational decision-
making is true?
A. They tend to delegate decisions making rather than making decisions themselves.
B. They usually make important decisions with consideration of effort on others.
C. they often make decisions that are in congruency with their own values.
D. They exert less influence on decisions that was previously thought. - ANSWER: C. they often make
decisions that are in congruency with their own values.
Feedback: Not only does the preference of the powerful influence decisions of others in the
organization but the powerful are also able to inhibit the preferences of the less powerful.
Powerful people in organizations are more likely to have decisions made that are congruent
with their own preferences and values. Powerful people tend to make decisions on their own rather
than delegating them. Often, the effect on others is not prioritized as highly as it should be
, One of the nurses on the unit said, " my Vietnamese parents won't even look me in the eye, but I
know the Asian patients avoid making eye contact as a way of showing respect." this nurse is
demonstrating what type of illogical thinking?
A. deductive reasoning
B. overgeneralizing
C. a firming the consequences
D. arguing from analogy - ANSWER: B. Overgeneralizing
Feedback: This type of "crooked" thinking occurs when one believes that because one
person has a particular characteristic, every other person in the same category also has the
same characteristic. It is an overgeneralization to assign one meaning to an action to every
person from an entire continent. This kind of oversimplified deduction is exemplified when
stereotypical statements are used to justify arguments and decisions. When affirming the
consequences, one decides that if B is good and he or she is doing A, then A must not be good. When
arguing from analogy, the nurse applies a component that is present in two
separate concepts and then states that because A is present in B, then A and B are alike in all
respects
The nurse has accepted a job in a workplace where organizational power has a pronounced effect.
This characteristic may have what affect on the nurse in the workplace?
A. Many decisions will be delegated to the nurse by supervisors.
B. There will be a high level of mistrust and suspicion in the workplace.
C. Communication will be compromised in the work place.
D. The nurse may have to accept decisions contrary to his or her own values. - ANSWER: D. The nurse
may have to accept decisions contrary to his or her own values.
Feedback: The ability of the powerful to influence individual decision making in an
organization often requires adopting a private personality and an organizational personality.
The nurse will often have to accept decisions that solely reflect the values of more powerful
individuals. This may lead to a feeling of powerlessness but not necessarily mistrust and
lack of communication. Delegation of decision making is likely to be rare, not common,
because it is concentrated with those in power
The unit manager has created a decision grid in order to assist with difficult staffing decisions that will
affect many nurses. The decision grid will also allow the manager to:
A. Examine alternative visually and compare each against the same criteria.
B. Ensure that the decision is made objectively rather than subjectively.
C. Plot the outcome of a decision over time and evaluate decision making process.
D. Predict when events must take place to complete a project on time - ANSWER: A. Examine
alternative visually and compare each against the same criteria.
Feedback: A decision grid allows one to visually examine the alternatives and compare each
against the same criteria. This assists with the decision-making process, but it cannot
guarantee that the decision will be completely objective. A decision grid is not a tool for
tracking the outcomes of a decision. Decision grids are not synonymous with project
planning tables
A nurse manager is planning to apply a decision-making model to a clinical challenge. When using a
decision-making tool, what should the manager do?
A. be aware that the tool cannot eliminate the risk of human error
B. Have an impartial colleague apply the tool, if possible.
C. Apply the tool as quickly as possible.
D. Recognize the tool will negate the effect of the managers values. - ANSWER: A. be aware that the
tool cannot eliminate the risk of human error
Feedback: Management decision-making aids are subject to human error and do not remove
the effects of individual values, which always affect decision making. There is no particular
reason that a tool would have to be applied by another person. Making the correct decision
can take time; moving too quickly can compromise the quality of the process
