Chapter 10
Chain of command refers to:
a method for documenting a patient complication in an occurrence report.
the organizational structure that identifies your immediate supervisors and subordinates.
a verbal order from a physician that you are to execute and document.
a demonstration of an autocratic leadership style to all subordinates.
b
Rationale: “Chain of command” refeers to the organizatonal management structure.
p. 130
When the leader frequently consults with staff and seeks participation in decision making, which type of leadership style is being used?
Sensitive
Democratic
Autocratic
Laissez-faire
b
Rationale: The democratic leader consults with staff members and seeks staff participation in decision making.
p. 130
An authoritarian leadership style is also known as:
laissez-faire.
democratic.
autocratic.
collaborative
c
Rationale: The authoritarian or autocratic leader tightly controls team members.
p. 130
You are always responsible and accountable for the tasks you _____ to other members of the team.
delegate
communicate
present
document
a
Rationale: Legally, you are responsible and accountable for the outcome of any task you delegate to another.
p. 132
Effective communication among staff members is:
direct, tactful, and concise.
perceived as threatening to the subordinate.
indirect, vague, but tactful.
a frequent source of conflict.
a
Rationale: Communicating in direct, concise terms in a tactful, friendly, nonthreatening way is essential to create a supportive and healthy work environment.
p. 130
Among members of the health care team, what is an essential element of cost-effective and efficient care?
Respect
Friendship
d
Rationale: Collaboration (working together) is essential for patient care.
p. 130
Delegation of tasks to UAP is:
usually not within the scope of LPN/LVN practice.
done only by a nurse manager.
specified by the state’s nurse practice act.
usually the responsibility of the physician
c
Rationale: Be familiar with your state’s nurse practice act so that you know what tasks and skills fall within your legal domain. This tells you what you must not delegate.
p. 133
__________ is a critical task in all settings and must be considered a priority to be done as soon as possible when organizing to accomplish the daily workload.
documentation
delegation
transcription
time management
a
Rationale: Documentation is a critical task in all settings and must be considered a priority to be done as soon as possible when organizing to accomplish the daily workload.
p. 135
Attributes of an effective nurse leader include:
strong character that will not back down to anyone.
inarticulate and indecisive communication of directions.
ability to draw quick conclusions without hearing all sides.
ability to teach and mentor all levels of the staff.
d
Rationale: Although there is no one set of qualities that make a good leader, an effective nurse leader instills confidence, trust, and team spirit. Box 10-1 lists attributes associated with good nurse leaders.
p. 130
Which of the following practices is implemented within a health care organization in order to minimize medical errors and decrease potential litigation?
Oral communication
Computerization
Risk management
Delegation
c
Rationale: Risk management practices attempt to prevent unfavorable events or to reduce the agency’s liability.
p. 138