1.
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The nurse manager is facilitating the work of a collaborative team whose mission is to negotiate employment contracts with physicians. The nurse manager does not want to compromise the nurses’ concerns in favor of the doctors’ concerns. Which strategies would facilitate this outcome?
Correct Answer(s)
D. Collaborating
E. Competing
Explanation
Collaborating and competing are the strategies that would facilitate the nurse manager in not compromising the nurses' concerns in favor of the doctors' concerns. Collaborating involves working together with the team to find a solution that satisfies both parties' interests. Competing, on the other hand, involves advocating for the nurses' concerns and prioritizing them over the doctors' concerns. Both strategies allow the nurse manager to ensure that the nurses' concerns are not compromised.
2.
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The nurse manager asks the staff nurse to work a double shift because the census is high. Although the nurse realizes the staffing for the night shift is low, the nurse has already made a family commitment for the same night. This is an example of which concept?
Correct Answer
A. Intrapersonal conflict
Explanation
This scenario represents an intrapersonal conflict because the nurse is experiencing a conflict within themselves. They are torn between fulfilling their professional obligation to work the double shift and their personal commitment to their family. The conflict arises from the nurse's internal struggle to prioritize their work responsibilities and their personal life.
3.
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The nurse manager presents an issue to the nursing staff for a decision. The group assesses the problem, and a decision is made meeting the needs of both the nurse manager and the nursing staff. This is an example of which conflict management strategy?
Correct Answer
D. Consensus
Explanation
Consensus is the correct answer because it refers to a conflict management strategy where a decision is made by the group that meets the needs of all parties involved. In this scenario, the nurse manager presents an issue to the nursing staff, and after assessing the problem, a decision is made that satisfies both the nurse manager and the nursing staff. This demonstrates the use of consensus as a conflict management strategy.
4.
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The nurse manager meets with the staff nurses to discuss ways to improve communication among the shifts. Which statement by the nurse manager best exemplifies the final stage of conflict management?
Correct Answer
B. "I will evaluate the outcomes of our strategies on a monthly basis."
Explanation
The statement "I will evaluate the outcomes of our strategies on a monthly basis" best exemplifies the final stage of conflict management because it shows that the nurse manager is committed to monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of the strategies implemented to improve communication. This indicates a proactive approach towards resolving conflicts and ensuring that the desired outcomes are achieved.
5.
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The staff nurses and nursing administration are attempting to construct a method of scheduling that meets the needs of both the clients and the nursing personnel. Because nurses and nursing administration have experienced conflict about the issue, their intent is to arrive at an agreeable solution between both parties. Which option does this process best exemplify?
Correct Answer
A. Negotiation
Explanation
The given scenario describes a situation where the staff nurses and nursing administration are trying to find a scheduling method that satisfies both the clients and the nursing personnel. They have conflicting opinions and want to reach a solution that both parties can agree on. This process of finding a mutually acceptable solution is known as negotiation.
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A staff nurse has experienced disagreements with one of the medical residents about several issues. The resident reacts to this conflict by belittling the nurse in front of colleagues. This behavior is most characteristic of which type of conflict?
Correct Answer
D. Disruptive
Explanation
The behavior of belittling the nurse in front of colleagues indicates that the resident is intentionally causing disruption and creating a hostile work environment. This type of conflict is known as disruptive conflict, where one party seeks to undermine or harm the other party involved.
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The day shift nurses and night shift nurses are in clear opposition regarding the responsibilities that each shift should be assigned. This opposition has created a "we-they" distinction on the unit. This is an example of which phenomenon?
Correct Answer
A. Distancing
Explanation
The given scenario describes a situation where the day shift nurses and night shift nurses have opposing views on their responsibilities, leading to a "we-they" distinction. This "we-they" distinction indicates a sense of separation and distance between the two groups, hence the phenomenon can be identified as distancing.
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A conflict has arisen between two staff nurses who work on the same unit. Which strategy is most important for the nurse manager to consider?
Correct Answer
B. Make a timely decision regarding if and when to intervene.
Explanation
The most important strategy for the nurse manager to consider is making a timely decision regarding if and when to intervene. This is crucial because if the conflict is left unaddressed, it can escalate and negatively impact the work environment and patient care. The nurse manager needs to assess the situation and determine the appropriate time to step in and mediate the conflict, ensuring that it is resolved effectively and efficiently. By intervening in a timely manner, the nurse manager can prevent further escalation and promote a positive and harmonious work environment.
9.
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A difference in opinion has arisen regarding methods to care for clients who are on mechanical ventilators. The nurse manager asks a group of nurses to meet and review evidence-based practice related to this client care situation. Each nurse volunteers to gather data prior to the next meeting. This is an example of which type of problem solving?
Correct Answer
B. Collaboration
Explanation
The correct answer is Collaboration. Collaboration involves a group of individuals working together to solve a problem or make a decision. In this scenario, the nurse manager asks a group of nurses to meet and review evidence-based practice related to client care on mechanical ventilators. Each nurse volunteers to gather data, indicating that they are working together and sharing information to find a solution. This demonstrates collaboration as a method of problem solving.
10.
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The nurse manager assesses that there is conflict between two of the charge nurses. The decision is made to postpone an intervention and allow the conflict to escalate. Why might the nurse manager make this decision?
Correct Answer
B. Motivate the participants to seek resolution.
Explanation
The nurse manager may make the decision to postpone an intervention and allow the conflict to escalate in order to motivate the participants to seek resolution. By allowing the conflict to escalate, the nurse manager may create a sense of urgency and encourage the charge nurses to take initiative in resolving their conflict. This approach can empower the individuals involved to actively seek a solution and potentially lead to a more sustainable resolution.
11.
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The nurse manager assesses that two staff nurses are engaged in a conflict that is having a negative impact on client care. The manager meets with the nurses involved and identifies the conflict. An attempt is made to resolve the conflict through knowledge and reason. What strategy is this manager using?
Correct Answer
A. Confrontation
Explanation
The manager is using the strategy of confrontation. They are directly addressing the conflict between the two staff nurses and attempting to resolve it through open communication and problem-solving. This approach involves identifying the conflict and addressing it head-on, rather than avoiding or ignoring it. By using knowledge and reason, the manager is trying to facilitate a resolution and improve client care.
12.
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A nurse manager states, “I cannot stand all these conflicts in my department. Nothing good can come out of it.” Which indicates the best reason the manager’s statement is untrue?
Correct Answer
A. Conflict can stimulate more people to become involved in a situation, thus creating more innovative solutions to the issue.
Explanation
The nurse manager's statement is untrue because conflict can actually stimulate more people to become involved in a situation, which can lead to the generation of more innovative solutions to the issue.
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A nurse has a longstanding conflict with another nurse working the same shift. Over the last few days the first nurse has made an effort to smooth over the conflict. Which statement would the nurse manager evaluate as an example of a “smoothing” comment?
Correct Answer
C. “Even though we don’t agree on much, I do think you are correct about enforcing the length of lunch breaks.”
Explanation
The correct answer is a good example of a "smoothing" comment because it acknowledges the disagreement between the two nurses, but also finds common ground by agreeing with the other nurse's opinion on a specific issue. This comment shows an effort to find areas of agreement and build a positive relationship despite the conflict.
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The hospital has an annual campaign in which the staff is divided into two teams to raise money for hospital special events. The team raising the most money gets possession of a “trophy” designed by the administrative staff. This is an example of which type of conflict?
Correct Answer
B. A competitive conflict that is positive to the work environment
Explanation
This situation represents a competitive conflict that is positive to the work environment. The annual campaign and division into two teams create a healthy competition among the staff to raise money for special events. This conflict encourages teamwork, motivation, and a sense of achievement, which can have a positive impact on the work environment.
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Why does conflict help generate change?
Correct Answer(s)
B. It brings more attention to an issue in need of change.
C. People get involved because conflict breeds curiosity.
Explanation
Conflict helps generate change because it brings more attention to an issue in need of change. When there is conflict, people become curious and get involved, which leads to a greater push for change. Additionally, if there is an existing conflict, a change must occur to stop the conflict. Change is inevitable, and some people's refusal to change can cause conflict, further emphasizing the need for change.
16.
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A new triage area has been built in the emergency department causing conflict between the nurse manager and the nurses who think the design is not “user friendly.” After repeated complaints the nurse manager asks maintenance to change the arrangement of the room. What is the most important reason this change occurred?
Correct Answer
A. The complaints motivated the nurse manager to make the change to increase unit effectiveness.
Explanation
The nurse manager made the change to the triage area design because of the repeated complaints from the nurses. These complaints were likely affecting the effectiveness of the unit, as the nurses found the design to be not "user friendly." Therefore, in order to address the concerns of the nurses and improve the overall functionality of the unit, the nurse manager decided to change the arrangement of the room.
17.
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The medical residents on a particular unit do not answer pages very quickly, and sometimes do not answer them at all. The nursing staff complains to the nursing supervisor. After several weeks, this conflict has spiraled into a heated disagreement. Which is the most important reason to make the necessary changes to settle this conflict?
Correct Answer
A. Client care and satisfaction will suffer should it be allowed to continue.
Explanation
If the conflict between the medical residents and the nursing staff continues, it will ultimately impact client care and satisfaction. The residents' slow or non-existent response to pages can lead to delays in providing necessary medical attention to patients. This can result in compromised care, increased patient dissatisfaction, and even potential harm to the clients. Therefore, it is crucial to address this issue and make the necessary changes to ensure that client care and satisfaction are not compromised.
18.
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The nurse and a client are discussing instructions for self-care after discharge. The client’s husband says, “I can’t take care of her by myself. We need home health like we had before she came to the hospital.” This statement reflects which antecedent condition?
Correct Answer
D. Differences in values and beliefs
Explanation
The husband's statement reflects differences in values and beliefs because he believes that they need home health care while the nurse and client may have a different opinion or belief about the client's ability to be cared for at home. This difference in values and beliefs can lead to a conflict or disagreement regarding the client's post-discharge care.
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The nursing staff is continually upset about inability to provide clients with supplies needed because third-party payers will not reimburse for those items. This is an example of which conflict antecedent?
Correct Answer
D. Incompatible goals
Explanation
This scenario represents a conflict antecedent known as "incompatible goals." The nursing staff is frustrated because they are unable to provide necessary supplies to clients due to the refusal of third-party payers to reimburse for those items. This conflict arises from the opposing goals of the nursing staff, who want to provide quality care, and the third-party payers, who prioritize cost containment. The incompatible goals create tension and frustration within the nursing staff.
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Which is the most important factor in whether a conflict will be perceived or felt between two nurses?
Correct Answer
A. How well the nurses know and trust each other
Explanation
The most important factor in whether a conflict will be perceived or felt between two nurses is how well they know and trust each other. This is because when nurses have a strong relationship built on trust and familiarity, they are more likely to communicate effectively, understand each other's perspectives, and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner. On the other hand, if there is a lack of trust and familiarity between the nurses, conflicts may escalate and be more difficult to resolve, leading to a negative work environment and potentially compromising patient care.
21.
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Which statements would alert a nurse manager that a unit conflict has become disruptive?
Correct Answer(s)
A. “I won’t stop until I have gotten her fired.”
B. “He doesn’t fight fairly.”
C. “I’ve almost forgotten what started this, I just focused on beating her.”
E. “He is so wrong, he just has to go.”
Explanation
The statements "I won't stop until I have gotten her fired," "He doesn't fight fairly," "I've almost forgotten what started this, I just focused on beating her," and "He is so wrong, he just has to go" suggest that the conflict has become disruptive. These statements indicate a desire for vengeance, unfair fighting tactics, a focus on winning at all costs, and a determination to remove the other person from the unit. These attitudes and behaviors can escalate the conflict and create a toxic work environment.
22.
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A nurse and a physician are in conflict over the treatment of a client. Which statements by the nurse reflect the best way to handle interprofessional conflict?
Correct Answer(s)
B. “This client needs an additional day to learn how to care for a complex wound.”
C. “It will help this client manage her diabetes more effectively if she is assigned a diabetic educator.”
D. “Research has shown that early ambulation helps to reduce the likelihood of pulmonary embolism.”
Explanation
The nurse's statements reflect the best way to handle interprofessional conflict because they focus on the client's needs and provide evidence-based reasons for their suggestions. By mentioning the need for additional time to learn wound care, assigning a diabetic educator to help manage diabetes, and highlighting the benefits of early ambulation, the nurse is advocating for the best possible care for the client and presenting valid arguments that can be discussed and considered by the physician.
23.
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A physician criticizes the care provided by a nurse in an area where others are present. Which actions by the nurse would the manager interpret as a covert conflict behavior resulting from this situation?
Correct Answer(s)
B. The nurse avoids the pHysician in the hallway.
D. The nurse is no longer as careful in caring for this pHysician’s clients.
E. The nurse is apathetic about the care of clients.
Explanation
The nurse avoiding the physician in the hallway, no longer being as careful in caring for the physician's clients, and being apathetic about the care of clients can all be interpreted as covert conflict behaviors resulting from the physician's criticism. Avoiding the physician and being less careful with their clients may be the nurse's way of expressing their displeasure or resentment towards the physician. Being apathetic about the care of clients may be a passive-aggressive response to the criticism.
24.
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Two staff nurses are in conflict about the summer vacation schedule. The nurse manager is contemplating assigning both nurses to a task that will require frequent contact with each other, hoping that they will resolve the issue themselves. What should the manager consider before making this assignment?
Correct Answer(s)
A. What is the anxiety level of the nurses in regard to the vacation schedule?
C. Will the conflict decrease the efficiency of the unit while the nurses are self-solving the issue?
D. How intense is the conflict about vacation scheduling?
Explanation
The manager should consider the anxiety level of the nurses in regard to the vacation schedule because if the level is high, it may affect their ability to resolve the conflict effectively. The manager should also consider whether the conflict will decrease the efficiency of the unit while the nurses are self-solving the issue, as this may impact patient care. Additionally, the manager should assess how intense the conflict about vacation scheduling is, as a more intense conflict may require more intervention from the manager.
25.
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A nurse manager and a staff nurse are in conflict. The nursing supervisor has decided to use mediation to arrive at a solution. The supervisor should be most concerned about which person’s level of comfort when choosing a place for the mediation meeting?
Correct Answer
B. The staff nurse
Explanation
In this situation, the nursing supervisor should be most concerned about the staff nurse's level of comfort when choosing a place for the mediation meeting. This is because the staff nurse is one of the conflicting parties and may feel more comfortable and open in a familiar or neutral environment. By prioritizing the staff nurse's comfort, the supervisor can create a conducive atmosphere for open communication and problem-solving during the mediation process.
26.
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A serious conflict between a nurse and a nursing assistant erupted into a shouting match in the hallway. The nurse attempted to slap the nursing assistant. What conflict responses are appropriate for the assistant?
Correct Answer(s)
B. Withdrawal
C. Avoiding
Explanation
The appropriate conflict responses for the nursing assistant in this situation would be withdrawal and avoiding. Withdrawing from the conflict means removing oneself from the situation to prevent further escalation or harm. Avoiding the conflict involves actively avoiding any confrontations or interactions with the nurse to prevent further conflict. These responses prioritize the safety and well-being of the nursing assistant and aim to de-escalate the situation.
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Conflict has arisen within the hospital regarding who will staff a proposed high-acuity unit. The nurse executive and other administrators have purposefully not intervened in this conflict. Why is that strategy appropriate?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Conflict draws attention to an issue.
C. Conflict can stimulate new ideas about how to manage the high-acuity unit.
D. Conflict about the unit will help to identify the compromises necessary to make it a viable part of the hospital system.
E. Conflicts about staffing may make current staff members reexamine their own performance.
Explanation
The strategy of not intervening in the conflict is appropriate because conflict draws attention to the issue at hand, stimulates new ideas on how to manage the high-acuity unit, helps identify necessary compromises for the unit to be viable, and makes current staff members reexamine their own performance. By allowing the conflict to play out, the nurse executive and administrators are giving the stakeholders an opportunity to express their concerns, generate innovative solutions, and self-reflect on their own contributions to the issue.
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A nurse manager is trying to manage a conflict between a staff nurse and a medical student. Which statement by the manager would the nursing supervisor interpret as following the rules of basic mediation?
Correct Answer
C. “I stopped the conversation frequently to have the parties summarize what was being said.”
Explanation
The statement "I stopped the conversation frequently to have the parties summarize what was being said" would be interpreted as following the rules of basic mediation because it shows that the manager is actively facilitating communication between the two parties and ensuring that they understand each other's perspectives. This approach helps to promote understanding and resolution of the conflict.
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Which statement by the nurse managing a unit conflict indicates that the integrative decision-making strategy is being used?
Correct Answer
D. “Both parties should come up with as many alternative solutions as possible before our next meeting.”
Explanation
The statement "Both parties should come up with as many alternative solutions as possible before our next meeting" indicates that the nurse is using the integrative decision-making strategy. This strategy involves encouraging all parties involved to brainstorm and come up with multiple solutions to the conflict, with the goal of finding a mutually beneficial resolution. By suggesting this approach, the nurse is promoting collaboration and open communication among the parties, which is a key aspect of the integrative strategy.
30.
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In order to come to a solution for an ongoing conflict among several nursing units, the nursing supervisor says, “Your managers will meet to create a voting form representing both sides of this issue. Each of you will vote and the majority will rule.” What kind of a solution is the supervisor seeking?
Correct Answer
D. Win-lose
Explanation
The nursing supervisor is seeking a win-lose solution. This is evident from the statement that "the majority will rule." In a win-lose solution, one side wins while the other side loses. The supervisor wants the majority to make the decision, indicating that the outcome will not consider the needs or preferences of the minority.