A nurse manager needs to address an increased rate of client medication errors. Which of the following strategies represents an authoritarian approach to managing this issue?
Inform the staff of the penalties that can result from medication errors.
Encourage the staff to have two nurses verify medication orders to prevent errors.
Provide a suggestion box for the staff to submit ideas for error prevention.
Ask three experienced nurses to help investigate common causes of the errors.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Informing the staff of the penalties that can result from medication errors represents an authoritarian approach to managing the issue. This approach relies on authority and fear to enforce compliance. By emphasizing the potential consequences, the nurse manager is attempting to control behavior through fear of punishment. While this might create a short-term change in behavior, it does not address the root causes of the errors or promote a culture of safety.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging the staff to have two nurses verify medication orders to prevent errors is not an authoritarian approach. It involves collaboration and peer support to enhance medication safety. This approach promotes shared responsibility and accountability, which are not associated with authoritarian leadership.
Choice C rationale:
Providing a suggestion box for the staff to submit ideas for error prevention is not an authoritarian approach. This strategy fosters a participative and democratic leadership style. It encourages staff engagement and input, which contrasts with the top-down nature of authoritarian leadership.
Choice D rationale:
Asking three experienced nurses to help investigate common causes of the errors is not an authoritarian approach. It involves a collaborative and problem-solving approach that seeks input from knowledgeable staff members. This approach aims to identify systemic issues contributing to errors rather than focusing solely on punitive measures.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Answer is b. Frequent use of restroom.
a. Spends free time conversing with other staff at the nurses' station: Socializing with colleagues during free time at the nurses' station is a common and acceptable behavior in many healthcare settings. While excessive socializing could potentially interfere with productivity, it does not necessarily indicate impairment. Engaging in conversations with coworkers can serve as a stress-reliever and contribute to a supportive work environment, rather than being a sign of impairment.
b. Frequent use of restroom: Correct. Frequent restroom use can be a red flag for substance abuse or other health issues. Individuals who are working while impaired may frequently visit the restroom to use drugs, manage their effects, or experience side effects of substance use. This behavior may be a tactic to conceal substance abuse from coworkers or supervisors, as frequent restroom breaks could be perceived as a normal bodily function. Therefore, the charge nurse should pay close attention to staff members who exhibit a pattern of frequent restroom use, especially if there are other signs of impairment or behavior changes.
c. Depends on other nurses to administer pain medication to their clients: While relying on other nurses to administer pain medication to clients could potentially raise concerns about the staff nurse's competence or workload management, it does not necessarily indicate impairment. There could be various reasons for a nurse to delegate medication administration tasks, such as being assigned to other critical tasks, adhering to hospital policies, or seeking assistance during busy periods. Without further evidence or observation of impaired behavior, depending on others to administer medications cannot be solely attributed to working while impaired.
d. Delegates tasks to assistive personnel: Delegating tasks to assistive personnel is a standard nursing practice and does not inherently suggest impairment. Nurses often delegate tasks to other healthcare team members, including certified nursing assistants or patient care technicians, to ensure efficient and effective patient care delivery. Delegation is guided by nursing standards, patient acuity, and the scope of practice of assistive personnel. Therefore, observing a nurse delegating tasks alone is not sufficient evidence to suspect impairment.
In summary, the correct answer is b because frequent use of the restroom can be indicative of substance abuse or other health issues, especially when observed in conjunction with other signs of impairment or behavior changes. The charge nurse should carefully monitor and investigate any concerning behaviors displayed by staff nurses to ensure patient safety and provide appropriate support and intervention.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Setting target dates for completion is an important step, but it should come after goals and objectives have been established. Goals and objectives provide the foundation for developing a timeline and action plan.
Choice B rationale:
Identifying areas of support is valuable, but it's not the next immediate action after developing the initial plan. Before seeking support, the nurse should clarify the goals and objectives to ensure that the support is aligned with the intended outcomes.
Choice C rationale:
Determining goals and objectives is the next logical step after developing the initial plan. Goals and objectives help guide the committee's work and ensure that the policy revisions are purposeful and aligned with the desired outcomes.
Choice D rationale:
Implementing recommended strategies is a subsequent action that follows the establishment of goals and objectives. Without clear goals and objectives, the strategies might lack direction and cohesiveness.
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