Question 1

In matrix organizational structures,a nurse manager understands that this type of structure:

Accepted Answer

A)   is a simplified organizational structure.
B)   has both a functional manager and a service or product-line manager.
C)   arranges departments strictly according to function.
D)   promotes harmony in organizational decision making. B

Question 2

A new CEO has been hired at Valley Hospital who proposes to change the centralized organizational structure that was put in place 10 years ago,based on widespread consultation with staff.The proposed structure involves substantial flattening of the organizational structure,with significant decision making being made at the point-of-care and an emphasis on interprofessional collaboration.There is a great deal of discussion about the balance between hospital-wide budget decision making and unit-based decision making.This discussion represents:

Accepted Answer

A)   Chaos theory.
B)   organizational redesign.
C)   organizational reengineering.
D)   restructuring. C

Question 3

A hospital is working toward becoming a Magnet hospital.The chief nursing officer is aware that professional nursing departments in Magnet hospitals will:

Accepted Answer

A)   not be directed by nurses.
B)   be virtual organizations.
C)   be designed to maintain nursing standards of practice.
D)   be entitled to have client care departments. C

Question 4

With revenue reductions and cost-saving measures,the number of managers has been reduced,this has increased the number of team leaders supervised by managers by as many as three.This change may result in:

Accepted Answer

A)   decreased patient satisfaction.
B)   increased efficiency in costs.
C)   a more positive perception of managers.
D)   little change to manager-staff relationships.

Question 5

A new director of nursing in a small rural hospital wants to make changes from the traditional model of governance to a shared-governance model.Select the characteristic below that best describes the traditional organizational structure in which a staff nurse is assigned to carry out nursing tasks for clients but is not given the chance to provide input into forming the policies and procedures by which care is delivered or the standards by which care is evaluated:

Accepted Answer

A)   bureaucratic.
B)   decentralized.
C)   delegated authority and responsibility.
D)   delegated responsibility but no authority.

Question 6

A statement such as "We believe in the right of patients to make choices and to have care that is sensitive to their preferences and needs" is a _____ statement.

Accepted Answer

A)   mission
B)   goal
C)   vision
D)   philosophy

Question 7

Organizational culture includes:

Accepted Answer

A)   norms.
B)   traditions.
C)   behaviors.
D)   values.

Question 8

Collaborative partnerships between hospitals and schools of nursing are examples of hybrid organizational structures.A hybrid organizational structure:

Accepted Answer

A)   has many divisions of labor.
B)   best fits long-term care units.
C)   has a mixture of the characteristics of various organizational types.
D)   places the authority for decision making closest to the places where workers perform.

Question 9

At Hospital XYZ,staff members on Y3 Unit have dealt with the third charge nurse in 3 years.Donna,the current charge nurse,lacks confidence in patient-nurse relationships,and scheduling and other processes are routinely left to the last minute.Staff members approached Donna first and then administration with their concerns about Donna's effectiveness as a leader.The staff was told that the problem is likely staff related,that it is simply an unhappy group,and that there is nothing that will be done further about their concerns.The philosophy of the organization indicates that "open,transparent communication between staff and management is desired and supported," and that "innovation and creative thinking are the foundation of the organization's progress." In assessing this situation as a newly hired senior executive,you anticipate that:

Accepted Answer

A)   staff members will resolve the conflict on their own.
B)   the situation will lead to ongoing disgruntlement and attrition.
C)   no further discussion or concerns will come out of the situation.
D)   the head nurse will be able to resolve the conflict on her own.

Question 10

"At Thoroughcare,we provide health care for women and children in transition" is an example of a:

Accepted Answer

A)   vision statement.
B)   mission statement.
C)   goal statement.
D)   statement of philosophy.

Question 11

"Georgia Hospital will provide care that is a national example of consumer service" is a:

Accepted Answer

A)   vision statement.
B)   statement of philosophy.
C)   mission statement.
D)   rationale for care.

Question 12

The chief nursing officer and the dean of the School of Nursing create a partnership based on belief that by establishing rules and regulations and controlling the environment,this partnership will:

Accepted Answer

A)   promote professional medical authority, autonomy, and responsibility.
B)   need a degree of flexibility to engender success.
C)   be essential for self-governance.
D)   provide for the establishment of medical committees.

Question 13

Taylor Hospital has well-defined organizational units that provide maintenance,financial services,care for cardiac patients,care for surgical patients,and so on.The organizational chart indicates that surgical units report to a surgical manager and all nursing units report to a vice president of nursing; financial services to an accountant and then to a business executive; and so on.The primary disadvantage of this organizational structure is:

Accepted Answer

A)   breakdown in function and communication across specialties.
B)   lack of congruence in culture and organizational values.
C)   highly centralized decision making and authority.
D)   wide span of control.

Question 14

At Orangetown Hospital,the nursing department is developing a mission statement for nursing.What would be a suitable mission statement?

Accepted Answer

A)   "Nursing provides services for patients admitted to Orangetown Hospital."
B)   "To participate fully in the professional services offered by Orangetown Hospital."
C)   "To lead by the lamp; services for seniors."
D)   "At Orangetown, the nursing department provides caring services that recognize the diversity of clients and promote optimal health with clients through partnership, education, and interprofessional collaboration."

Question 15

The chief nursing officer is given the task of reviewing and proposing revision of the organization's mission,philosophy,and technology.In reviewing them,the chief nursing officer understands that they should be reflected in:

Accepted Answer

A)   the organizational structure.
B)   line and staff responsibilities.
C)   the policies and procedures.
D)   government regulations.

Question 16

In the Unity Healthcare organization,communication flows:

Accepted Answer

A)   laterally.
B)   bottom to top.
C)   top to bottom.
D)   intermittently.

Question 17

In opening a new dialysis unit,the nurse manager has to develop a philosophy for the unit.This philosophy needs to:

Accepted Answer

A)   reflect the culture of the unit and its values.
B)   be developed by the nursing manager on the unit.
C)   identify the clients that will be served on the unit.
D)   replicate the organization's philosophy.

Question 18

Because of rapid turnover and the ongoing hiring of new graduates,the skill levels of staff in a busy CCU are varied.Senior staff are becoming burned out with the need to provide mentorship and guidance to new staff.As the manager,you propose the addition of a nurse in advanced practice to provide consultation and education for staff.What is this position considered?

Accepted Answer

A)   Hierarchical position
B)   Ancillary
C)   Line position
D)   Staff position

Question 19

In the Unity Healthcare organization,decisions,including those at the unit level,are made by a group of senior executives.Rules for employees are clear,and nursing care is delineated by procedures and protocols.This exemplifies:

Accepted Answer

A)   transformational leadership.
B)   transactional leadership.
C)   bureaucratic organization.
D)   Chaos theory.

Question 20

The hospital administration gives approval to the chief nursing officer to hire clinical nurse specialists in staff positions rather than in administrative positions.A clinical specialist who has staff authority but no line authority typically is able to:

Accepted Answer

A)   function through influence.
B)   take complete responsibility for the care of clients.
C)   interview and hire staff nurses for designated nursing units.
D)   be granted functional authority to determine standards of nursing care and enforce them.

Exam 11: Organizational Structures