Exam 12: Handling Conflict

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

Which statement by the nurse managing a unit conflict indicates that the integrative decision-making strategy is being used?

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?

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?

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?

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?

The medical residents on a particular unit do not answer

Which statements would alert a nurse manager that a unit conflict has become disruptive?

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?

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?

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?

Why does conflict help generate change?

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?

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?

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?

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?