Deck 11: Complex Adaptive Systems

Question 1

All of the following are true about complicated systems EXCEPT:

A) They have many distinct parts that exist separately.
B) They can be controlled and are predictable.
C) The parts adapt to changes in the environment.
D) If they break down, they are often fixed by repairing broken parts.

Answer 1

The parts adapt to changes in the environment.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT an example of a complex adaptive system?

A) A nursing team
B) An automatic external defibrillator
C) A flock of birds
D) A red blood cell

Answer 2

An automatic external defibrillator

Question 3

The mechanistic and linear way of studying systems arose from:

A) Newtonian physics and reductionist philosophy
B) Astrophysics and theology
C) Newtonian philosophy and organic chemistry
D) Reductionist philosophy and Greek mythology

Answer 3

Newtonian physics and reductionist philosophy

Question 4

Linear thinking has contributed to:

A) Hierarchal business structures
B) The development of separate departments in hospitals
C) Discipline-specific educational programs for healthcare professionals
D) All of the above

Question 5

All of the following trends in the late 20th century raised awareness about problems with the command-and-control approach to healthcare delivery and education EXCEPT:

A) A rise in medical errors due to lack of collaboration
B) Rapid advances in technology and an onslaught of new information
C) Cost containment efforts that forced healthcare professionals to work at a faster pace
D) An increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Question 6

In a complex adaptive system, the rules are constant, and adhering to them does all of the following EXCEPT:

A) Allows individual parts to adapt to change in varied ways
B) Requires a planning meeting to account for all possible changes
C) Allows the system to spontaneously respond to changes in the environment
D) Allows individual parts to practice emergence

Question 7

A nurse reminds a colleague about a family member's concern about a patient's hydration. On the way to assess the patient, the colleague grabs a juice for the patient, which leads to the family member feeling assured that the team is listening to his concerns. The patient's hydration status stabilizes, contributing to the IV being discontinued, a shorter hospital stay, and positive responses on the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. This series of actions is an example of:

A) The mysterious nature of complexity science
B) Adaptability
C) The butterfly effect
D) Self-organization

Question 8

Sharing and learning are inherent in which property of complex adaptive systems?

A) Conformity
B) Adaptability
C) Diversity
D) Agility

Question 9

The emergency room doctor and nurses work together with paramedics to get a trauma victim off the ambulance gurney. Simultaneously, the paramedics and nurses continue CPR while the doctor orders stat x-rays, blood work, and an ortho-surgical consult. This set of activities is an example of all of the following EXCEPT:

A) Emergence
B) Self-organization
C) Diversity
D) Command-and-control hierarchy

Question 10

Respectful listening and speaking up assertively are communication strategies related to complex adaptive systems in what way?

A) They are simple rules that humans can follow.
B) They are properties of linear systems that are well understood.
C) They are theoretical proposals associated with complexity science.
D) They are behaviors arising from command-and-control management.

Question 11

Ebright theorizes that understanding the complexity of nursing work is conducive to promoting all of the following activities that contribute to a healthy work environment EXCEPT:

A) Designing out system barriers to care
B) Designing and implementing appropriate technology
C) Managing the seasoned nurse
D) Focusing on direct care function
E) Supporting the new nurse

Question 12

The behavioral approach to communication is relevant to relationships in complex adaptive systems where nurses practice because it promotes:

A) Learning from mistakes, asking for help, and offering constructive feedback
B) Appreciating differences, receiving constructive feedback, and behaving respectfully
C) Forgiving self and others, being assertive, and listening respectfully
D) All of the above

Question 13

The study of complex adaptive systems involves theories and research from which of the following disciplines? Select all that apply.

A) Biology
B) Economics
C) English
D) Nursing
E) Medicine
F) Mathematics
G) Behavioral sciences
H)Computer programming

Question 14

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st Century used principles of complex adaptive systems to describe a vision of a healthcare system in which care would be (select all that apply):

A) Safe
B) Effective
C) Patient-centered
D) Timely
E)Exciting
F)Efficient
G)Equitable
H)Compassionate

Question 15

The study of complex adaptive systems helps students and nurses understand the complexity of nursing work and implications for workplace environments as they apply to which of the following standards? Select all that apply.

A) Emotional maturity
B) Authentic leadership
C) Skilled communication
D) Meaningful recognition
E)Respiratory assessment
F)Appropriate staffing
G)True collaboration
H)Effective decision-making

Question 16

An understanding of systems thinking, according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report The Future of Nursing: Focus on Education, "must become part of every nurse's professional formation."

Question 17

When complex adaptive systems break down, it is most effective to get them under control so the parts can be analyzed and fixed.

Question 18

Complexity science brings a new emphasis on the importance of relationships, individual choice, and sharing expertise.