Upon examining her monthly budget report, the nurse manager observes a shortfall, leading her to modify the staffing schedule. Which of the following pieces of information exemplifies a negative variance?
A decline in the expenditure on medical supplies.
An excess of nurses accessible on a specific day.
A rise in patient satisfaction ratings.
Fewer nurses working than originally planned.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
A decline in the expenditure on medical supplies is generally considered a positive variance, as it indicates that the actual costs were lower than the budgeted costs. This reduction in spending can be beneficial for the budget, assuming it does not negatively impact patient care. Therefore, it does not exemplify a negative variance.
Choice B Reason:
An excess of nurses accessible on a specific day might indicate overstaffing, which can lead to higher labor costs than budgeted. However, this scenario does not directly indicate a negative variance unless it results in a budget shortfall due to increased expenses. The context of the question focuses on a shortfall, making this choice less relevant.
Choice C Reason:
A rise in patient satisfaction ratings is a positive outcome and does not relate to budget variances. While important for overall quality of care, patient satisfaction ratings do not directly impact the financial aspects of the budget. This choice does not exemplify a negative variance.
Choice D Reason:
Fewer nurses working than originally planned exemplifies a negative variance because it indicates understaffing, which can lead to compromised patient care and increased workload for the remaining staff. This situation often arises from budget constraints or mismanagement, leading to a shortfall in the budget. It directly reflects the negative impact on staffing and budget planning.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The wrong operation was performed on a patient. This incident is a clear example of a sentinel event. According to The Joint Commission, a sentinel event is a patient safety event that results in death, permanent harm, or severe temporary harm and requires immediate investigation. Performing the wrong operation on a patient is a serious error that can lead to significant harm or even death, making it a sentinel event.
Choice B Reason:
A client received an incorrect dose of medication, but it did not result in injury. While administering an incorrect dose of medication is a medication error, it does not qualify as a sentinel event if it does not result in harm. Sentinel events are defined by the severity of the outcome, and in this case, the lack of injury means it does not meet the criteria.
Choice C Reason:
A patient complains that a nurse was rude and abrasive. Although this behavior is unprofessional and can affect patient satisfaction and trust, it does not constitute a sentinel event. Sentinel events are related to significant harm or risk of harm to the patient, which is not the case here.
Choice D Reason:
A nurse withholds a medication upon suspecting that the patient may be allergic to the drug. This action is a precautionary measure taken to prevent potential harm and is not a sentinel event. In fact, it demonstrates good clinical judgment and adherence to patient safety protocols.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Follower implies that the nurse manager is taking direction from others rather than leading the situation. In this context, the nurse manager is actively addressing an issue, proposing solutions, and seeking input from the staff, which are leadership behaviors. Therefore, the role of a follower does not accurately describe the nurse manager’s actions in this scenario.
Choice B Reason:
Leader is the most appropriate role for the nurse manager in this situation. By calling a staff meeting, proposing a solution, and asking for input, the nurse manager is demonstrating leadership qualities. Effective leaders engage their team in problem-solving, encourage collaboration, and guide the team towards a resolution. This approach helps in addressing the issue effectively while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Choice C Reason:
Manager refers to the administrative and organizational responsibilities of the nurse manager. While the nurse manager is indeed managing the situation, the emphasis in this scenario is on leadership. The actions described—proposing a solution and seeking staff input—highlight the nurse manager’s role as a leader rather than just a manager. Leadership involves inspiring and motivating the team, which is crucial in handling complex situations like this.
Choice D Reason:
Regulator implies a role focused on enforcing rules and policies. While maintaining standards and policies is part of a nurse manager’s responsibilities, the scenario described involves more than just regulation. The nurse manager is actively engaging with the staff to find a solution, which is a leadership activity. Therefore, the role of a regulator does not fully capture the nurse manager’s actions in this context.
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