Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: gather information. This step is essential as it allows nurses to collect data, assess the situation, and make informed decisions. Identifying the problem (A) comes after gathering information. Considering consequences (C) and implementing interventions (D) are later steps in the process once information has been gathered. Gathering information is foundational to problem-solving as it provides the necessary data to understand the situation fully and determine the appropriate course of action.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because reading the financial policy manual will provide the new nurse manager with a comprehensive understanding of the organization's budgeting process, which is crucial for successful budget management. This will help the nurse manager make informed decisions and align their actions with the organization's budgeting guidelines. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests delegating budget management to the nursing administration office, which does not promote the nurse manager's development of budgeting skills and knowledge. Choice C is incorrect because while it is important to communicate with the hospital's finance office for guidance, solely relying on this communication may not provide the nurse manager with a deep understanding of the budgeting process. Choice D is incorrect because focusing only on bottom-line numbers without understanding the details of each line in budget reports can lead to oversight of important budget components and hinder effective budget management.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice C: 1. Participatory management involves nurses in decision-making, increasing job satisfaction. 2. Involving nurses in staffing decisions can lead to better scheduling and workload distribution. 3. This empowerment can improve morale and foster a sense of ownership among nurses. 4. Ultimately, participatory management enhances job satisfaction and retention. Summary: - Choice A (additional agency nurses) may address short-term staffing needs but doesn't directly improve job satisfaction. - Choice B (more part-time employees) may not address underlying issues of satisfaction and can lead to scheduling challenges. - Choice D (using float nurses) may help cover vacancies but doesn't involve nurses in decision-making or address satisfaction directly.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: triangulation. Triangulation involves using multiple data sources or methods to validate findings. In this scenario, the nurse is using both survey data and telephone interviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of the elderly persons' health status. This method enhances the study's credibility and reliability by cross-verifying information. A: A control group is not relevant in this context as it involves comparing an intervention group with a control group to assess the impact of an intervention. C: A pilot study is a small-scale preliminary study conducted to evaluate the feasibility of a larger study. It is not the appropriate description for using multiple data sources. D: Secondary data analysis involves analyzing existing data collected by someone else. It is not applicable in this case where the researcher is collecting primary data through surveys and interviews.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: balanced. In a professional setting, a balanced productivity metric indicates that productivity was at an optimal level, not too high or too low. This implies that the team wants to ensure that productivity was neither excessively high nor low, but rather appropriately managed. Option A (high) and B (low) are incorrect as they represent extreme ends of the spectrum, which may not accurately reflect the desired productivity level. Option D (iterative) is incorrect because it refers to a process of repetition and refinement, which is not directly related to the level of productivity achieved. Therefore, the most suitable choice in this context is C: balanced, as it aligns with the team's goal of maintaining an optimal level of productivity.