What is the primary reason for conducting a performance appraisal?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Providing constructive feedback. Performance appraisals are primarily conducted to give employees feedback on their performance, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. This helps employees understand their performance, set goals, and develop professionally. Choice B is incorrect as performance appraisals should not be used for punishment but for development. Choice C is incorrect as appraisals focus on identifying performance-related issues, not general issues. Choice D is incorrect because while coaching may be a part of the appraisal process, the main purpose is to provide feedback.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Job analysis. This is the first step in the selection process as it involves identifying the specific duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the job. By conducting a job analysis, an organization can ensure that they have a clear understanding of what the job entails, which is crucial for effectively matching it with an experienced RN. Choice B, selection techniques, comes after job analysis and involves determining the most appropriate methods for evaluating candidates. Choice C, methods of recruiting, focuses on attracting candidates and is not the first step in the selection process. Choice D, assurance of legal requirements, is important but typically occurs later in the process after job analysis has been completed.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Confrontation. In this scenario, the nurse manager directly addresses the conflict by meeting with the employees in private. Confrontation involves facing the conflict head-on, bringing it out into the open, and attempting to resolve it through open communication and discussion. By addressing the conflict directly, the nurse manager is using a proactive approach to resolve the issue. Summary of other choices: B: Suppression - This involves ignoring or avoiding the conflict, which is not what the nurse manager is doing in this scenario. C: Collaboration - While collaboration involves working together to find a mutually beneficial solution, the nurse manager is taking a more direct approach by confronting the conflict. D: Intervention - This typically involves a third party stepping in to mediate the conflict, which is not what is happening in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: metacommunications. Nonverbal messages in communication, such as body language and environmental factors, are referred to as metacommunications because they convey additional meaning beyond the verbal message. This term encompasses the subtle cues and signals that influence the interpretation of the message. Lateral communication (A) refers to communication between individuals or groups at the same hierarchical level, not specifically related to nonverbal cues. Upward communication (B) involves communication from lower levels to higher levels in an organization. Downward communication (D) refers to communication from higher levels to lower levels. These choices are incorrect as they do not specifically address the role of nonverbal cues in communication.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: expert power. Nurses increase their professional influence by demonstrating expertise, knowledge, and skills in their field. This expertise allows them to gain credibility and influence others based on their competence. Expert power is based on respect and trust earned through proficiency in their profession. Choice A (political skills) focuses on manipulation and may not lead to genuine influence. Choice B (reward power) involves using rewards to influence behavior, which is different from professional influence. Choice D (power and politics) is a broad concept that encompasses various types of power dynamics, but expert power specifically highlights the importance of knowledge and skills in increasing influence in the workplace.