Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a negative variance means there is a shortfall or deficit from the planned amount. In this case, a decrease in actual nursing staffing hours compared to planned hours would result in a negative variance as it indicates a staffing shortage. This prompts the nurse manager to change the staffing schedule to address the deficit.


Choice B, a surplus of available nurses, does not align with a negative variance as it indicates an excess rather than a deficit.
Choice C, a decrease in the cost of medical supplies, is unrelated to the staffing schedule and does not reflect a negative variance.
Choice D, an increase in patient satisfaction scores, is a positive outcome and does not indicate a negative variance in budget planning.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it asks the candidate to provide a specific example of their experience with conflict resolution in a project setting, which demonstrates their actual behavior in a real-life situation. This question allows the interviewer to assess the candidate's ability to handle team conflict effectively based on past experiences.


Choice A is incorrect because it is too general and does not require a specific example of past behavior.
Choice B is incorrect as it focuses on the candidate's preferred style rather than their actual behavior.

Choices D, E, F, and G are all incomplete and do not provide a behavioral scenario for evaluation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Charges. In this scenario, the agency bills the private insurance company based on the charges for administering each vaccination. Charges are the actual amounts billed for services provided. Contractual allowance refers to the negotiated discount between the provider and the insurance company. Prospective reimbursement involves pre-established rates for services. Cost-based reimbursement is based on the actual costs incurred.
Therefore, in this case, the agency billing based on charges aligns with the concept of charging the insurance company for the administration of each vaccination.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Reminder of employment standards. This is the typical first step in handling an employee with a disciplinary problem because it serves as an initial warning to clarify the expected behavior. It allows the employee to understand the standards they are expected to follow and provides an opportunity for corrective action before escalating the issue.

A: Suspension with pay is usually a more severe disciplinary action and is not typically the first step.
B: Written reprimand is usually a follow-up step after the reminder of employment standards.
C: Day off without pay is a form of disciplinary action that is more severe than a reminder of employment standards.
E, F, G: No information provided, so cannot evaluate their correctness.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The new graduate places all side rails up. This requires correction because using all side rails can restrict the patient's movement and increase the risk of falls. The correct approach is to use only the necessary side rails based on the patient's needs to maintain safety without unnecessary restrictions. Placing all side rails up can also hinder the patient's ability to easily get in and out of bed, potentially impeding their mobility and independence.
Therefore, it is important for the supervising nurse to correct this action to ensure patient safety and well-being.