Practical Nurse (PN) Management Practice Exam

A statement by a charge nurse that communicates an autocratic leadership style is characterized by a directive approach where decisions are made unilaterally without seeking input from others. In this case, the charge nurse asserts authority by mandating attendance at an educational session on reducing falls. This approach reflects a leader who prioritizes control and decision-making, with an emphasis on compliance from the nursing staff rather than collaboration.

Autocratic leaders often make decisions based on their authority and may not consider team input or consensus, focusing instead on a top-down strategy to enforce compliance and ensure adherence to protocols. This type of leadership can be effective in situations that require quick decision-making or have clear policies, but it may limit team engagement and creativity over time.

In contrast, the other options illustrate a more participatory leadership style that encourages collaboration and input from staff members, fostering a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility for resolving the issue of client falls.