Biology Forums - Study Force

A method commonly used in Quality Assurance to monitor adherence to established standards is:
 
  a. A Pareto chart.
  b. Brainstorming.
  c. Patient interviews.
  d. Chart audit.

Question 2

The nurse manager is concerned about the negative ratings her unit has received on patient satisfaction surveys.
 
  a. Assemble a team.
  b. Establish a benchmark.
  c. Identify a clinical activity for review.
  d. Establish outcomes.

Question 3

The nurse gives an inaccurate dose of medication to a patient. After assessment of the patient, the nurse completes an incident report.
 
  The nurse notifies the nursing supervisor of the medication error and calls the physician to report the occurrence. The nurse who administered the inaccurate medication understands that:
 
  a. The error will result in suspension.
  b. An incident report is optional for an event that does not result in injury.
  c. The error will be documented in her personnel file.
  d. Risk management programs are not designed to assign blame.

Question 4

Before beginning a continuous quality improvement project, a nurse should determine the minimal safety level of care by referring to the:
 
  a. Procedure manual.
  b. Nursing care standards.
  c. Litigation rate of unsafe practice.
  d. Job descriptions of the organization.

Question 5

The chief executive officer asks the nurse manager of the telemetry unit to justify the disproportionately high number of registered nurses on the telemetry unit.
 
  The nurse manager explains that nursing research has validated which statement about a low nurse-to-patient ratio? It:
 
  a. Promotes teamwork among healthcare providers.
  b. Increases adverse events.
  c. Improves outcomes.
  d. Contributes to duplication of services.

Answer to #1

ANS: D
Chart audits are a common method of addressing process standards. Chart audits over time yield trend charts.

Answer to #2

ANS: C
In theory, any and all aspects of clinical activity could be improved through the QI process. However, QI efforts should be concentrated on changes to patient care that will have the greatest effect.

Answer to #3

ANS: D
QM stresses improving the system, and the detection of staff errors is not stressed. If errors occur, reeducation of staff is emphasized rather than imposition of punitive measures such as disciplinary action or blaming.

Answer to #4

ANS: B
Standards establish the minimal safety level of care. Procedure manuals provide information about how standards are to be achieved.

Answer to #5

ANS: C
Studies related to staffing and patient outcomes suggest that patient outcomes are improved with a low nurse-to-patient ratio and especially with a low registered nurse-to-patient ratio.

All correct!