NCLEX Prevention of Disease Questions Related

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Surgeons at hospital A report that the mortality rate at the end of a 1-year follow-up after a new coronary bypass procedure is 15%. At hospital B, the surgeons report a 1-year mortality rate of 8% after the same procedure. Before concluding that the surgeons at hospital B had vastly superior skill, which of the following possible confounding factors would you examine?

  • A. The severity(stage) of disease of the patients at the two hospitals at baseline.
  • B. The start of the one-year follow-up at both hospitals(after operation versus after discharge).
  • C. Differences in postoperative care at the two hospitals.
  • D. Equality of follow-up for mortality.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: All listed factors (a-d) could contribute to differences in mortality rates, making 'all of the above' the most comprehensive answer. Since we shift 'E' options to 'D', D is correct.