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What is the primary goal of a root cause analysis (RCA) in healthcare?
- A. To assign blame for errors
- B. To prevent future errors by identifying underlying causes
- C. To improve patient satisfaction
- D. To analyze the financial impact of errors
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary goal of a root cause analysis (RCA) in healthcare is to prevent future errors by identifying underlying causes. This is because RCA focuses on understanding the fundamental reasons behind incidents to implement effective preventive measures. By identifying root causes, healthcare providers can implement strategies to mitigate risks and enhance patient safety. The other choices are incorrect because RCA is not about assigning blame (A), improving patient satisfaction (C), or analyzing financial impact (D), but rather about understanding and addressing the core issues to prevent recurrence.
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An RN is writing reminders for good documentation for the nurses on her staff. The purpose is to ensure nursing documentation is legally credible. Which of the following is a recommendation she should include in the reminders?
- A. Use shortcuts in documentation.
- B. Only use approved abbreviations.
- C. Documentation should be subjective.
- D. Document after care is provided.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Only use approved abbreviations. Using approved abbreviations in nursing documentation helps ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency, which are crucial for legal credibility. Abbreviations can lead to misunderstandings or errors if not standardized.
Explanation for other choices:
A: Using shortcuts in documentation can compromise accuracy and lead to incomplete or unclear information, which could result in legal issues.
C: Documentation should be objective, not subjective, to provide an accurate portrayal of the patient's condition and care. Subjective documentation can be challenged legally.
D: Documenting after care is provided is important, but documenting in a timely manner is crucial for legal credibility. Delayed documentation can raise questions about the accuracy and reliability of the information.
Which of the following is an example of a secondary prevention strategy?
- A. Administering flu vaccinations
- B. Screening for hypertension
- C. Performing a mastectomy
- D. Providing rehabilitation after surgery
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Screening for hypertension. Secondary prevention aims to detect and treat a disease in its early stages to prevent further progression. Screening for hypertension helps identify individuals at risk and enables timely intervention to prevent complications. Administering flu vaccinations (A) is an example of primary prevention. Performing a mastectomy (C) is a treatment method for existing breast cancer, falling under tertiary prevention. Providing rehabilitation after surgery (D) focuses on restoring function post-treatment, also part of tertiary prevention.
Which laboratory value reported to the nurse by the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)
indicates the most urgent need for the nurse’s assessment of the patient?
- A. Bedtime glucose of 140 mg/dL
- B. Noon blood glucose of 52 mg/dL
- C. Fasting blood glucose of 130 mg/dL
- D. 2-hr postprandial glucose of 220 mg/dL
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Noon blood glucose of 52 mg/dL. This value indicates hypoglycemia, which can lead to serious complications like confusion, seizures, or coma. Immediate assessment and intervention are crucial.
A: Bedtime glucose of 140 mg/dL is within the normal range.
C: Fasting blood glucose of 130 mg/dL is slightly elevated but doesn't require urgent assessment.
D: 2-hr postprandial glucose of 220 mg/dL is elevated but not as critical as hypoglycemia.
Which level in Maslow's hierarchy is rarely met?
- A. Esteem
- B. Safety
- C. Self-actualization
- D. Belongingness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Self-actualization. This level in Maslow's hierarchy is rarely met because it represents the highest level of personal growth and fulfillment, where individuals achieve their full potential and self-realization. Most people do not reach this level as it requires a deep understanding of oneself and a continuous journey of personal development. Esteem (A), Safety (B), and Belongingness (D) are more basic needs that are relatively easier to fulfill compared to self-actualization. These lower levels focus on physical and social needs that are essential for survival and well-being, whereas self-actualization involves achieving one's highest aspirations and inner fulfillment.
One of the most useful tools to determine reasons for turnover is:
- A. Questioning.
- B. Surveys.
- C. Employee forums.
- D. Telephone calls.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Surveys. Surveys are structured tools that allow for systematic collection of feedback from employees, providing quantitative and qualitative data on reasons for turnover. They offer anonymity, encouraging honest responses. Questioning (choice A) may not provide a comprehensive view, as it relies on informal conversations. Employee forums (choice C) may not capture individual perspectives effectively. Telephone calls (choice D) are not scalable for large organizations and lack the anonymity of surveys. In summary, surveys are the most effective tool for gathering in-depth insights into reasons for turnover.