A new nurse researcher is interested in tracing the history of nursing research. The researcher learns that nursing research began with:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because Florence Nightingale is widely recognized as the pioneer of modern nursing research. During the Crimean War, she collected and analyzed data on patient care outcomes, demonstrating the importance of evidence-based practice in nursing. This laid the foundation for the development of nursing research as a formal discipline. Choice B is incorrect as nursing research did not start between 1900 and 1940, but rather with Nightingale's work. Choice C is incorrect because the focus of nursing research was not solely on doctorally prepared nurses but on improving patient care in general. Choice D is incorrect as the naturalistic paradigm is just one approach to research and not the starting point for nursing research.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: case management. Case management involves coordinating care for patients to ensure they receive appropriate services and resources. DRGs determine reimbursement based on patient diagnoses, making accurate classification crucial. Nurses in case management play a key role in ensuring patients are placed in the correct DRG category for optimal care and reimbursement. Other choices are incorrect because: B: Quality assurance focuses on monitoring and improving the quality of care, not specifically tied to DRG classification. C: Utilization review involves assessing the appropriateness and necessity of healthcare services, not directly related to DRG classification. D: Cost-control pertains to managing healthcare costs, but does not address the specific role of nurses in DRG classification and patient care coordination.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Insurance company. In the triad of health care, the third-party payer refers to an entity outside of the patient and health care provider that pays for the health care services. Insurance companies typically serve as third-party payers by covering a portion or all of the costs associated with medical treatments. The other choices (A, B, D) are not considered third-party payers in this context. Choice A refers to the client/patient receiving the health care services, choice B refers to the health care provider delivering the services, and choice D refers to a government agency that sets reimbursement rules but does not directly pay for the services rendered.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Capitation. Capitation is a payment model where healthcare providers receive a fixed amount per patient per month to provide all necessary healthcare services. This aligns with the description of the plan in the question, offering services based on a monthly fee per participant. Capitation also emphasizes preventive care, diagnostic services, and treatment, making it the most suitable choice. A: Prospective payment system is a method where healthcare providers are paid a fixed amount per service in advance. This does not match the description of the plan in the question. B: Retrospective payment system involves reimbursing healthcare providers after services are delivered based on the actual costs incurred. This is not based on a monthly fee per participant. C: Single-payer system refers to a healthcare system where a single public or quasi-public agency organizes healthcare financing. This is not based on a monthly fee per participant.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because pay for performance initiatives incentivize nurses to improve patient outcomes by reducing errors and following best practices. This directly links economic incentives to nursing practice. Choice A is incorrect because the DRG system primarily affects hospital reimbursement, not nursing shortages. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses on the type of care, not the economic impact on nursing practice. Choice D is incorrect as economic factors like funding, resources, and reimbursement significantly influence nursing practice.