A staff nurse is working with a patient who is on a critical pathway for education in preparation for home care. Which one of the following responsibilities would the nurse address first?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because reviewing the information with the client and family should be addressed first to ensure understanding and clarity. This step allows for immediate feedback and corrections if needed, promoting effective education. Taking vital signs (A) can be done after educating the client. Answering questions (B) and evaluating teaching (C) come after providing the necessary information.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because reviewing the information with the client and family should be addressed first to ensure understanding and clarity. This step allows for immediate feedback and corrections if needed, promoting effective education. Taking vital signs (A) can be done after educating the client. Answering questions (B) and evaluating teaching (C) come after providing the necessary information.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: To enhance patient safety. The main goal of a nursing quality improvement program is to improve the quality of care provided to patients, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and safety. By implementing strategies to enhance patient safety, such as reducing medical errors and improving communication among healthcare team members, the overall quality of care is improved. Choice B (To reduce healthcare costs) is incorrect because while cost-efficiency may be a secondary benefit of a QI program, it is not the primary goal. Choice C (To ensure regulatory compliance) is also incorrect as regulatory compliance is important but not the main focus of a QI program. Choice D (To maintain high patient satisfaction) is not the main goal of a QI program as patient satisfaction alone does not guarantee improved patient safety or outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Confidentiality. The RN should consider confidentiality when replying to his friends about the senator's condition. By maintaining confidentiality, the RN upholds the trust and privacy of the senator's medical information. Sharing such information breaches the ethical duty to protect patient privacy. A: Fidelity pertains to being faithful and loyal to one's commitments, not directly related to this situation. C: Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty, but in this case, maintaining confidentiality takes precedence over disclosing the truth to friends. D: Accountability involves taking responsibility for one's actions, which is not the primary ethical principle at play in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because effective delegation involves assigning tasks to appropriate staff members while providing oversight. This ensures tasks are completed safely and accurately. Retaining all tasks (A) does not promote staff development. Assigning tasks without supervision (B) can lead to errors. Avoiding delegation (D) limits staff growth. Effective delegation (C) maximizes efficiency and empowers staff.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Communication of goal direction. Trait theory suggests that effective leaders possess certain inherent traits, such as the ability to communicate clear goals and direction to their team. This trait is crucial as it helps align team members towards a common purpose, motivating and guiding them towards success. Option A, communication of duties assigned, is focused on tasks rather than overall goals. Option B, adaptability, and changing priorities are more related to situational leadership than inherent traits. Option C, order giving and decision making, is specific actions rather than a trait. Therefore, D is the most suitable trait among the choices provided.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Contact precautions. This is because purulent drainage indicates the presence of infectious material that can easily be transmitted through direct contact. By implementing contact precautions, the nurse can prevent the spread of infection to themselves and others. Droplet precautions (A) are used for pathogens spread through respiratory droplets, protective environment (B) is used for immunocompromised patients, and airborne precautions (C) are used for pathogens that remain suspended in the air. These precautions are not relevant to the situation described with purulent drainage.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 24 hours. Reporting a major incident within 24 hours is crucial for prompt resolution and mitigation of potential impacts. This timeframe allows for timely assessment, communication, and implementation of necessary actions. Reporting within 24 hours enables the organization to adhere to regulatory requirements, maintain transparency, and initiate the incident management process effectively. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as delaying reporting beyond 24 hours can result in increased risks, hinder the organization's ability to respond effectively, and may lead to non-compliance with regulations.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Direct patient care. Case management in nursing focuses primarily on coordinating care, advocating for patients, and ensuring their needs are met. This involves direct patient interaction, collaborating with healthcare providers, and addressing the patient's physical, emotional, and social well-being. Resource management (B) involves allocating resources efficiently, financial planning (C) focuses on budgeting and financial aspects, and quality assurance (D) pertains to monitoring and improving healthcare standards. These options are important in healthcare but are not the primary focus of case management in nursing.