What is the main goal of a nursing quality improvement (QI) program?

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: Extinction. Extinction is a behavior modification technique where negative behavior is eliminated by withholding reinforcement previously maintaining it. Ignoring the behavior prevents it from being reinforced, leading to its decrease over time. Punishment (A) involves applying aversive consequences to reduce behavior. Shaping (C) is a technique to gradually modify behavior by reinforcing successive approximations. Equity (D) refers to fairness and equal treatment, not a behavior modification technique.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Trial and error. This method involves attempting different solutions sequentially until the problem is solved. Decision making (A) refers to making choices based on available information. Experimentation (C) involves testing hypotheses through controlled trials. Analysis (D) is the process of examining data and information to understand a situation. In this scenario, the nurse manager is not systematically testing hypotheses (experimentation), analyzing data (analysis), or making informed decisions (decision making), but rather trying different solutions until finding the one that works, which aligns with the trial and error method.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all the interventions mentioned demonstrate assertiveness in minimizing interruptions to meet the deadline. A: Allowing voicemail or turning off email notifications shows assertiveness in managing communication. B: Delegating tasks to staff nurses frees up the manager's time to focus on the assignment. C: Placing a 'Do Not Disturb' sign sets clear boundaries to avoid interruptions. In summary, each intervention in choice D actively addresses potential interruptions, allowing the manager to concentrate on completing the assignment within the deadline.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all the factors listed - cultural background, organizational structure, and method of communication - can significantly impact successful communication. Cultural background influences language, behavior, and perception. Organizational structure affects the flow of information and decision-making processes. The method of communication, such as verbal, non-verbal, written, or digital, determines how effectively messages are conveyed. By considering and adapting to all these factors, communication can be more successful. The other choices, A, B, and C, are incorrect because each factor individually plays a crucial role in communication effectiveness.