What is the primary goal of infection control practices in healthcare settings?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: To control the spread of infections within the healthcare setting. This is the primary goal of infection control practices as it aims to prevent the transmission of infections among patients, healthcare workers, and visitors. By implementing measures such as hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment, and environmental cleaning, healthcare facilities can effectively minimize the risk of infections spreading. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: A: To reduce the length of hospital stays - While infection control practices may contribute to shorter hospital stays indirectly by preventing additional complications from infections, this is not the primary goal. B: To ensure patient safety and prevent infections - While patient safety and infection prevention are important aspects of infection control, the primary goal is specifically focused on controlling the spread of infections within the healthcare setting. D: To comply with healthcare regulations - While compliance with regulations is essential for maintaining a safe healthcare environment, it is not the primary goal of infection control practices, which is centered on preventing the spread of infections.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Network model. In a network model HMO, the organization contracts with two or more IPAs. IPAs are groups of independent doctors who work together to provide care. This model allows members to choose from a network of providers. A: Staff model HMOs directly employ physicians. B: Point of service model HMOs allow members to go out of network for care. D: Group model HMOs contract with a single medical group, not multiple IPAs. Therefore, the network model is the correct choice as it specifically involves contracting with multiple IPAs, distinguishing it from the other options.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Collaboration. Collaboration involves both parties working together to find a mutually beneficial solution. In this scenario, collaborating with the physicians and nursing staff allows for open communication, respect for each other's expertise, and finding a compromise on when to record vital signs. Accommodating (A) involves giving in to one party's preferences, while avoiding (C) involves ignoring the conflict altogether. Competing (D) focuses on one party winning at the expense of the other, which does not respect the professionalism of both parties. Collaboration is the most effective technique as it values input from all parties and fosters a positive working relationship.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because limiting sodium intake to 2 grams daily is crucial for managing heart failure by reducing fluid retention and strain on the heart. This statement shows understanding of dietary restrictions to manage the condition effectively. Choice B is incorrect because while monitoring weight is important for heart failure, it does not specifically demonstrate understanding of the teaching provided. Choice C is incorrect because decreasing potassium intake is not recommended for heart failure management unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider. Choice D is incorrect as it mentions a positive dietary change, but does not address the key issue of sodium intake, which is essential for managing heart failure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, administering vaccinations, because primary prevention aims to prevent the occurrence of a disease or injury before it occurs. Vaccinations protect individuals from getting infected by certain diseases, thus directly preventing the onset of the disease. This strategy targets the root cause of the problem, which aligns with the goal of primary prevention. B: Performing a surgical procedure is a treatment intervention, not a prevention strategy. C: Teaching healthy lifestyle choices is a health promotion strategy, not solely focused on preventing diseases. D: Prescribing medication is a treatment intervention and not aimed at preventing the initial occurrence of a disease.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the nursing manager. A nursing manager is directly involved in overseeing the job duties and requirements, making them the best person to provide an accurate description to an applicant. They have detailed knowledge of the role and can provide insights on what the job entails. A previous employee may offer subjective views, while a human resource manager may not have a deep understanding of the specific job duties. The chief operating officer may not have direct knowledge of the day-to-day responsibilities of the position. Therefore, the nursing manager is the most suitable choice for describing the job accurately to an applicant.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (3-6 months) because this timeframe allows for adequate planning, data collection, analysis, and stakeholder input without being too rushed or prolonged. 9-12 months (A) is too long, leading to potential inefficiencies and outdated information. 1-2 months (C) is too short, risking errors and overlooking crucial details. Over two years (D) is excessive and may lead to budgeting based on outdated or irrelevant information. B strikes the right balance for a thorough and efficient budgeting process.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Perform the irrigation using a 20-mL syringe. This is the correct action because using a 20-mL syringe allows for precise and controlled instillation of the irrigation fluid into the catheter. Using a smaller syringe helps prevent excessive pressure within the catheter, reducing the risk of trauma or damage to the client's urinary system. A: Positioning the client in a side-lying position is not essential for open irrigation technique, as long as the client is comfortable and the procedure can be safely performed. C: Instilling 15 mL of irrigation fluid with each flush may not be appropriate as the volume needed may vary based on the client's condition. D: Although measuring and recording the amount of irrigant used is important for documentation purposes, it is not the immediate action to ensure the safe and effective irrigation of the catheter.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: change. Nurse managers often encounter resistance when implementing changes in healthcare settings. Facilitating change involves effectively managing resistance, promoting buy-in, and ensuring successful implementation. This skill is crucial for nurse managers to drive positive outcomes and improve patient care. Planning (choice C) and collection of data (choice D) are important skills but do not directly address the challenges of managing change. Resistance (choice A) is the opposite of what nurse managers aim to overcome when leading change initiatives.