What is the role of the Joint Commission in healthcare?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the Joint Commission is responsible for accrediting and certifying healthcare organizations and programs, ensuring they meet certain standards. This includes approving healthcare facilities based on their compliance with quality and safety regulations. Choices A and B are incorrect because the Joint Commission focuses on accreditation and standards, not advocacy or setting standards for patient care. Choice C is incorrect as the Joint Commission does not provide direct patient care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Patient care quality. Strategic planning in healthcare organizations primarily focuses on improving patient outcomes, safety, and overall quality of care. This ensures that the organization aligns its resources and goals towards enhancing patient well-being. Financial performance (A) is important but not the primary focus. Staff satisfaction (B) is crucial for employee engagement but not the main goal of strategic planning. Regulatory compliance (D) is essential but not the primary focus, as it is a requirement to ensure quality care rather than the main goal itself.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a nurse navigator's role is to coordinate complex care for patients by guiding them through the healthcare system, connecting them with resources, and ensuring continuity of care. Providing direct patient care (A) is typically the responsibility of nurses, not nurse navigators. Assisting with administrative tasks (C) is more aligned with roles such as medical assistants or administrative staff. Managing clinical trials (D) involves research and regulatory responsibilities that are distinct from the care coordination focus of a nurse navigator. Therefore, the best description of a nurse navigator's role is coordinating complex care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Collaborative decision making. This is a common characteristic of a high-performing healthcare team because it promotes teamwork, respect for diverse perspectives, and ensures that decisions are made collectively with input from all team members. Collaborative decision making allows for better problem-solving, increases team morale, and fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among team members. A: Effective communication is important in a healthcare team, but it alone does not guarantee high performance. B: Shared leadership is valuable, but it is not as essential as collaborative decision making in ensuring team success. D: Hierarchical structure can hinder collaboration and innovation within a team, making it less likely to be high-performing. In summary, collaborative decision making is the best choice as it promotes teamwork, inclusivity, and better decision outcomes within a healthcare team.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C - To advocate for patient needs. Nurses in an MDT play a crucial role in ensuring that the patient's best interests are prioritized and their needs are met. Nurses advocate for patients by communicating their preferences, coordinating care, and ensuring that all team members work together effectively. Leading the MDT (choice A) is typically done by the team leader, not specifically the nurse. Providing emotional support (choice B) is part of the nurse's role, but not the primary role in an MDT. Conducting clinical research (choice D) is important, but not the primary focus of a nurse in an MDT.