Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respect for patient preferences. Patient-centered care focuses on involving patients in their care decisions and respecting their preferences. Choice A, provider-centered decision making, goes against the concept of patient-centered care as it prioritizes the provider over the patient. Timely discharge, choice B, is important but not a defining component of patient-centered care. Focusing on clinical outcomes, choice D, is essential in healthcare but does not solely represent patient-centered care, which is more about personalized care and involving patients in decision-making.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To control the spread of infections within the healthcare setting.' The primary goal of infection control practices is to prevent the transmission and spread of infections among patients, healthcare workers, and visitors. Choice A is incorrect because while infection control practices may indirectly contribute to shorter hospital stays by preventing additional complications, reducing the length of hospital stays is not their primary goal. Choice B is incorrect as ensuring patient safety and preventing infections are important outcomes of infection control practices but not the primary goal. Choice D is incorrect because compliance with healthcare regulations is a requirement that supports the implementation of infection control practices but is not the primary goal of these practices.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the nominal group technique, the primary method of exchange is through written reports. Participants independently generate ideas in writing, which are then shared and discussed within the group. This structured process allows for equal participation and prevents dominant individuals from influencing the group's outcome. Oral presentations (choice A) involve speaking rather than written communication, making it less suitable for the nominal group technique. Email exchanges (choice B) are also not the primary method as they lack the structured approach of the nominal group technique. Group discussions (choice D) do occur in the nominal group technique but are secondary to the initial written idea generation phase.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary objective of healthcare accreditation programs is to ensure patient safety and quality care by meeting established standards. Choice A is incorrect because while financial aspects may be indirectly impacted, the main focus is on patient care. Choice C is incorrect as the primary goal is not operational efficiency but rather quality of care. Choice D is incorrect as reducing hospital readmissions is a specific goal that may be influenced by accreditation but not the primary objective.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'All of the above.' Established critical pathways, collaborative practice teams, and quality management systems are indeed key elements essential to the implementation of case management. Collaborative practice teams allow for multidisciplinary collaboration, established critical pathways help guide patient care, and a quality management system ensures that care provided meets established standards. Choice A, collaborative practice teams, is correct as they are fundamental for effective case management, involving various professionals working together. Choice B, established critical pathways, is also correct as they provide a structured approach to managing patient care. Choice C, quality management system, is correct as it ensures that care is delivered at high standards and continuously monitored for improvement. Therefore, all these elements are crucial for successful case management implementation.