Which of the following is a result of the effect of increasing healthcare costs on hospital admissions?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: decreased length of hospital stay. Increasing healthcare costs lead to hospitals aiming to reduce costs by decreasing the length of hospital stays. Shorter stays reduce overall expenses for the hospital. This is a direct result of the effect of increasing healthcare costs on hospital admissions. The other choices are incorrect because decreased number of surgeries (B) and fewer surgeries in ambulatory centers (D) are related to surgical procedures, not hospital admissions. Increased hospital admissions (C) would not typically be a result of increasing healthcare costs, as hospitals aim to minimize costs by reducing length of stays rather than increasing admissions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Placing a patient chart in a holder on the examining room door with the name facing out is an example of an incidental disclosure of patient health information that is permitted. This is because the information disclosed is minimal and necessary for the function of providing care. It does not overly expose sensitive information and is in line with standard practices in healthcare settings. The other choices are incorrect: A: Putting out a sign-in sheet for incoming patients may expose patient names to others in the waiting room, potentially violating patient privacy. B: Overhearing nurses discussing a patient through a door breaches patient confidentiality as it exposes sensitive information to unauthorized individuals. D: Leaving an x-ray on a light board in the hallway exposes patient health information to individuals who may not have a legitimate need to access it, leading to a breach of privacy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct term for nurses visiting selected patients individually at the beginning of each shift is "nursing care rounds" (Choice D). This term refers to the systematic process of nurses assessing and discussing patient care needs. Nursing care conferences (Choice A) involve a group discussion, not individual visits. Staff visits (Choice B) are too general and do not specifically refer to nurses visiting patients. Interdisciplinary referrals (Choice C) involve involving multiple healthcare disciplines, not just nurses visiting patients individually. Therefore, Choice D is the correct answer.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: master's degree. To become a geriatric nurse practitioner, Amy will need to attain a master's degree in nursing. This advanced degree provides the specialized knowledge and skills required to work as a nurse practitioner specializing in geriatric care. A licensed practical nurse (A) and an associate degree (B) are not sufficient for this specialized role. While a baccalaureate degree (C) is a higher level of education than an associate degree, it is still not advanced enough to become a nurse practitioner specializing in geriatrics.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: protection from harm. Informed consent ensures that patients are aware of the potential risks and benefits of participating in a study and that they are protected from harm. This includes measures to minimize risks and ensure their safety throughout the study. Confidentiality (A) is important but not directly related to informed consent. Free medical care (B) is not a guaranteed right in research studies and is not a component of informed consent. Refusal to participate (C) is generally a right granted through informed consent, but the primary focus is on protecting participants from harm.