Which of the following statements is TRUE of Quality Improvement?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Quality Improvement is a systematic approach that aims to continually enhance the quality of services or products within an organization. The statement that is true of Quality Improvement is that it focuses on continually improving every process in the organization (Option B). This includes processes related to patient care, organizational structure, and all aspects of operations. Quality Improvement involves identifying areas for improvement, implementing changes, monitoring the effectiveness of those changes, and then making further refinements. By focusing on every process within the organization, Quality Improvement helps drive positive outcomes and ensures sustainable improvements in quality and performance.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should monitor the International Normalized Ratio (INR) closely during anticoagulant therapy for the prevention of VTE. The INR measures the clotting ability of the blood and is used to monitor the effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy, such as warfarin. Maintaining the INR within the target therapeutic range is crucial to prevent both excessive bleeding due to over-anticoagulation and clotting events due to under-anticoagulation. Close monitoring of the INR helps healthcare providers adjust the anticoagulant dosage as needed to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes and minimize risks. Platelet count, serum sodium levels, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) are important laboratory parameters to monitor for other medical conditions but are not specific to anticoagulant therapy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient is most likely experiencing autonomic dysreflexia. Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in individuals with spinal cord injuries at the level of T6 or above. It is characterized by a sudden onset of severe hypertension, bradycardia, diaphoresis, flushing, and headache in response to a noxious stimulus below the level of injury. The sudden change in position from supine to sitting likely triggered autonomic dysreflexia in this patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Quality Improvement is a systematic approach that aims to continually enhance the quality of services or products within an organization. The statement that is true of Quality Improvement is that it focuses on continually improving every process in the organization (Option B). This includes processes related to patient care, organizational structure, and all aspects of operations. Quality Improvement involves identifying areas for improvement, implementing changes, monitoring the effectiveness of those changes, and then making further refinements. By focusing on every process within the organization, Quality Improvement helps drive positive outcomes and ensures sustainable improvements in quality and performance.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: After activating the emergency response system, the immediate priority in CPR is to begin chest compressions to support blood circulation. High-quality chest compressions are crucial in providing oxygen to vital organs, especially the brain, during cardiac arrest. Starting chest compressions promptly can improve the chances of survival for the person in need of CPR. Checking for breathing, performing abdominal thrusts, or assessing pulse should only be done after initiating chest compressions in the CPR sequence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Clients undergoing nasogastric suctioning are at highest risk for developing metabolic imbalances, specifically metabolic acidosis. Nasogastric suctioning can lead to the loss of gastric acid, which in turn can cause metabolic acidosis due to a decrease in bicarbonate levels in the body. This disruption in the acid-base balance can result in symptoms such as confusion, headache, and overall malaise. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor the client's acid-base status closely and provide appropriate interventions to prevent or correct metabolic acidosis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a conscious trauma patient with a suspected head injury, maintaining cervical spine immobilization is crucial. The presence of a head injury raises concerns for potential concomitant cervical spine injury. Therefore, it is vital to prevent any movement of the cervical spine to avoid exacerbating a potential spinal cord injury. Maintaining immobilization involves stabilizing the patient's head and neck in a neutral position until appropriate imaging studies can assess the extent of any spinal injury. This action helps prevent further harm and ensures the safety of the patient during assessment and management of their injuries.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Autonomy is the ethical principle that upholds an individual's right to make decisions about their own medical treatment, free from coercion or undue influence. In this scenario, the 70-year-old patient has voluntarily decided not to have the pacemaker inserted despite the physician's recommendation. The fact that the decision is respected by the family further highlights the importance of autonomy in this situation. Respecting the patient's right to make choices regarding their own healthcare, even if it goes against medical advice, demonstrates a commitment to autonomy as an ethical principle.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: It is NOT recommended to use the same syringe and needle in administering two different vaccines. This is to prevent contamination or mixing of different vaccines, which could potentially affect their effectiveness or pose a risk to the individual receiving the vaccines. It is important to use separate syringes and needles for each vaccine to ensure proper administration and prevent any adverse reactions.