A manager observes a rise in medication errors following staffing changes. What approach should the manager consider to decrease errors?
Motivate nurses who make medication errors to submit incident reports and include them in the patients’ records.
Delegate the task by requesting another department to manage quality improvement.
Work together with floor nurses to identify the causes of errors and develop solutions.
Prevent errors by highlighting the punishments for making a medication mistake.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Motivating nurses to submit incident reports and include them in patients’ records is important for transparency and accountability. However, this approach alone does not address the root causes of medication errors. Incident reporting is a reactive measure that helps in documenting errors after they occur but does not proactively prevent future errors. Effective error reduction requires a more comprehensive strategy that includes identifying and addressing the underlying factors contributing to errors.
Choice B reason:
Delegating the task to another department to manage quality improvement might seem like a viable option, but it can lead to a disconnect between the staff directly involved in patient care and those responsible for quality improvement. This separation can result in a lack of ownership and accountability among the nursing staff. Quality improvement initiatives are most effective when they involve the active participation of the staff who are directly involved in the processes being improved.
Choice C reason:
Working together with floor nurses to identify the causes of errors and develop solutions is the most effective approach. This collaborative method ensures that the staff who are directly involved in patient care are engaged in the process of identifying issues and creating practical solutions. Nurses on the floor have firsthand knowledge of the challenges and can provide valuable insights into the factors contributing to medication errors. This approach fosters a culture of teamwork, continuous improvement, and shared responsibility for patient safety.
Choice D reason:
Preventing errors by highlighting the punishments for making a medication mistake is a punitive approach that can create a culture of fear and blame. This method is counterproductive as it discourages open communication and reporting of errors. When staff fear punishment, they are less likely to report mistakes, which hinders the ability to learn from errors and implement preventive measures. A more effective strategy focuses on creating a supportive environment where staff feel safe to report errors and participate in developing solutions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Conducting a review of adverse events and incident reports is a valuable strategy for identifying areas of improvement and understanding the root causes of issues within the unit. However, this approach is more focused on quality improvement and risk management rather than directly enhancing the use of evidence-based practice. While it can provide insights into areas needing attention, it does not actively involve the staff in the process of integrating evidence-based practices.
Choice B Reason
Reviewing specialty organization guidelines is an important step in staying updated with the latest standards and recommendations in nursing practice. These guidelines are often based on the best available evidence and can serve as a foundation for implementing evidence-based practices. However, relying solely on guidelines without involving the staff in the decision-making process may not lead to successful implementation. Staff engagement is crucial for the practical application of these guidelines.
Choice C Reason
Prohibiting anyone outside the nurse manager’s chosen team from participating in the planning process is counterproductive. This approach limits the diversity of perspectives and ideas, which are essential for developing comprehensive and effective strategies. Inclusive planning processes that involve a wide range of staff members are more likely to result in successful implementation of evidence-based practices. Excluding others can lead to resistance and lack of buy-in from the broader team.
Choice D Reason
Requesting input from staff members is the most appropriate strategy for enhancing the use of evidence-based practice. Engaging the staff in the planning and implementation process fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to the changes being made. It allows for the incorporation of practical insights and experiences from those who are directly involved in patient care. This collaborative approach increases the likelihood of successful adoption and sustainability of evidence-based practices.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Assisting the employee in obtaining professional help is the most appropriate strategy. Emotional distress can significantly impact an employee’s well-being and job performance. Professional help, such as counseling or therapy, provides the necessary support and resources to address the underlying issues effectively. This approach ensures that the employee receives specialized care from trained professionals, which is crucial for their mental health and recovery.
Choice B Reason:
Adjusting the standard of care to assist the employee is not a practical or sustainable solution. The standard of care is established to ensure consistent and high-quality service delivery. Altering it for individual employees can compromise the overall quality of care and create inconsistencies in service provision. Instead, supporting the employee through professional help is a more effective way to address their emotional distress without impacting the standard of care.
Choice C Reason:
Adjusting the employee’s work schedule to decrease stress can be a helpful short-term measure, but it does not address the root cause of the emotional distress. While reducing stress through schedule adjustments can provide temporary relief, it is not a comprehensive solution. The employee may still need professional support to manage their emotional health effectively. Therefore, this option should be considered as a supplementary measure rather than the primary strategy.
Choice D Reason:
Acting as a therapist for the employee is not appropriate for a nurse manager. While providing support and understanding is important, nurse managers are not trained mental health professionals. Attempting to act as a therapist can blur professional boundaries and may not provide the employee with the specialized care they need. It is essential to refer the employee to qualified mental health professionals who can offer the appropriate support and interventions.
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