A Medical-Surgical unit reports an unusually high incidence of falls in the previous quarter. Which of the following interventions made by the manager best reduces the occurrence of falls?
Recognizing that errors are solely the result of an individual’s mistakes.
Punishing employees caring for patients who fall.
Implementing a policy that restrains any patient at risk for falls.
Providing safety and fall prevention education.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason
Recognizing that errors are solely the result of an individual’s mistakes is not an effective approach to reducing falls. This perspective fails to consider the systemic and environmental factors that contribute to falls. A blame-focused culture can lead to underreporting of incidents and hinder efforts to identify and address the root causes of falls. Instead, a comprehensive approach that includes system-wide changes and staff education is more effective in preventing falls.
Choice B Reason
Punishing employees caring for patients who fall is counterproductive. This approach can create a culture of fear and blame, discouraging staff from reporting falls and near-misses. It is essential to foster a supportive environment where staff feel comfortable discussing incidents and contributing to fall prevention strategies. Punitive measures do not address the underlying factors that lead to falls and can negatively impact staff morale and patient care.
Choice C Reason
Implementing a policy that restrains any patient at risk for falls is not a recommended practice. Restraints can lead to physical and psychological harm, and their use should be minimized. Instead, fall prevention strategies should focus on individualized care plans, environmental modifications, and staff education. Restraints should only be used as a last resort when all other interventions have failed and the patient’s safety is at immediate risk.
Choice D Reason
Providing safety and fall prevention education is the most effective intervention for reducing the occurrence of falls. Education programs for both staff and patients can significantly decrease fall rates by increasing awareness of fall risks and promoting best practices for fall prevention. These programs can include training on proper use of assistive devices, safe patient handling techniques, and environmental modifications. Educating patients about their own fall risks and involving them in their care plans also enhances fall prevention efforts.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is ["B","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
“The patient must consent because the procedure is necessary for survival.” This statement is incorrect because it implies that the necessity of the procedure overrides the patient’s autonomy. Informed consent is a fundamental ethical and legal requirement in healthcare. Patients have the right to make their own decisions about their treatment, even if refusing treatment may result in harm or death. Forcing consent undermines patient autonomy and can lead to legal and ethical issues.
Choice B Reason:
“Consent should not be forced.” This statement is correct and aligns with the principles of patient autonomy and informed consent. Forcing a patient to consent to a procedure violates their rights and can lead to ethical and legal complications. Healthcare providers must respect the patient’s decision, provide all necessary information, and support them in making an informed choice.
Choice C Reason:
“If the surgery is life-saving, we can proceed regardless of what the patient says.” This statement is incorrect. Even in life-saving situations, patients have the right to refuse treatment. There are very few exceptions to this rule, such as when a patient is deemed legally incompetent to make decisions. In such cases, a legal guardian or power of attorney may be involved. However, competent patients retain the right to refuse any medical intervention.
Choice D Reason:
“Sometimes patients refuse because they are anxious. Give them a sedative, then ask again.” This statement is inappropriate and unethical. Administering a sedative to obtain consent can be seen as coercive and does not respect the patient’s autonomy. It is important to address the patient’s concerns and anxiety through communication and support, rather than using medication to influence their decision.
Choice E Reason:
“The patient has every right to refuse.” This statement is correct and reflects the ethical principle of respect for patient autonomy. Patients have the right to make their own healthcare decisions, including the right to refuse treatment. Healthcare providers should ensure that patients are fully informed about their options and the potential consequences of their decisions, but ultimately, the decision rests with the patient.
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