A nurse is attending a quality improvement meeting. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first when initiating a quality improvement program to address health care-associated infections?
Incorporate the process change into daily practice within the facility.
Determine if the implemented change has lowered the current infection rate.
Select a potential intervention to lower the current infection rate.
Identify current infection rates from facility data.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Incorporate the process change into daily practice within the facility: While incorporating process changes is an essential step in quality improvement, it should not be the first action taken. Before implementing changes, it is crucial to gather data and identify areas for improvement to ensure that interventions are targeted and effective.
B) Determine if the implemented change has lowered the current infection rate: Assessing the effectiveness of interventions is an important aspect of quality improvement, but it should occur after identifying baseline data and implementing interventions. Without baseline data, it is challenging to determine the impact of changes accurately.
C) Select a potential intervention to lower the current infection rate: While selecting interventions is a necessary step in quality improvement, it should follow the identification of current infection rates and areas for improvement. Without data on current infection rates, it is difficult to select appropriate interventions.
D) Identify current infection rates from facility data: This is the correct first action when initiating a quality improvement program to address healthcare-associated infections. Gathering data on current infection rates provides a baseline for assessing the problem's magnitude and identifying areas for improvement. It allows healthcare providers to target interventions effectively and evaluate their impact over time.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Perform CPR on the client:
Performing CPR is a critical intervention during cardiac arrest to maintain circulation and oxygenation. Assistive personnel are trained in basic CPR techniques and can effectively administer chest compressions according to established protocols. Assigning this task to assistive personnel allows the nurse to focus on other aspects of resuscitation and coordination of care.
B) Assist with airway intubation:
Airway intubation requires specialized training and skills, typically performed by licensed healthcare providers such as nurses or physicians. While assistive personnel may assist with preparing equipment or positioning the client, they are not trained to perform airway intubation procedures.
C) Place defibrillator pads on the client:
Placing defibrillator pads requires knowledge of proper positioning and electrode placement to deliver effective defibrillation shocks. This task is typically performed by healthcare providers with training in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). Assistive personnel may assist with tasks such as preparing the client's chest and clearing the area for defibrillation, but they do not typically apply the pads themselves.
D) Maintain IV access:
Maintaining IV access involves monitoring the IV site, adjusting flow rates, and administering medications or fluids as ordered. While assistive personnel may assist with tasks related to IV access, such as holding the IV bag or adjusting tubing, they are not typically responsible for the overall management and maintenance of IV access during a cardiac arrest situation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) A newborn has an Apgar score of 7 at 5 min after birth:
An Apgar score of 7 at 5 minutes after birth is within the expected range and does not require an incident report. Apgar scores are used to assess a newborn's overall condition at birth, and a score of 7 indicates the infant is in good condition.
B) A newborn has respiratory distress and requires oxygen:
This event warrants completing an incident report because respiratory distress in a newborn requiring oxygen may indicate a significant clinical issue that needs to be investigated further. An incident report allows for documentation and investigation of the event to ensure appropriate actions are taken to address the newborn's condition and prevent similar incidents in the future.
C) A newborn receives erythromycin ophthalmic ointment 4 hr after birth:
Administering erythromycin ophthalmic ointment to newborns is a routine procedure to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum and does not require an incident report unless there is an adverse reaction or error in administration.
D) A newborn receives a heel stick on the outer aspect of the heel:
Heel sticks are commonly performed for newborn screening tests, such as blood glucose or bilirubin levels. Unless there is an error in the procedure or an adverse event related to the heel stick, it does not necessitate an incident report.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.