A nurse is caring for an adult client.

Exhibits

The nurse should determine the assessment findings are consistent with which of the following disease processes?

For each assessment finding, click to specify if the assessment finding is consistent with laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB), epiglottitis, or foreign body aspiration. Each finding may support more than 1 disease process.

A. Advocacy: Advocacy involves representing the interests and needs of individual patients or groups within the healthcare system. While the nurse's actions may indirectly benefit patients by improving care standards, the focus here is on systemic changes rather than individual patient representation. Advocacy often involves lobbying for resources, policy changes, or addressing ethical concerns on behalf of patients, which is not the primary goal of the actions taken in this scenario.
B. Quality improvement: This term best describes the nurse's actions as it focuses on enhancing healthcare practices and patient outcomes through systematic efforts. By identifying the increase in pressure injuries and collaborating with management to implement a new policy, the nurse is actively participating in a quality improvement initiative aimed at reducing risks and improving care protocols in the ICU. This approach reflects a commitment to continuous improvement in patient safety and care standards, aligning with best practices in healthcare.
C. Case Management: Case management primarily involves coordinating care for individual patients, ensuring they receive appropriate services, and managing their healthcare journey. While the nurse may address pressure injuries at the unit level, the actions taken are broader and not confined to individual patient care. Case management emphasizes individualized care plans and resource allocation rather than addressing systemic issues affecting a group of patients in the ICU.
D. Collaboration: Collaboration refers to working together with others, such as colleagues and management, to achieve common goals in patient care. While the nurse did collaborate with the manager to develop and implement the new policy, collaboration alone does not capture the proactive approach taken to address the increase in pressure injuries. It emphasizes teamwork but lacks the focus on systematic quality enhancement that characterizes quality improvement efforts, which aim to implement lasting changes in practices and outcomes.

A. When asked about your strengths and weaknesses, focus primarily on your strengths. While highlighting strengths is important, interviewers also value self-awareness and the ability to recognize areas for improvement. Providing a well-balanced answer that includes a genuine weakness and how you are working to improve it demonstrates professionalism and a growth mindset.
B. Ask questions about the salary. While salary is an important consideration, bringing it up too early in the interview may give the impression that financial compensation is the primary concern. It is generally best to wait until the employer brings up salary or discuss it once a job offer has been extended.
C. Place your portfolio containing your resume on the interviewer's desk. Offering a resume or portfolio when asked is appropriate, but placing it on the interviewer’s desk without being invited to do so may come across as overly assertive. A more professional approach is to hand over documents when requested or when relevant to the discussion.
D. Ask questions about the position and the facility. Asking thoughtful questions about the role, work environment, team structure, and opportunities for growth shows genuine interest in the position. It also helps the candidate assess whether the job aligns with their professional goals. Engaging in meaningful dialogue makes a positive impression on the interviewer.