A nurse is creating a plan for quality improvement to reduce the incidence of health care-associated infections at an acute care facility. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Implement the plan in the health care setting.

Test the plan to see if refinements are needed.

Determine whether the plan will result in an improvement.

Adjust the plan as necessary to improve quality.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Rationale:

A. Implement the plan in the health care setting: Implementation is an important part of the quality improvement process, but it follows planning and assessment stages. Executing a plan before confirming its potential effectiveness can lead to ineffective interventions.

B. Test the plan to see if refinements are needed: Testing typically occurs after initial development and evaluation. While it's essential for refining the plan, it should not occur until the plan has been reviewed for its potential to produce meaningful improvements.

C. Determine whether the plan will result in an improvement: The first step in quality improvement planning is evaluating whether the proposed interventions are likely to produce a measurable and positive effect. This ensures that resources and efforts are directed toward impactful changes.

D. Adjust the plan as necessary to improve quality: Adjustments should be made based on data gathered during testing and implementation. Altering the plan before determining its likely impact or testing it limits the ability to identify what actually works.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale:

A. Obtain the client's serum ammonia level: Serum ammonia levels are typically monitored in clients with liver dysfunction or hepatic encephalopathy, not in early sepsis. Ammonia is not a primary marker of tissue hypoperfusion or sepsis-related metabolic changes.

B. Administer glucagon to the client: Glucagon is used primarily to treat hypoglycemia or beta-blocker overdose. It does not play a role in the management or diagnosis of sepsis and would not be indicated in this context.

C. Obtain the client's serum lactate level: Serum lactate is a key indicator in early sepsis, reflecting tissue hypoperfusion and anaerobic metabolism. Elevated lactate levels help identify severity and guide resuscitation efforts, making it an essential early diagnostic step.

D. Administer lactulose to the client: Lactulose is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy by reducing ammonia absorption in the gut. It is not relevant in the early identification or treatment of sepsis and would not address the pathophysiology of the condition.

A. Hang a nitroprusside IV bolus infusion. B. Check a client's troponin level. C. Administer 30 mL/kg of 0.9% sodium chloride IV infusion. D. Obtain a blood culture 30 min after administering an antibiotic.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale:

A. Hang a nitroprusside IV bolus infusion: Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator used primarily in hypertensive emergencies, not in early sepsis management. Vasodilation can worsen hypotension in septic patients, especially during the resuscitation phase.

B. Check a client's troponin level: Troponin is a cardiac biomarker used to evaluate myocardial injury, such as in acute coronary syndrome. It is not a standard part of the initial sepsis resuscitation bundle unless cardiac involvement is suspected.

C. Administer 30 mL/kg of 0.9% sodium chloride IV infusion: Rapid fluid resuscitation with crystalloids like normal saline is a core element of the sepsis bundle. It helps restore intravascular volume, maintain perfusion, and support blood pressure during the early management of sepsis and septic shock.

D. Obtain a blood culture 30 min after administering an antibiotic: Blood cultures should be obtained before administering antibiotics to accurately identify the causative organism. Giving antibiotics first may reduce the ability to isolate the pathogen, affecting targeted treatment.

View Question and Answer

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

A nurse is creating a plan for quality improvement to reduce the incidence of health care-associated infections at an acute care facility. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is planning care for a client who has manifestations of early sepsis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a group of nurses about the sepsis resuscitation bundle. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is planning to form a quality improvement group to establish guidelines that attempt to reduce health care-associated infections in the facility. The nurse should identify which of the following as the first stage of group process that involves interprofessional collaboration?

A nurse is caring for a client who has Cushing's disease. The nurse should identify that which of the following assessments is the priority?

A nurse is developing the plan of care for a client who has a spinal cord injury and is in halo traction. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan?

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has heart failure and is experiencing fluid volume excess without an electrolyte imbalance. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is creating a plan for quality improvement to reduce the incidence of health care-associated infections at an acute care facility. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse is assessing a client who is 16 hr postoperative following a craniotomy for a brain tumor. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving mannitol for increased intracranial pressure. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as an adverse effect of this medication?

A public health nurse is preparing an awareness program to decrease health care disparities by introducing the goals for Healthy People 2020. The nurse should include which of the following goals in the program?