A nurse is discussing the advantages and challenges of electronic health records (EHRS) with a newly licensed nurse.
Which of the following should the nurse include as an advantage?

Answer and explanation

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice A rationale

Speculating about the cause of the fall ("probably urinated on the floor") is unprofessional and lacks factual basis. Charting should be objective and based on observed facts, not assumptions.

Choice B rationale

Documenting objective observations, such as finding the patient on the floor with the urinal nearby, provides a factual account of the incident without making assumptions or assigning blame. This allows for a more accurate analysis of potential contributing factors.

Choice C rationale

Commenting on the nurse assistant's work habits ("always took her time") is subjective, irrelevant to the fall incident itself, and unprofessional. Charting should focus on the patient and the event.

Choice D rationale

Describing the patient as "grouchy and inappropriate" is judgmental, subjective, and does not contribute to an understanding of the fall. Such personal opinions are inappropriate for medical documentation.

Choice A rationale

Centralized management involves top-down decision-making, where the nurse manager holds authority for policies, reviews, and disciplinary actions. This structure concentrates power and control at the managerial level, limiting staff input and autonomy in shaping unit operations and standards of practice.

Choice B rationale

Regularly monitoring patient care by making rounds is a supervisory function, ensuring adherence to established protocols and identifying immediate issues. While important for quality assurance, it doesn't inherently decentralize decision-making or empower staff in a collaborative manner.

Choice C rationale

Decentralized management empowers staff at lower levels to participate in decision-making processes. When staff nurses collaborate with the manager to review care options and implement preventive strategies, it distributes authority and fosters a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for patient outcomes.

Choice D rationale

Conducting regular staff meetings to disseminate information about new equipment and policies is a communication strategy that ensures staff are informed. However, it does not necessarily involve staff in the formulation or decision-making processes related to these changes, maintaining a more centralized approach.