A nurse manager is a part of a team developing a quality improvement plan to address the increased incidence of central line-related bloodstream infections. Which of the following strategies should the nurse manager include in the plan?
Change the facility's vendor for central line products
Use resources that identify benchmarks of best practices
Identify the staff caring for clients who acquire an infection
Report the incidence of infection to the health department
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Changing the facility's vendor for central line products is not a quality improvement strategy. The vendor is not the cause of the infections, but the process of insertion, maintenance, and removal of the central line. The nurse manager should focus on improving the quality of care rather than the quality of products.
Choice B reason: Using resources that identify benchmarks of best practices is a quality improvement strategy. The nurse manager should compare the facility's performance with the standards and guidelines of evidence-based practice, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). The nurse manager should also implement interventions to reduce the infection rate, such as staff education, audits, and feedback.
Choice C reason: Identifying the staff caring for clients who acquire an infection is not a quality improvement strategy. The nurse manager should not single out or blame the staff for the infections, but rather involve them in the quality improvement process. The nurse manager should foster a culture of safety and teamwork, and encourage the staff to report and prevent errors.
Choice D reason: Reporting the incidence of infection to the health department is not a quality improvement strategy. The nurse manager should report the infection rate as required by law, but this does not improve the quality of care. The nurse manager should use the data to identify the gaps and areas of improvement, and monitor the outcomes of the quality improvement plan.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Nurses who have advanced training may provide direct care for clients, but this is not specific to case management. Case management is a collaborative process that involves assessing, planning, implementing, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating the options and services required to meet the client's health and human service needs.
Choice B reason: Nurses use critical pathways when caring for clients as part of case management. Critical pathways are standardized plans of care that outline the expected outcomes, interventions, and time frames for a specific diagnosis or procedure. They help to ensure quality, continuity, and cost-effectiveness of care.
Choice C reason: Nurses delegate and supervise assigned tasks, but this is a general nursing responsibility and not specific to case management. Case management requires more than just task delegation and supervision. It also involves communication, coordination, and evaluation of care.
Choice D reason: The nurse completes one specific task for a group of clients is not an accurate description of case management. Case management is not task-oriented, but client-centered and outcome-focused. The nurse is responsible for the overall care of the client, not just one aspect of it.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Returning unused supplies from the bedside to the unit's supply stock is an appropriate action to include in the cost-containment plan. This action prevents waste and saves money by reusing the supplies that are not contaminated or expired.
Choice B reason: Using clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care is not an appropriate action to include in the cost-containment plan. This action compromises the quality and safety of care by increasing the risk of infection and cross-contamination. Sterile gloves are required for colostomy care to prevent introducing microorganisms into the stoma or the pouch.
Choice C reason: Storing opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours is not an appropriate action to include in the cost-containment plan. This action violates the infection control and medication administration policies. Opened bottles of normal saline should be discarded after 24 hours or after a single use, depending on the facility's protocol. Refrigerating the bottles does not extend their shelf life or sterility.
Choice D reason: Waiting to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full is not an appropriate action to include in the cost-containment plan. This action poses a hazard and a liability for the staff and the clients. Sharps containers should be disposed of when they are three-quarters full or according to the manufacturer's instructions. Overfilling the containers can cause needlestick injuries or spillage of contaminated materials.
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