A nurse manager is planning to teach staff about critical pathways. Which of the following information should the nurse plan to include?
Critical pathways-should reduce health care costs.
Nurses should discontinue the critical pathway if variances occur.
Critical pathways have an unlimited timeframe for completion.
Nurses' notes are used to create the critical pathway.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Critical pathways should reduce health care costs. Critical pathways, also known as clinical pathways or care maps, are evidence-based, multidisciplinary plans that outline expected care and outcomes for specific conditions. They aim to improve care efficiency, reduce complications, and lower healthcare costs by standardizing care.
B. Nurses should discontinue the critical pathway if variances occur. Variances—deviations from the expected pathway—are documented and analyzed, not a reason to discontinue the pathway. They help identify areas for improvement or necessary adjustments in patient care.
C. Critical pathways have an unlimited timeframe for completion. Critical pathways are time-bound, with specific goals and milestones to be met within a set timeframe based on typical recovery patterns for the condition being treated.
D. Nurses' notes are used to create the critical pathway. Critical pathways are developed using evidence-based guidelines, expert consensus, and clinical research, not individual nurses’ progress notes. However, nurses do document progress and variances within the pathway.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Draw up regular insulin prior to NPH insulin. This is the correct technique when mixing short-acting (regular) and intermediate-acting (NPH) insulins in the same syringe. Drawing up regular insulin first prevents contamination of the clear insulin vial with the cloudy NPH, which could alter the action of the regular insulin.
B. Roll the syringe gently to ensure mixture of the insulins. Insulin should be mixed in the vial before drawing it into the syringe—not after. NPH insulin should be gently rolled between the hands to mix it, but the syringe itself should not be rolled after drawing both insulins, as this can introduce bubbles and affect dosing accuracy.
C. Inject into the vastus lateralis. The preferred sites for subcutaneous insulin administration are areas with sufficient subcutaneous tissue, such as the abdomen, upper outer arms, thighs, or buttocks. The vastus lateralis is more commonly used for intramuscular injections, such as vaccines.
D. Use a 15° angle for the injection. A 15° angle is appropriate for intradermal injections, not subcutaneous insulin injections. For insulin, the correct angle is typically 45° or 90°, depending on the client’s body habitus and needle length, to ensure proper subcutaneous delivery.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Trochanter roll. This device is used to prevent external rotation of the hips, especially in clients who are immobile or lying supine. It does not support the feet or ankles and does not prevent plantar flexion.
B. Abduction pillow. An abduction pillow is placed between the legs to maintain proper hip alignment, particularly after hip surgery. It is not designed to prevent foot drop or plantar flexion contractures.
C. Sheepskin heel pad. This provides skin protection and pressure relief to prevent pressure ulcers on the heels. While useful for comfort and skin integrity, it does not keep the foot in a neutral position to prevent contractures.
D. Footboard. A footboard is placed at the foot of the bed to help maintain the foot in dorsiflexion, thereby preventing plantar flexion contractures (also known as foot drop). It supports proper alignment and is the most appropriate device for this purpose in clients with limited mobility.
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