A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is evaluating an assistive personnel’s use of infection control precautions. Which of the following actions by the AP indicates correct use of the precautions?

a. MS 10 mg IV every 4 prn for pain

This choice is incorrect because it lacks clarity and proper formatting. "MS" could be misunderstood as "morphine sulfate," but it's not specified. Additionally, "every 4 prn for pain" is not a standard way to write a prescription. It should indicate the frequency (e.g., every 4 hours) and the indication for administration (e.g., prn for pain).

b. Morphine sulfate 10 mg IV q 4 hr IV prn for pain

This choice is the correct transcription of the prescription. It clearly states the medication (morphine sulfate), the dosage (10 mg), the route (IV), the frequency (every 4 hours), and the indication for administration (prn for pain).

c. MSO4 10 mg IVP q 4 prn for pain

This choice is incorrect due to the use of abbreviations that may not be universally understood. While "MSO4" likely stands for morphine sulfate, it's preferable to write it out completely to avoid confusion. Additionally, "q 4" is not clear and should be written as "every 4 hours."

d. Morphine sulfate 10.0 mg every 4 hours IV prn for pain

This choice is incorrect because it specifies the dosage with unnecessary precision (10.0 mg instead of 10 mg). While this level of precision is not typically required in medication prescriptions, it doesn't make the prescription incorrect per se. However, it's not the most common or standard way to write medication orders.

a. Root cause analysis:

Root cause analysis is a method used to identify the underlying causes of problems or adverse events. It involves systematically investigating an issue to determine the primary factors that contributed to its occurrence. Root cause analysis aims to identify not only the immediate causes but also the underlying systemic or process-related factors that led to the problem.

b. Benchmarking:

Benchmarking involves comparing an organization's performance, processes, or outcomes to those of other organizations or industry standards that are recognized as leaders or best practices. It allows organizations to identify areas for improvement by learning from the successes and best practices of others. Benchmarking can help organizations set performance targets, improve processes, and achieve excellence in various areas.

c. Risk benefit analysis:

Risk-benefit analysis is a method used to evaluate the potential risks and benefits associated with a decision, action, or intervention. It involves assessing the likelihood and severity of potential risks and comparing them to the expected benefits or outcomes. Risk-benefit analysis helps decision-makers weigh the advantages and disadvantages of different options to make informed decisions that maximize benefits while minimizing risks.

d. Structure audit:

A structure audit is an evaluation of the organizational structure, policies, procedures, and resources in place within an organization. It assesses the adequacy and effectiveness of the organizational infrastructure in supporting the delivery of services or achieving organizational goals. Structure audits help identify strengths and weaknesses in the organization's structure and processes, providing insights into areas that may require improvement or enhancement.