A nurse on a quality control committee is evaluating the effectiveness of recently implemented measures aimed at reducing medication errors.

Which methods should the nurse use to evaluate the success of the changes?

Choice A rationale
Offering high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods frequently is an important intervention for a client who has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)4. These nutrients can provide the energy needed for the increased metabolic demands of ARDS and support the healing process.
Choice B rationale
Administering low-flow oxygen continuously via nasal cannula is not typically the main treatment for ARDS5. ARDS is a severe condition that often requires high levels of supplemental oxygen delivered through methods that can provide higher concentrations of oxygen than a nasal cannula.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging oral intake of at least 3,000 mL of fluids per day is not a typical intervention for a client with ARDS4. While adequate hydration is important, too much fluid can worsen lung function in clients with ARDS4. Fluid management in ARDS is typically carefully controlled and may involve diuretics to remove excess fluid.
Choice D rationale
Repositioning and placing the client in a prone position is not a typical intervention for all clients with ARDS4. While some clients with severe ARDS may benefit from prone positioning, this is not a standard intervention for all clients with ARDS4.

Choice A rationale
The nurse’s actions are an example of Quality Improvement. Quality Improvement involves systematic actions that lead to measurable improvement in health care services and the health status of targeted patient groups. In this case, the nurse identified a problem (increase in pressure injuries), collected data (documented findings), and implemented a change (new policy for consistent use of a pressure injury risk assessment scale) to improve patient outcomes.
Choice B rationale
While collaboration was part of the process (the nurse collaborated with the manager), the overall actions taken represent a Quality Improvement process.
Choice C rationale
Case Management typically involves coordinating the care and services of select patient populations, such as those with chronic illnesses or complex health needs. It does not directly apply to this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Advocacy involves supporting or promoting the interests of others, such as patients or colleagues. Although the nurse’s actions could be seen as advocating for the patients’ well- being, the term that best characterizes these actions is Quality Improvement.