The nurse leader on the risk management committee notices an alarming increase in medication errors on a quarterly report.
Which is the first step in initiating a quality improvement project?
Go to the various nursing units and talk with the nurses on a daily basis.
Offer a two-hour educational program for staff about the costs of medication errors.
Collect monthly data at the nursing unit level to isolate specific patterns.
Recommend that the healthcare facility purchase a bar code scanner system.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Going to various nursing units and talking with nurses on a daily basis is not the first step in initiating a quality improvement project when there is an increase in medication errors. While communication with nursing staff is essential, it should come after data collection and analysis to understand the specific patterns and causes of the errors.
Choice B rationale:
Offering a two-hour educational program about the costs of medication errors is a well-intentioned initiative but may not address the immediate need to understand and address the causes of the increase in errors. Education can be part of a broader quality improvement plan, but it should follow data collection and analysis.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer. Collecting monthly data at the nursing unit level to isolate specific patterns is the first step in addressing the increase in medication errors. It allows the risk management committee to identify when and where errors are occurring, which is crucial for effective problem-solving and quality improvement.
Choice D rationale:
Recommending the purchase of a bar code scanner system is a solution that should be considered after identifying specific patterns and causes of medication errors. It may be a valuable intervention, but it should come later in the quality improvement process.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B rationale:
Apply for institutional review board (IRB) approval for a study involving human subjects is the most important step before conducting the experimental study. IRB approval is crucial to ensure that the research is conducted ethically, with proper consideration for participant safety and rights. It also assesses the study's design, methods, and consent process to protect participants.
Choice A rationale:
Determining what instruments are available to measure the independent variable is essential but typically follows the IRB approval process. It is part of the research planning and implementation stages.
Choice C rationale:
Obtaining release forms from parents allowing their children to participate in the study is important but is a step that follows IRB approval. Informed consent processes are typically reviewed by the IRB.
Choice D rationale:
Reviewing the literature to determine if other research projects have addressed this issue is valuable but is part of the research planning and background information gathering stage. While it is important, obtaining IRB approval takes precedence as it ensures the ethical conduct of the study.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A retrospective study looks at past data to determine relationships or associations. It is not the best approach for assessing whether admissions of children with gastrointestinal parasitic illnesses increased in the month following a major flood because it relies on historical data.
Choice B rationale:
A case study typically involves an in-depth analysis of a single case or a small number of cases. It is not suitable for assessing trends in admissions following a flood, as it does not provide a comprehensive view of the situation.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer. A prospective study involves the collection of data from a defined population over a specified period, making it suitable for examining trends over time, such as the increase in admissions following a flood. It allows for the collection of data both before and after the flood to determine if there is a significant change.
Choice D rationale:
A needs survey is typically used to assess the needs or preferences of a population and may not be the most appropriate approach for evaluating the impact of a flood on admissions of children with gastrointestinal parasitic illnesses.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.