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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A report of an exploratory study of nurses' attitudes about isolation procedures may provide insights into attitudes but does not specifically address best practices for infection control on a postoperative orthopedic unit.
Choice B rationale:
A meta-analysis of recent studies focused on handwashing techniques may provide valuable information but may not cover the broader range of infection control practices relevant to a postoperative orthopedic unit.
Choice C rationale:
A randomized controlled trial of a new antibiotic awaiting FDA approval is focused on a specific intervention (antibiotic) and may not provide comprehensive information about infection control practices.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct answer. A systematic review of infection control practices used throughout the 1990s provides a comprehensive overview of practices and guidelines followed during that period. It can help the nurse determine best practices based on a synthesis of existing research and recommendations.
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.
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