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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Evaluate sleep quality and depression of all pregnant women. Rationale: While it's important to assess the sleep quality and mental health of pregnant women, implementing this intervention for all pregnant women based solely on the study findings may not be efficient or necessary. It's more appropriate to target interventions to those at higher risk, such as those showing signs of poor sleep quality, stress, or depression.
Choice B rationale:
Replicate the study using the clinic's population. Rationale: Replicating the study may not be necessary if the clinic's population and context are similar to those of the study that was conducted. Implementing an intervention based on the existing evidence is a more practical approach.
Choice C rationale:
Develop a counseling program for depressed pregnant women. Rationale: This intervention is aligned with the study findings, which indicated that sleep quality of pregnant women was related to stress and depression. Targeting counseling for depressed pregnant women is a focused and evidence-based approach.
Choice D rationale:
Screen all women for poor sleep quality. Rationale: While screening for poor sleep quality is important, implementing it for all women, including those who are not pregnant, may not be relevant or efficient.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B rationale:
Before the study methodology is actually implemented. Rationale: Seeking approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) should occur before the study methodology is implemented. IRB approval is necessary to ensure that the study design and procedures meet ethical standards and protect the rights and well-being of research participants. It's a crucial step in the research process and should be obtained before data collection begins.
Choice A rationale:
During the time that the study assumptions are being described. Rationale: While it's important to describe study assumptions during the planning phase, seeking IRB approval is a more critical step that should precede actual data collection.
Choice C rationale:
Just before the findings are disseminated. Rationale: Waiting until just before findings are disseminated is too late to seek IRB approval. IRB approval should be obtained before data collection begins to ensure that the study is conducted ethically.
Choice D rationale:
As soon as a list of potential research problems is identified. Rationale: Seeking IRB approval at the stage of identifying research problems is premature. IRB approval is typically sought when the research design and methodology are well-defined and ready for implementation.
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.