A nurse is part of a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) committee tasked with developing a program to decrease medication administration errors following a sentinel event.
Which strategy should the committee consider implementing first?
Require nurses to demonstrate competency by passing a medication administration test.
Review the circumstances leading up to each medication error.
Develop a quality improvement program for nurses involved in medication errors.
Conduct an in-service training on medication administration for all nurses.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While ensuring that nurses demonstrate competency by passing a medication administration test is important, it is not the first step in developing a program to decrease medication administration errors. This strategy focuses on the individual skills of the nurses, but does not address the systemic issues that may have contributed to the errors.
Choice B rationale
Reviewing the circumstances leading up to each medication error is the first step in understanding why the errors occurred. This process allows the committee to identify patterns and common factors that contribute to errors. It is a crucial step in the development of effective strategies to prevent future errors.
Choice C rationale
Developing a quality improvement program for nurses involved in medication errors is a strategy that could be implemented after understanding the root causes of the errors. This approach ensures that the program addresses the specific issues that led to the errors.
Choice D rationale
Conducting an in-service training on medication administration for all nurses is a valuable strategy for preventing medication errors. However, it should be based on the findings from the review of the circumstances leading up to each error. Therefore, it is not the first strategy to consider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Implementing ventilator-weaning protocols is a crucial intervention in the care plan for a patient on a ventilator to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. These protocols aim to minimize the patient’s exposure to mechanical ventilation, which is a significant risk factor for developing ventilator-associated pneumonia. By systematically reducing the level of ventilatory support, these protocols facilitate the earliest possible liberation from mechanical ventilation, thereby reducing the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Choice B rationale
Providing frequent oral care is another essential intervention in preventing ventilator- associated pneumonia. Oral health can quickly deteriorate in mechanically ventilated patients, leading to an increased risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Regular oral care, including the use of antiseptics, can help reduce the number of potential respiratory pathogens in the oral cavity and prevent their aspiration into the lower respiratory tract.
Choice C rationale
Suctioning the patient every hour is not typically recommended as a standard intervention to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Over-suctioning can lead to trauma and inflammation in the airway, potentially increasing the risk of infection. Suctioning should be performed based on the patient’s needs and clinical signs, rather than on a fixed schedule.
Choice D rationale
Positioning the patient in a semi-upright position (30 to 45 degrees), rather than a prone position, is recommended to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. This position helps to reduce the risk of aspiration, which is a major risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Choice E rationale
Avoiding suctioning the patient is not a recommended strategy for preventing ventilator- associated pneumonia. Suctioning is necessary to clear secretions from the airway, and its omission could potentially increase the risk of infection. However, as mentioned earlier, suctioning should be performed based on the patient’s needs and clinical signs, rather than on a fixed schedule.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
PEEP does not decrease trapped oxygen in the alveoli. Instead, it helps to increase the volume of gas remaining in the lungs at the end of expiration, which can improve oxygenation.
Choice B rationale
PEEP does not directly promote independent breathing efforts. It is a mode of mechanical ventilation used to support a patient’s breathing.
Choice C rationale
PEEP keeps the airways and small lung spaces open by increasing the pressure in the lungs at the end of expiration. This can prevent alveolar collapse and improve oxygenation in patients with conditions like ARDS23.
Choice D rationale
While PEEP can be used in the process of weaning a patient off mechanical ventilation, its primary benefit is not facilitating weaning. It is used to improve oxygenation and prevent alveolar collapse.
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