A nurse manager is planning to teach staff about critical pathways. Which of the following information should the nurse plan to include?
Nurses notes are used to create the critical pathway
Critical pathways should reduce health care costs
Critical pathways have an unlimited timeframe for completion.
Nurses should discontinue the critical pathway if variances occur
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Nurses notes are used to create the critical pathway: Critical pathways are developed from evidence-based clinical guidelines and best practices, not directly from nurses’ notes. While documentation may help track progress, it is not the foundation for pathway creation.
B. Critical pathways should reduce health care costs: Critical pathways standardize care for specific diagnoses, promoting timely interventions and reducing unnecessary treatments or delays. This efficiency helps lower healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes.
C. Critical pathways have an unlimited timeframe for completion: Each critical pathway includes a defined timeline with expected outcomes for each phase of care. This structure ensures care is efficient and progress is monitored closely to prevent delays or complications.
D. Nurses should discontinue the critical pathway if variances occur: Variances are deviations from the expected outcomes and are used to evaluate and adjust care. They do not justify discontinuing the entire pathway but rather indicate a need for reassessment or individualized modifications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Initiate fundal massage: Fundal massage is performed after delivery to prevent or manage uterine atony and postpartum hemorrhage. It is not appropriate during active labor, especially before the birth of the fetus.
B. Apply a fetal heart rate monitor: After rupture of membranes, there is an increased risk of umbilical cord prolapse or fetal distress. Continuous fetal monitoring is essential to assess fetal well-being and detect complications promptly.
C. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter: While catheterization may be done later, especially before epidural placement or cesarean delivery, it is not the most urgent action. It does not address immediate risks associated with ruptured membranes.
D. Initiate an oxytocin IV infusion: Oxytocin is used to augment or induce labor, but should not be started without first assessing fetal status. Fetal monitoring is necessary to establish a baseline before initiating uterotonic agents.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. SpO₂: Although 88% is low for the general population, it is often an acceptable baseline for clients with COPD. Their oxygen saturation targets are typically between 88–92% to avoid suppressing respiratory drive, so this value may not require immediate provider notification.
B. pH: A pH of 7.22 indicates respiratory acidosis, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of COPD. This level of acidosis shows that the client’s ventilation is inadequate, and immediate intervention is needed. This is the most critical finding that requires provider notification.
C. Respiratory rate: A rate of 22 breaths/min is slightly elevated but not critical. It may be compensatory and expected in a COPD patient who is hypoxic or retaining CO₂. By itself, it doesn't warrant urgent notification unless it worsens.
D. Temperature: A temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) is within the normal range and does not indicate infection or acute illness. It is not a finding that necessitates notifying the provider at this point.
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