A nurse manager is planning to teach staff about critical pathways. Which of the following information should the nurse plan to include?
Critical pathways-should reduce health care costs.
Nurses should discontinue the critical pathway if variances occur.
Critical pathways have an unlimited timeframe for completion.
Nurses' notes are used to create the critical pathway.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Critical pathways should reduce health care costs. Critical pathways, also known as clinical pathways or care maps, are evidence-based, multidisciplinary plans that outline expected care and outcomes for specific conditions. They aim to improve care efficiency, reduce complications, and lower healthcare costs by standardizing care.
B. Nurses should discontinue the critical pathway if variances occur. Variances—deviations from the expected pathway—are documented and analyzed, not a reason to discontinue the pathway. They help identify areas for improvement or necessary adjustments in patient care.
C. Critical pathways have an unlimited timeframe for completion. Critical pathways are time-bound, with specific goals and milestones to be met within a set timeframe based on typical recovery patterns for the condition being treated.
D. Nurses' notes are used to create the critical pathway. Critical pathways are developed using evidence-based guidelines, expert consensus, and clinical research, not individual nurses’ progress notes. However, nurses do document progress and variances within the pathway.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "I will plan to spend time tanning between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m." UV radiation from the sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and sun exposure during this time significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. Outdoor activity should be minimized during peak hours.
B. "I will use an indoor tanning bed instead of going outside." Indoor tanning beds expose users to intense UV radiation, which also increases the risk of skin cancer. They are not a safer alternative to natural sunlight and should be avoided.
C. "I will use sunblock with an SPF of 10 when I am outdoors." SPF 10 provides minimal protection and is not adequate for skin cancer prevention. The recommended SPF is 30 or higher, applied generously and re-applied regularly.
D. "I will apply sunscreen before and after swimming." Sunscreen should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and re-applied every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating. This statement shows an understanding of proper sun protection practices.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Abdominal aortic aneurysm. While an abdominal aortic aneurysm is a serious vascular condition, it is not directly affected by localized heat therapy to an extremity such as the foot. However, heat should still be used cautiously near major vascular abnormalities.
B. Phlebitis. Heat therapy is often used to reduce inflammation and promote circulation in conditions like phlebitis. Although care must be taken, it is not an absolute contraindication and may actually be prescribed in some mild cases under supervision.
C. Osteoarthritis. Heat therapy is commonly used for osteoarthritis to relax muscles, improve joint mobility, and alleviate stiffness and discomfort. It is considered a beneficial and appropriate treatment modality for this condition.
D. Peripheral neuropathy. Clients with peripheral neuropathy may have impaired sensation, making them unable to detect excessive heat. This puts them at high risk for burns or thermal injury, making heat therapy a contraindication for safety reasons.
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