A nurse on a quality control committee is evaluating the effectiveness of recently implemented measures aimed at reducing medication errors.
Which methods should the nurse use to evaluate the success of the changes?
Establish a benchmark to identify a standard of performance.
Compare the number of medication errors before and after the implementation of the measures.
Conduct a study on the time and cost implications of implementing the change.
Provide a Questionnaire to the staff to quantify their satisfaction with the changes.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Establishing a benchmark to identify a standard of performance is a crucial step in any quality improvement process. It provides a reference point against which progress can be measured. However, it does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented measures.
Choice B rationale
Comparing the number of medication errors before and after the implementation of the measures is the most direct and effective method to evaluate the success of the changes. This method provides quantitative data that can clearly show whether the measures have led to a reduction in medication errors.
Choice C rationale
Conducting a study on the time and cost implications of implementing the change can provide valuable information about the efficiency of the measures. However, it does not directly assess their effectiveness in reducing medication errors.
Choice D rationale
Providing a questionnaire to the staff to quantify their satisfaction with the changes can help to assess the acceptance of the measures among the staff. However, staff satisfaction does not necessarily correlate with the effectiveness of the measures in reducing medication errors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While bleeding is a potential complication following a thoracotomy, the actions and parameters listed do not align with the care of a patient with a chest tube.
Choice B rationale
An air leak is a potential complication following a thoracotomy with chest tube insertion. The nurse should check the drainage system and monitor the patient’s respiratory status and chest tube drainage.
Choice C rationale
Pulmonary edema is a potential complication following a thoracotomy, but the actions and parameters listed do not align with the care of a patient with a chest tube.
Choice D rationale
Pneumonia is a potential complication following a thoracotomy, but the actions and parameters listed do not align with the care of a patient with a chest tube.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The nurse’s actions are an example of Quality Improvement. Quality Improvement involves systematic actions that lead to measurable improvement in health care services and the health status of targeted patient groups. In this case, the nurse identified a problem (increase in pressure injuries), collected data (documented findings), and implemented a change (new policy for consistent use of a pressure injury risk assessment scale) to improve patient outcomes.
Choice B rationale
While collaboration was part of the process (the nurse collaborated with the manager), the overall actions taken represent a Quality Improvement process.
Choice C rationale
Case Management typically involves coordinating the care and services of select patient populations, such as those with chronic illnesses or complex health needs. It does not directly apply to this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Advocacy involves supporting or promoting the interests of others, such as patients or colleagues. Although the nurse’s actions could be seen as advocating for the patients’ well- being, the term that best characterizes these actions is Quality Improvement.
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