A nurse on a quality improvement team is implementing a plan to decrease the rate of pressure injuries in a long-term care facility. Which of the following actions should the team take to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan?

The correct answer is choice A: Compare data from clients' records regarding skin integrity with established criteria.

Choice A rationale:

Comparing data from clients' records regarding skin integrity with established criteria (Choice A) is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of the plan to decrease pressure injuries. This action helps identify trends, improvements, or areas that still need attention.

Choice B rationale:

Measuring staff attendance at an educational program on managing pressure injuries (Choice B) assesses staff participation but does not directly evaluate the plan's impact on pressure injury rates. Attendance does not necessarily translate to improved implementation.

Choice C rationale:

Interviewing clients regarding their satisfaction with their care (Choice C) focuses on client satisfaction rather than evaluating the effectiveness of the plan in reducing pressure injuries. While satisfaction is important, it does not directly measure the plan's success.

Choice D rationale:

Monitoring use of supplies used to prevent pressure injuries (Choice D) provides information on resource utilization but does not provide comprehensive data on the plan's effectiveness. It does not account for the effectiveness of staff adherence to pressure injury prevention protocols.

Choice A rationale:

Providing the client with information about advance directives is an appropriate intervention. Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals to communicate their preferences for medical treatment in the event they become unable to make decisions for themselves. Educating the client about the importance and benefits of advance directives empowers them to make informed decisions about their care.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the client to contact an attorney to create advance directives is not the primary responsibility of the hospice nurse. While legal assistance might be helpful, the nurse should first ensure that the client understands the concept of advance directives and their significance before suggesting legal involvement.

Choice C rationale:

Informing the client that they will need a relative to witness their advance directives is not accurate. While witnesses are often required when signing legal documents, the specific requirements for advance directives can vary by jurisdiction. It's important for the nurse to provide accurate information and not make assumptions about legal processes.

Choice D rationale:

Telling the client that The Joint Commission requires clients to have advance directives is not accurate. While The Joint Commission emphasizes the importance of patient rights and informed decision-making, it does not mandate that all clients must have advance directives. The decision to create advance directives is a personal choice and should be based on the individual's values and preferences.