A nurse on an inpatient care unit is working to help reduce unit costs. Which of the following actions is appropriate to include in the cost-containment plan?
Store opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours
Wait to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full
Use clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care
Return unused supplies from the bedside to the unit’s supply stock
The Correct Answer is C
A. Opened bottles of normal saline should be discarded after 24 hours to prevent contamination, even if stored in a refrigerator. Keeping them longer could increase the risk of infection, making this practice unsafe.
B. Sharps containers should be disposed of when they are three-quarters full, not completely full, to prevent needlestick injuries and ensure staff safety. This is a critical safety measure, not an appropriate cost-containment strategy.
C. Using clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care is an appropriate cost-saving measure without compromising care. Clean gloves are sufficient for this procedure and help reduce unnecessary use of sterile supplies, which are more expensive.
D. Unused supplies from the bedside should not be returned to the supply stock due to infection control protocols. Once supplies have been taken to the bedside, they are considered contaminated and should be disposed of, not reused.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
a. Measuring oxygen saturation requires nursing judgment and assessment skills, which are beyond the scope of practice for an assistive personnel (AP).
b. Nasal hygiene for a client with an NG tube involves specific skills and requires nursing assessment to ensure proper technique and patient comfort.
c. Pouching a client's ostomy bag involves routine care that can be safely performed by assistive personnel under the direction and supervision of a nurse.
d. Inserting a rectal suppository requires nursing judgment and assessment to determine appropriateness based on the client's condition, which is beyond the scope of practice for an AP.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
a. Root cause analysis: Root cause analysis is used to investigate the underlying causes of errors or adverse events, rather than comparing performance metrics between different units or organizations.
b. Benchmarking: Benchmarking involves comparing performance metrics, such as medication error rates, against those of other similar units or organizations to identify areas for improvement and best practices.
c. Risk benefit analysis: Risk benefit analysis involves weighing the potential risks and benefits of a particular course of action, such as a medical intervention, to make informed decisions. It is not directly related to comparing performance metrics.
d. Structure audit: Structure audit involves assessing the physical or organizational aspects of healthcare delivery, such as the availability of resources or adherence to protocols, which is not specifically addressed in the scenario.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.