In reviewing the current delivery model, the nurse manager is aware that a demographic change that will have a significant effect on healthcare delivery systems of the future is:

A. Primary care institutions, such as ambulatory care centers, are typically the first point of contact for patients within the healthcare system. They provide initial evaluations, treatment for common conditions, and ongoing care management. Primary care focuses on comprehensive and preventive services and is the entry point for patients seeking healthcare services.
B. Rehabilitative or long-term care is not the primary focus of a primary care institution. Rehabilitative care involves services designed to help patients recover functional abilities after illness or injury, while long-term care supports individuals with chronic conditions or disabilities over an extended period.
C. Disease-restorative care is more specific to settings that focus on managing and treating particular diseases or conditions, often in a more intensive or specialized manner. While primary care does address disease management, its primary role is broader, encompassing overall health maintenance, preventive care, and managing general health issues rather than solely focusing on restorative care for specific diseases.
D. While ambulatory care centers and primary care institutions primarily provide outpatient services, the term “only” is limiting and may not fully capture the scope of services provided. Primary care settings do indeed offer outpatient services, but they also play a broader role in coordinating care, preventive health, and sometimes providing minor procedures.

A. Waiting to empty a colostomy bag until it is completely full can lead to complications such as leakage, skin irritation, or infection. This practice does not effectively save resources and could potentially increase overall costs due to additional care needs and complications.
B. Encouraging clients to receive an annual flu immunization is an appropriate and effective method to reduce costs. Vaccinations help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, which can reduce the incidence of illness and the associated costs of treatment and hospitalizations.
C. Re-using personal protective equipment (PPE) is not safe or recommended. PPE is designed for single- use to prevent the spread of infections and ensure the safety of both healthcare workers and patients. Re-using PPE, even if it is not visibly soiled, compromises infection control standards and can lead to increased costs and health risks if infections occur. This approach is neither cost-effective nor safe.
D. Head-to-toe assessments are critical for patient evaluation and require the expertise and judgment of a licensed nurse. Delegating this responsibility to assistive personnel (AP) is inappropriate and could jeopardize patient safety. While delegating tasks to APs can help manage workload, it is important to assign tasks within the scope of their training and responsibilities.