what is the primary focus of lean methodology in healthcare

ATI RN

ATI Leadership Practice A

1. What is the primary focus of Lean methodology in healthcare?

A. Reduce healthcare costs
B. Enhance patient satisfaction
C. Increase patient throughput
D. Standardize care processes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Standardize care processes. Lean methodology in healthcare focuses on standardizing care processes to improve efficiency and reduce waste. While reducing healthcare costs and enhancing patient satisfaction are important goals in healthcare, the primary focus of Lean methodology is to standardize care processes to ensure consistent, high-quality care delivery. Increasing patient throughput may be a byproduct of implementing Lean principles but is not the primary focus.

2. Which of the following best describes the concept of evidence-based practice (EBP)?

A. Clinical expertise as the primary basis for decision making
B. Research findings as the sole basis for decision making
C. Combining clinical expertise with the best available research evidence
D. Following institutional guidelines for patient care

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Combining clinical expertise with the best available research evidence.' Evidence-based practice (EBP) emphasizes integrating clinical expertise with the most current and relevant research evidence when making decisions about patient care. Choice A is incorrect because EBP does not rely solely on clinical expertise. Choice B is incorrect as EBP considers research evidence alongside clinical expertise, not as the sole basis. Choice D is incorrect because EBP is not about blindly following institutional guidelines, but rather about integrating research evidence with clinical judgment to provide the best possible care.

3. A nurse is initiating a protective environment for a client who has had an allogeneic stem cell transplant. Which of the following precautions should the nurse plan for this client?

A. Wear an N95 respirator when giving direct care to the client.
B. Place the client in a private room with negative-pressure airflow.
C. Ensure the client's room has at least six air exchanges per hour.
D. Ensure the client wears a mask when outside their room if there is construction in the area.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a protective environment for a client with an allogeneic stem cell transplant, the nurse needs to wear an N95 respirator when providing direct care to the client. This precaution is essential to protect the client, whose immune system is compromised after the transplant, from exposure to potential pathogens. Placing the client in a private room with negative-pressure airflow (choice B) is more appropriate for clients with airborne infections. Ensuring the client's room has sufficient air exchanges (choice C) is important for maintaining air quality but is not the primary precaution for protecting an immunocompromised client. Making the client wear a mask when outside the room due to construction (choice D) focuses on external factors and does not directly address the risk of infection during direct care.

4. Which of the following is true regarding health care systems today?

A. They are all managed care organizations.
B. They are all privately owned.
C. Only HMOs are profitable.
D. There are multiple types of organizations.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'There are multiple types of organizations.' This statement is true as there are various health care delivery systems in today's world, including but not limited to managed care organizations, privately owned facilities, and other models. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because not all health care systems are managed care organizations, privately owned, or only profitable if they are HMOs. Health care systems can vary in ownership, management, and profitability, making choice D the most accurate.

5. A patient who was admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis secondary to a urinary tract infection has been weaned off an insulin drip 30 minutes ago. The patient reports feeling lightheaded and sweaty. Which action should the nurse take first?

A. Infuse dextrose 50% by slow IV push.
B. Administer 1 mg glucagon subcutaneously.
C. Obtain a glucose reading using a finger stick.
D. Have the patient drink 4 ounces of orange juice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first when a patient reports feeling lightheaded and sweaty after being weaned off an insulin drip is to obtain a glucose reading using a finger stick. This will provide crucial information on the patient's current blood glucose level, helping the nurse assess if the symptoms are due to hypoglycemia. Based on the glucose reading, appropriate interventions can be initiated, such as administering dextrose, glucagon, or oral sugars like orange juice if hypoglycemia is confirmed. However, verifying the blood glucose level is the initial step to guide subsequent actions and ensure patient safety.