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. An RN�s client with terminal pancreatic cancer asks questions about a do not resuscitate order. Which of the following statements should be included in the RN�s teaching to the client?

A. When a heart ceases to beat, the client is pronounced clinically dead.
B. Physicians must write do not resuscitate (DNR) orders.
C. A DNR order can be written after the health-care provider has discussed it with the client and family.
D. A DNR requires a court decision.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A DNR order can be written after the health-care provider has discussed it with the client and family.

3. Which of the following is an essential element of a quality improvement (QI) program?

A. Blame and punishment
B. Employee satisfaction
C. Continual monitoring
D. Strict adherence to policies

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The essential element of a quality improvement (QI) program is continual monitoring. Continual monitoring allows for the ongoing assessment of processes, identification of areas for improvement, and tracking of progress. Option A, 'Blame and punishment,' is incorrect as QI programs focus on systemic issues rather than individual blame. Option B, 'Employee satisfaction,' while important for organizational culture, is not an essential element of QI programs. Option D, 'Strict adherence to policies,' is valuable but not the core essential element, which is continual monitoring to drive improvement.

4. When utilizing an internal float pool, which of the following pools is most efficient?

A. Centralized
B. Flexible
C. Mixed
D. Decentralized

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Centralization is the most efficient option when utilizing an internal float pool because it allows for a pool of nurses to be used anywhere in the hospital. In centralized pools, staff members are not limited to working for only one nurse manager or on only one unit, unlike in decentralized pools. Flexible and mixed pools may offer some advantages, but in terms of efficiency and utilization of resources, centralized pools are the most effective choice.

5. What is the primary role of a nurse manager in a healthcare setting?

A. To enforce hospital policies
B. To oversee patient care
C. To manage the financial aspects of the unit
D. To ensure efficient operation of the unit

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary role of a nurse manager in a healthcare setting is to ensure the efficient operation of the unit. While enforcing hospital policies and overseeing patient care are important aspects of their role, the main responsibility lies in ensuring the smooth and effective functioning of the unit. Managing the financial aspects of the unit is also crucial, but it is not the primary role of a nurse manager, as their focus is more on operational efficiency and quality of care.