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. When trying to facilitate change in the staff, it is necessary to build trust and recognize the need for change. This type of action is known as which of the following, according to Lewin's Force-Field Model?

A. Moving the system to a new level
B. Unfreezing the system
C. Refreezing the system
D. Institutionalization

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Unfreezing the system.' In Lewin's Force-Field Model, unfreezing is the stage where the existing equilibrium is disrupted to motivate participants and prepare them for change. Building trust and recognizing the need for change are essential components of this stage. Choice A, 'Moving the system to a new level,' does not specifically address the initial stage of disruption. Choice C, 'Refreezing the system,' comes after change has been implemented, not before. Choice D, 'Institutionalization,' refers to the stage where the change becomes the new norm, which is different from unfreezing.

3. Which of the following would a nurse suggest are significant benefits to an organization that is considering adoption of a practice partnership model? (Select one that does not apply.)

A. Clients express greater satisfaction.
B. It is more expensive to implement than other models.
C. Continuity of care is facilitated.
D. Leadership is well accepted.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Practice partnership models are shown to be the most cost-effective of the nursing care delivery systems, contrary to being more expensive. Clients express greater satisfaction due to the collaborative and holistic approach of this model. Continuity of care is improved when the healthcare team works together cohesively. While leadership acceptance is beneficial, it is not the most significant benefit highlighted in the context of practice partnership models.

4. Which of the following is an example of a tertiary prevention strategy?

A. Administering childhood vaccinations
B. Chemotherapy for cancer treatment
C. Routine screening for hypertension
D. Physical therapy for stroke rehabilitation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Physical therapy for stroke rehabilitation. Tertiary prevention aims to prevent complications and manage existing conditions to improve the quality of life. Administering childhood vaccinations (A) is an example of primary prevention to prevent the onset of diseases. Chemotherapy for cancer treatment (B) is a form of secondary prevention focusing on early detection and treatment to stop the progression of the disease. Routine screening for hypertension (C) is also a form of secondary prevention to detect and treat hypertension early, preventing further complications.

5. A manager is prioritizing the following issues. Of the following issues, which should be considered urgent and important?

A. The manager of physical therapy calls and complains about inappropriate behaviors of one of the staff nurses with one of his therapists.
B. A staff nurse reports a pattern of malfunctioning IV pumps on the unit during her current shift, resulting in overdosing of medications.
C. One of the staff nurses, who would have been an extra nurse for the next shift, calls in sick.
D. A small group of staff nurses request a meeting to discuss initiating a scheduling committee.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because patient safety is a critical concern in healthcare settings. Malfunctioning IV pumps leading to medication overdosing poses a direct threat to patient safety and must be addressed urgently. Choice A involves interpersonal issues between staff members which are important but can be addressed in a less urgent manner compared to patient safety concerns. Choice C, a staff nurse calling in sick, is important for staffing but can be managed through existing protocols. Choice D, initiating a scheduling committee, is a routine operational matter that can be addressed at a later time and does not pose an immediate risk to patient safety.