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. A 28-year-old male patient with type 1 diabetes reports how he manages his exercise and glucose control. Which behavior indicates that the nurse should implement additional teaching?

A. The patient always carries hard candies when engaging in exercise.
B. The patient goes for a vigorous walk when his glucose is 200 mg/dL.
C. The patient has a peanut butter sandwich before going for a bicycle ride.
D. The patient increases daily exercise when ketones are present in the urine.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because increasing exercise when ketones are present in the urine is inappropriate and potentially dangerous for a patient with type 1 diabetes. This behavior can worsen the ketosis and lead to further complications. Choices A, B, and C demonstrate appropriate self-management strategies for a patient with type 1 diabetes. Carrying hard candies during exercise can help prevent hypoglycemia, going for a walk with a glucose level of 200 mg/dL can help lower blood sugar, and having a snack before physical activity can provide necessary energy.

3. The nurse is interviewing a new patient with diabetes who receives rosiglitazone (Avandia) through a restricted access medication program. What is most important for the nurse to report immediately to the health care provider?

A. The patient's blood pressure is 154/92.
B. The patient has a history of emphysema
C. The patient's blood glucose is 86 mg/dL.
D. The patient has chest pressure when walking

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Chest pressure while walking may indicate heart-related issues such as angina or a heart attack. Rosiglitazone (Avandia) has been associated with increased risks of cardiovascular events like heart failure. Given these risks, chest pressure is an urgent symptom that must be reported immediately to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

4. Which of the following best describes the concept of shared governance?

A. Top-down management
B. Nurse-led committees
C. Shared decision making
D. Hierarchical structure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Shared decision making.' Shared governance in healthcare involves empowering nurses to participate in decision-making processes that affect their practice. This model fosters collaboration, transparency, and accountability among healthcare providers. Choice A, 'Top-down management,' is incorrect because shared governance promotes a bottom-up approach. Choice B, 'Nurse-led committees,' is partially correct as it is a component of shared governance, but the core concept is broader and encompasses shared decision making beyond committee leadership. Choice D, 'Hierarchical structure,' is incorrect as shared governance aims to flatten hierarchies and distribute decision-making authority among healthcare team members.

5. A nurse manager who tells the staff to 'come to me with any problem' but then keeps the office door closed is using what type of communication?

A. Intrasender conflict
B. Diagonal communication
C. Metacommunication
D. Upward communication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Intrasender conflict. Intrasender conflict happens when there is a discrepancy between verbal and nonverbal communication. In this scenario, the nurse manager's verbal message encourages staff to communicate openly, but the closed office door sends a conflicting nonverbal message, creating intrasender conflict. Metacommunication involves nonverbal behaviors like gestures or facial expressions that support or contradict verbal communication. Upward communication refers to the flow of information from staff to management or lower to upper management. Diagonal communication involves communication between individuals or departments at different hierarchical levels.