what is the primary focus of strategic planning in healthcare organizations

ATI RN

ATI Proctored Leadership Exam

1. What is the primary focus of strategic planning in healthcare organizations?

A. Financial performance
B. Staff satisfaction
C. Patient care quality
D. Regulatory compliance

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In healthcare organizations, the primary focus of strategic planning is to enhance patient care quality. While financial performance, staff satisfaction, and regulatory compliance are essential aspects in healthcare management, they are secondary to the overarching goal of providing high-quality care to patients. Financial performance ensures sustainability, staff satisfaction impacts productivity and retention, and regulatory compliance maintains legal standards. However, without a core focus on improving patient care quality, the strategic planning efforts may not align with the primary mission of healthcare organizations.

2. In which order will the nurse take these steps to prepare NPH 20 units and regular insulin 2 units using the same syringe? (Put a comma and a space between each answer choice [A, B, C, D, E]).

A. Rotate NPH vial, Inject 20 units of air into NPH vial, Withdraw regular insulin, Inject 2 units of air into regular insulin vial, Withdraw 20 units of NPH.
B. Rotate NPH vial, Inject 20 units of air into NPH vial, Withdraw regular insulin, Inject 2 units of air into regular insulin vial, Withdraw 20 units of NPH.
C. Rotate NPH vial, Inject 20 units of air into NPH vial, Inject 2 units of air into regular insulin vial, Withdraw regular insulin, Withdraw 20 units of NPH.
D. Rotate NPH vial, Inject 20 units of air into NPH vial, Withdraw 20 units of NPH, Inject 2 units of air into regular insulin vial, Withdraw regular insulin.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct order to prepare NPH 20 units and regular insulin 2 units using the same syringe is to start by rotating the NPH vial, then injecting 20 units of air into the NPH vial. Next, inject 2 units of air into the regular insulin vial, followed by withdrawing the regular insulin. Finally, withdraw 20 units of NPH. This sequence ensures proper mixing and preparation of the insulin doses. Choices A, B, and D have incorrect sequences that may lead to incorrect dosages or inadequate mixing of the insulins.

3. What is the primary role of a nurse mentor?

A. To supervise nursing staff
B. To provide emotional support
C. To guide new nurses in their roles
D. To enforce policy compliance

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary role of a nurse mentor is to guide new nurses in their roles. This involves providing support, sharing knowledge and expertise, offering guidance for professional development, and assisting new nurses in adjusting to their roles and responsibilities. Option A, supervising nursing staff, is more aligned with a nurse manager's responsibilities rather than a mentor's. Option B, providing emotional support, is a part of the mentorship role but not the primary focus. Option D, enforcing policy compliance, is essential but not the primary role of a mentor, as mentoring focuses more on nurturing and developing new nurses.

4. As a new nurse on a pediatric unit, you must work nights and you have minimal time to spend with your children. Your colleague observes that you speak abruptly with parents and you become easily annoyed when the patients cry or when they are demanding. You realize you are becoming increasingly more distressed and that you have no time with your children and, as a result you: (Select all that apply.)

A. Express negative comments to colleagues about patients and parents who annoy you.
B. Ask the nurse manager to have a schedule with an equal number of day and night shifts so that you can be with your children.
C. Call off sick as frequently as you can without violating policies so that you have more time with your children.
D. Minimize your communication with patients and parents so you do not offend them.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Asking the nurse manager for a schedule with an equal number of day and night shifts is a proactive and constructive approach to address the issue of having minimal time with your children. This solution aims to balance work and personal life effectively. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Expressing negative comments about patients and parents (Choice A) is unprofessional and can create a negative work environment. Calling off sick frequently (Choice C) is irresponsible and violates work policies, leading to potential disciplinary actions. Minimizing communication with patients and parents (Choice D) is not a suitable approach as effective communication is essential in healthcare to provide optimal care and support to patients and their families.

5. During a physical assessment of adult clients, which of the following techniques should the nurse use?

A. Use the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) pain rating scale for a client experiencing pain.
B. Palpate the client's abdomen before auscultating bowel sounds.
C. Ensure the bladder of the blood pressure cuff surrounds 80% of the client's arm.
D. Obtain an apical heart rate by auscultating at the third intercostal space to the left of the sternum.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When performing a physical assessment, it is essential to palpate the client's abdomen before auscultating bowel sounds. This sequence helps prevent altering bowel sound results due to the pressure applied during palpation. Choice A is incorrect because the FLACC pain rating scale is typically used for nonverbal or pediatric clients, not adults. Choice C is incorrect because the bladder of the blood pressure cuff should surround about 80% of the client's arm circumference, not the bladder of the cuff itself. Choice D is incorrect because to obtain an apical heart rate, auscultation should be done at the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line, not at the third intercostal space to the left of the sternum.