what is the primary goal of discharge planning

ATI RN

Leadership ATI Proctored

1. What is the primary goal of discharge planning?

A. Reducing readmission rates
B. Improving patient outcomes
C. Ensuring continuity of care
D. Ensuring medication adherence

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of discharge planning is to ensure continuity of care for patients transitioning from one level of care to another. While reducing readmission rates and improving patient outcomes are important aspects of discharge planning, the main focus is on coordinating care to prevent gaps and ensure a seamless transition for the patient. Ensuring medication adherence is also crucial but falls under the broader goal of continuity of care.

2. A recent nursing school graduate is preparing to take the NCLEX. The graduate knows which of the following is true?

A. Upon graduation from nursing school, she cannot use the title RN.
B. Because the NCLEX is a national examination, her RN license will allow her to practice in all states and territories of the United States.
C. If her home state participates in the compact agreement, she may practice in other states participating in the agreement, but should renew her license in her home state.
D. The RN license is a mandatory license.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is correct because if the nurse's home state participates in the compact agreement, she can practice in other states that are part of the agreement, but she must still renew her license in her home state. This is necessary to maintain an active license in her home state. Choice A is incorrect because upon graduation, the nurse can use the title RN if licensed, but it's not automatic. Choice B is incorrect because while the NCLEX is a national exam, the nurse needs to meet individual state requirements for licensure in each state. Choice D is incorrect because an RN license is not permissive but rather a mandatory license to practice nursing.

3. The staff in the emergency department has presented the nurse leader with a suggestion for streamlining the triage process, cutting down on wait times. Which of the following qualities does the leader specifically need to implement the suggestion?

A. Courage
B. Integrity
C. Energy
D. Initiative

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Initiative is the correct quality needed in this situation. The staff has provided a suggestion for improvement, and the leader must take the initiative to implement it. Courage, integrity, and energy are valuable qualities as well but in this context, the most essential quality is initiative to drive the change forward and improve the triage process efficiently.

4. What is the process of helping an employee to improve performance called?

A. Coaching
B. Disciplining
C. Mentoring
D. Peer reviewing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Coaching. Coaching involves providing guidance and support to help an employee enhance their performance by focusing on skill development, addressing weaknesses, and achieving professional growth. Mentoring (choice C) is about guiding and nurturing a less experienced individual, not specifically aimed at improving performance. Peer reviewing (choice D) involves colleagues evaluating each other's performance, not necessarily focused on improvement. Disciplining (choice B) is taking corrective actions in response to policy violations or performance issues, which is different from the process of helping an employee improve their performance.

5. After receiving change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?

A. 19-year-old with type 1 diabetes who has a hemoglobin A1C of 12%
B. 23-year-old with type 1 diabetes who has a blood glucose of 40 mg/dL
C. 40-year-old who is pregnant and has an oral glucose tolerance test result of 202 mg/dL
D. 50-year-old who uses exenatide (Byetta) and is complaining of acute abdominal pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the patient with a blood glucose level of 40 mg/dL (hypoglycemia) needs immediate attention. Hypoglycemia is an emergency situation that requires prompt intervention to prevent adverse effects such as seizures or loss of consciousness. Assessing and managing this patient first is crucial to prevent further deterioration. Choices A, C, and D do not present immediate life-threatening situations requiring urgent intervention like severe hypoglycemia does. While a high hemoglobin A1C level (choice A), an abnormal oral glucose tolerance test result (choice C), and acute abdominal pain (choice D) are important issues, they do not pose an immediate threat to the patient's life compared to severe hypoglycemia.