what is the primary goal of infection control practices in healthcare settings

ATI RN

ATI Leadership Practice B

1. What is the primary goal of infection control practices in healthcare settings?

A. To reduce the length of hospital stays
B. To ensure patient safety and prevent infections
C. To control the spread of infections within the healthcare setting
D. To comply with healthcare regulations

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To control the spread of infections within the healthcare setting.' The primary goal of infection control practices is to prevent the transmission and spread of infections among patients, healthcare workers, and visitors. Choice A is incorrect because while infection control practices may indirectly contribute to shorter hospital stays by preventing additional complications, reducing the length of hospital stays is not their primary goal. Choice B is incorrect as ensuring patient safety and preventing infections are important outcomes of infection control practices but not the primary goal. Choice D is incorrect because compliance with healthcare regulations is a requirement that supports the implementation of infection control practices but is not the primary goal of these practices.

2. There are several pitfalls that should be avoided when using social media of any type. For example, a nurse or student could be found guilty of libel in which of the following scenarios?

A. Snapping a selfie with a patient
B. Posting a positive review of the hospital where the student completed clinicals
C. Creating a closed online forum where students can discuss clinical experiences without providing client information
D. Complaining about her nurse preceptor on social media, discussing the preceptor�s unprofessional characteristics.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Statements about individuals encountered in one�s professional or educational life that could damage that person�s reputation may be slander or libel and can be prosecuted as quasi-intentional torts.

3. One reason for conducting a comprehensive medical exam on an applicant is:

A. It is needed to protect the organization from legal actions.
B. It is required after a strenuous interview.
C. It is mandated by law.
D. It is necessary to screen for disabilities that may impact employment.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Conducting a comprehensive medical exam on an applicant is crucial to protect the organization from legal actions. This examination helps ensure that the applicant meets the health standards required for the job, reducing the risk of potential liabilities for the organization related to health issues that may arise during employment. Choice B is incorrect because the exam is not a follow-up to a strenuous interview. Choice C is incorrect as not all comprehensive medical exams are mandated by law; they are often part of an organization's policy. Choice D is incorrect as the primary goal of the exam is to assess the applicant's health status in relation to the job requirements, not to screen for disabilities.

4. When planning a budget, the nurse manager knows that costs depend on and change in direct proportion to patient volume and activity. What type of costs are these?

A. Variable costs
B. Indirect costs
C. Fixed costs
D. Direct costs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Variable costs vary in direct proportion to patient volume and activity. These costs increase or decrease based on the level of patient care provided. Indirect costs are not directly tied to patient volume, fixed costs remain constant regardless of patient volume, and direct costs are directly attributable to patient care but may not vary with patient volume and activity. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Variable costs.'

5. Penalties should be __________ .

A. Determining the employee's awareness of the policy
B. Describing the staff nurse's behavior that violated the policy
C. Progressive
D. Confrontation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Penalties for policy violations should be progressive. This means that the disciplinary actions should escalate based on the severity or frequency of the violation. For minor infractions, like smoking in an unauthorized area, a progressive approach may include oral warnings, written warnings, suspension, and termination if the behavior persists. In contrast, major violations, such as theft, may warrant immediate and severe consequences like suspension or termination. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not address the concept of progressively escalating penalties based on the violation's severity or recurrence.