which of the following best describes the purpose of a root cause analysis rca

ATI RN

ATI Leadership

1. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a root cause analysis (RCA)?

A. Identify the person responsible for an error
B. Determine who should be disciplined
C. Discover the underlying causes of an error
D. Evaluate the effectiveness of a new policy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Discover the underlying causes of an error.' Root cause analysis (RCA) focuses on identifying the fundamental reason(s) that led to an error or problem rather than placing blame on individuals. Choice A and B are incorrect as RCA is not about pinpointing a specific person to blame or determining disciplinary actions. Choice D is also incorrect as the primary goal of RCA is not to evaluate policy effectiveness but to uncover the root causes of issues for effective problem-solving.

2. Which information is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider before a patient with type 2 diabetes is prepared for a coronary angiogram?

A. The patient�s most recent HbA1C was 6.5%
B. The patient�s admission blood glucose is 128 mg/dL.
C. The patient took the prescribed metformin (Glucophage) today
D. The patient took the prescribed captopril (Capoten) this morning.

Correct answer: C

Rationale:

3. Which of the following are NOT outcomes of a job analysis? (EXCEPT)

A. Job specification
B. Job evaluation
C. Job description
D. Job performance

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Job description is actually one of the key outcomes of a job analysis. A job description details the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a specific job role. Job specification, job evaluation, and job performance are not outcomes of a job analysis. Job specification refers to the specific qualifications and skills required for a job, job evaluation involves determining the relative worth of different jobs within an organization, and job performance relates to how well an employee is executing their job duties.

4. Which of the following best defines the role of a nurse practitioner (NP)?

A. Provide direct patient care under the supervision of a physician
B. Diagnose and treat medical conditions independently
C. Assist with administrative tasks in a healthcare setting
D. Specialize in a specific area of nursing practice

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Diagnose and treat medical conditions independently.' Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who are qualified to diagnose and treat medical conditions without direct supervision from a physician. Choice A is incorrect because NPs have the autonomy to provide care independently. Choice C is incorrect as NPs focus on clinical care rather than administrative tasks. Choice D is incorrect as specializing in a specific area of nursing practice refers to a different aspect of advanced nursing roles, such as becoming a clinical nurse specialist.

5. When looking at the issue surrounding absenteeism, an innovative approach would be:

A. Rewarding those who do not use days.
B. Substituting personal days.
C. Termination.
D. Disciplinary actions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Substituting personal days for sick days can be considered an innovative approach to addressing absenteeism as it allows for proper planning by the nurse manager. This approach promotes a proactive and flexible solution that encourages employees to manage their time off more effectively. Choice A, rewarding those who do not use days, may not address the root causes of absenteeism and could create a culture of presenteeism. Choices C and D, termination and disciplinary actions, are punitive measures that do not focus on preventive strategies or address the underlying reasons for absenteeism.